The History
The Barkan Method is a style of Hatha Yoga that originated from a lineage in Calcutta, India. It includes sequences of yoga postures practiced in a heated room to stretch and strengthen various areas of the body. The practice brings vital balance and restores all systems to optimal health. Consistency will create a physical, mental and spiritual harmony that will be felt in all areas of the practitioner’s life.
Effects of the Barkan Method
The Physical: The yoga asanas are designed to work internally and externally. Internally, improvements to the heart, spleen, kidneys, liver, and intestines are realized through consistent practice. Externally, the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are all made stronger through The Barkan Method.
The Mental: As in all forms of yoga, the mind is strengthened through the discipline of The Barkan Method, which helps to eliminate stress, depression, anxiety, and other dysfunctional mental disorders. The Barkan Method helps to create a calming of the mind, quieting of the brain's chatter, and deep relaxation response.
The Spiritual: As we strengthen the body and calm the mind, we open ourselves up for a transformational experience. Yoga was originally intended to be used as a tool to forget the body's consciousness, quiet the mind and transcend our limitations, allowing us the freedom for self-realization. This is the intention behind The Barkan Method.
What is The Barkan Method?
Yoga means union of body, mind and spirit. Hot Hatha Yoga is the physical form of yoga designed to bring balance and well-being into your life. It is the perfect lifetime fitness program and totally different from any other kind of exercise. We stretch the body from the bone to the skin and from the head to the toes, which helps to quiet the mind, and energize the body. The movements of The Barkan Method reach deep into the tissue, relieve tension and stress, revitalize and assist in overcoming many physical and emotional problems, such as sciatica, back and neck problems, and depression.
What differentiates The Barkan Method from Bikram or other forms of Hot Yoga?
The Barkan Method is built on many of the poses and philosophies of Bikram Choudhury and Bishnu Ghosh, but incorporates different means of entering into poses, as well as several variations so that practitioners of all abilities are able to experience the full benefits of the workout.
Why is the room heated?
The room is intentionally hot. It is heated to warm your muscles, prevent injuries and allow for a deeper release in your body. Sweating will also help flush toxins and poisons from your body.
What if I'm not flexible?
A perceived sense of inflexibility is the most common hindrance that prevents people from trying yoga. Yoga, and in particular The Barkan Method, is not about how flexible you are; it is about stretching your body, quieting the mind, and healing the soul. The more inflexible you are, the more you need yoga. You become flexible by doing yoga.