Eastern Health Practices Arrive in Durham

Virna Lisa's immersion in her craft is obvious as soon as you enter her studio.

“I have been teaching for over two decades and it is not only my vocation, but also my calling to teach and help others help themselves,” Lisa said.

Eco Yoga, located at 16 Main Street in Durham, opened its doors in November 2010.

Lisa has lived in many places, including Alaska, but her journey to heal others began at a young age while she was working at health clubs in California.

“I worked with clientele ranging from 3 to 75 years of age. Because of my interest in injury prevention, rehabilitation and the origins of disease I found myself drawn to the Eastern healing modalities.

"I lived, studied, taught and worked at the international headquarters of the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pennsylvania where I broadened and deepened my studies in Yoga, Ayurveda, herbology, homeopathy, flower essences, body work, nutrition and cooking. These are ongoing studies that continually fascinate me."

Lisa says her motto for the studio, which she has plans to copyright, is “Yoga is an antidote for life.”

“Yoga is not just exercise. Eco Yoga Studio is a space where people can come and feel like they are taking care of themselves from the inside out. Self-reflection, repose and restoration are the key to finding true health. This studio is dedicated to helping others help themselves. That takes expert instruction, a sense of community and trust."

Lisa moved to Connecticut more than six years ago to be closer to family and be in an environment that is surrounded by nature.

In addition to owning Eco Yoga, Lisa is currently a Senior Yoga Instructor at Yale’s Payne Whitney Gymnasium.

Eco Yoga offers classes for all levels of experience. Lisa invites locals to attend her “Spring Renewal Open House” on Saturday, April 30^th between 9am and 5pm.  The following classes and social time will run during the Open House:

10am – “The Basics” 45 minutes – “This is a beginner’s class. It includes basic limbering postures with a foundation on proper alignment and breath awareness.”

11:15 – “Power Yoga” 45 minutes - “A dynamic and challenging Hatha class that features building strength, creating more stability, increasing agility and deepening breath awareness.”

12-1pm – Community Time with Refreshments

1:30 – “Pranassage” 45 minutes – “Pranassage® is a creative synthesis of yoga and bodywork that produces deep relaxation in the receiver.”

2:45 – “Gentle Yoga” 45 minutes – “Gently Yoga opens the body, relaxes the nervous system and increases breath awareness. This class is ideal for anyone.”

4pm – “Meditation” 30 minutes

A spring class schedule and price list is available at the studio. Eco Yoga provides mats, blankets, straps, blocks and eye pillows for client use.

Private sessions are available by appointment and are tailored to suit the client's needs such as:

• Restorative & Rehabilitation for injuries, chronic and acute illnesses
• Postural analysis
• Ayurvedic nutritional & lifestyle consultation
• Hands on assisted flexibility therapy
• Reiki

Eco Yoga is located at 16 Main Street, Suite 203, Durham, CT 06422; www.ecoyoga.info; 860-395-8787