I developed Luna Yoga in the early 1980s after being trained in yoga, Ayurveda, acupuncture, authentic movement, astrology, craniosacral therapy, Laban technique, movement ritual and natural medicine.
Working as a journalist and interpreter in many countries around the world, I had always been on the lookout for traditional health systems, and I was particularly interested in the movements and dances as well as the ancient knowledge of wise women. I visited half-nomadic tribes in Asia and was introduced to the healing methods of medicine women and shamans.
In classical yoga, which I have practiced since 1967, the difference between the female body and the male body was not being discussed at that time. Many yoga exercises seemed unsuitable for keeping my body healthy; it became interesting when I was told that women weren’t allowed to do this posture or that movement. The reason: tradition.
So I investigated and tried to find out what was good for me, for my female body.
Aviva Steiner, an Israeli dancer originally from Hungary, developed a special set of exercises for the female cycle in the 1960s and 1970s. From her, I learned to trust my body’s feelings.
So Luna Yoga has grown like a tree, which I like to use as a symbol for my teaching:
The roots of Luna Yoga lie in the ancient wisdom of India: Ayurveda, tantra und yoga. All three describe the harmony of body, mind and soul, the integration of the human being into nature, the connection with the universe. Postures lead to inner peace.
The trunk is formed by Aviva Steiner’s discovery of the influence of physical exercises on a woman’s cycle. Dynamic series of movements improve the circulation throughout the entire body.
Branches grow when I travel to different peoples of the earth with whom I experience the joy of a natural, healthy life. Their lust for life frequently expresses itself in spontaneous movements.
Twigs are formed from my further training in bodywork and movement therapies. From this training, I have learned how movements, postures, positions and relaxation exercises can be organized so that the joints remain supple, the muscles are strengthened and the soul feels at home in the body. Leaves grow when I incorporate new research from psychosomatic medicine that illuminates the connections between the psyche and the body, the interplay between brain, nerves and consciousness. Fresh blossoms grow in each course during which I am continually stimulated to tailor to the participants’ individual needs.
Since a daily exercise program makes an important contribution to the health of the body, mind and soul, the fruits are harvested by everyone.
“Tradition is the transmission of fire and not the worship of ashes.”
Gustav Mahler