Santi Yoga

Santi Yoga offers in-depth personal instruction in yoga and meditation, as well as twice-weekly drop-in classes, open to the public. Set in the pastoral serenity of West Boxford, MA, the tranquil studio environment provides an optimal space in which to begin or to deepen your practice. This is not your average ‘Simon Says’ yoga in a gym! At Śānti Yoga, we are committed to the practice of Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation, practices that draw on the wisdom systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic theory and on the practices of Tibetan Buddhism. We are committed to healing the body, feeding the spirit and quieting the mind.

For those more actively inclined, we also offer instruction in vinyasa-style yoga, a more active, flowing practice, based on the principles of both ashtanga and power yoga, but with additional concentration on the mind-body connection within the practice.

During private instruction, sequences of asanas, as well as pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) will be tailored to suit the individual needs of the student, addressing imbalance in the meridians and the chakras, as well as attending to the student’s individual doshic type. However, the beauty and luxury of private instruction is that you, the student, can learn at your own pace, and ask that your particular needs be addressed.

Walk-in classes will focus on sequences of asanas that address a different meridian line each week. For example, we will begin the week of January 9 th with the Kidney and Urinary Bladder meridians, moving in the second week to the Liver and Gall Bladder lines. Each week’s sequence of poses will be accompanied by a discussion of the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory associated with that meridian

What is ‘Yin Yoga & Mindfulness,’ and how would it benefit me?

Yin Yoga, on a purely physical level, targets the joints, the ligaments and the deep connective tissue or fascia, initiating the body’s healing response, building the joints up stronger and more flexible, restoring length and strength to the ligaments, and restoring suppleness to the connective tissue. None of these benefits can be derived from muscular activity or ‘power’ yoga. The practice of Yin involves deep stretching, and the holding of postures for longer periods of time—beginning with 3 to 5 minutes. Yin Yoga is based in the principles of yogic asana practice, Tibetan Buddhist meditative practices, on physical therapy techniques and is rooted in the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. On an energetic level, Yin posture sequences stimulate specific meridian lines in the body, freeing up blockages and stagnant chi; it is often called ‘acupuncture without needles.’

Because of the still nature of the practice, Yin Yoga is ideally suited to the meditative and contemplative practices of mindfulness, during which we cultivate breath awareness, body awareness, mind awareness, and awareness of the heart, resulting, perhaps, in the lessening of physical and mental reactivity and in a greater sense of equanimity with which to face life’s challenges. Mindfulness is also known as Vipassana, an ancient Sanskrit word meaning ‘insight’ into the impermanent nature of the mind and body. The practice of mindfulness is non-sectarian, and is a means of self-transformation through self-observation and introspection.

Yin Yoga is a must, especially for those whose sole means of physical exercise consists of hot/power/vinyasa yoga, running, or who engage mainly in weight-bearing activity. Essential for optimal physical and mental health as well as organ function is the balance of yin and yang, joint and muscle, stillness and flow. The practice of Yin Yoga promotes a stable foundation from which to build an active, flowing yoga practice, supporting the mind-body connection that differentiates yoga from other forms of physical exercise. The practice of Yin also lessens the occurrence of the myriad injuries that are the consequence of running and weight-lifting. And finally, Yin also promotes the fluidity of movement in the hips, shoulders and torso that are so essential to the game of golf.

Private Instruction

Individual Session, 75 minutes, $65
Package of 5 Sessions, $195
Package of 10 Sessions, $375

Semi-Private Instruction

Couples or friends! 75 minutes, $90
Package of 5 Sessions, $125 per student
Package of 10 Sessions, $225 per student

Small Group Instruction

Create your own practice group, and receive all of the benefits of ‘private’ instruction, but in a more economical fashion! Minimum of 3 students, maximum of 5, each session is 60 minutes, all mats, props and water provided

Package of 5 small group sessions, $100 per student (Just $20 per student, per session!)

Package of 10 sessions, $175 per student (Just $17.50 per student, per session—less than a walk-in class at a crowded public studio!)

Ear Coning

Ear Coning (also known as 'ear candling') is the ancient Tibetan healing practice of ear care through the use of paraffin candles and sacred smoke. The cone of the hollow candle is placed in the ear, creating an upward vacuum that allows for gentle suctioning of excess wax and sinus / allergy debris. Coning is a holistic method of ear care that is also thought to stimulate and soothe the energetic pathways throughout the subtle body. You may experience improved hearing and dreaming, relief from 'itchy' ears, improved ability to breathe through the nose and relief from sinus infection symptoms. In general, seasonal treatment is recommended (2 to 4 times per year), although more frequent treatments may be in order if ears are particularly clogged or 'itchy'. It is recommended that the head not be submersed in water for 24 hours following coning. Treatment sessions last between 30 and 45 minutes.
Per session $50

Yoga for Addiction

Let your yoga and meditation practice facilitate your recovery from nicotine, food, and other negative obsessive patterns, including drugs and alcohol. 'Yoga for Addiction' is tailored to aid and support both those individuals who need to make a positive change in their lives or those actively involved in recovery programs, including 12 step programs.

Series of 2 introductory sessions $65
Discounted rates available for packages of 5 or 10 sessions in a series
Call or email for more information
Remember - Just keep coming

Student Referral Program

Refer a friend or family member and you will both receive 20% OFF the cost of a single session or a package of sessions!

Let us give back to you as you commit to yourself and to your practice.

Ayurvedic Assessment now Available
Initial Session $65
Follow-up Sessions,
Dietary Instruction $50

Private Studio instruction affords beginners the opportunity to learn the basic principles of yoga as well as proper alignment and breathing techniques, in a non-threatening, non-competitive atmosphere. This in-depth knowledge provides the student with a firm basis for his or her future practice.