Karen M Diefenbach

Diefenbach is a certified personal life coach who has a background in massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, trigger point, shiatsu, and neuro-muscular re-patterning. All of these modalities impact her yoga teaching style, and direct her integrative approach in helping clients stay safe, while they heal and explore the wonders of yoga. One approach, for example, is to teach yoga in conjunction with neuro-muscular movement patterns, along with shiatsu, to an individual who wants to address things like, increased body awareness, easeful movement, chronic pain; and/or to enhance a personal practice at home or within a regular group class. Students may benefit by learning how to avoid injuries and move past habitual neuromuscular patterns, all while gaining a new increased level of achievement in their yoga regimen that they may not have thought possible. Karen specializes in the following yoga modalities: Yoga for Arthritis for those who need to learn to accommodate general yoga poses. Karen helps modulate poses and creates gentle routines that bring the floor to the client using props and chairs. Yoga can be essential for many who suffer from arthritis, giving them back some function, easing pain, and supplying a way to cope as well. Integral foundational yoga poses (Hatha) are presented in an active deliberate and grounding way, which is not only more yang and builds muscle strength, and alignment, but teaches how to stack the body and move from a solid base. Yin Yoga is offered to address fascia (connective tissue) restrictions. This includes the deeper innermost structures of the body, like the joints, and connects with the extended parts of the soft tissue and, also, unites with the more reflective part of the mind. It's found to be especially useful for those suffering from chronic pain or stress. Restorative yoga is offered when the need to pause or recover is essential. An hour of restorative yoga can feel like a full body massage. It's very healing especially to those who need a way to become more aligned with their body, as well. This can help in becoming more engaged with the present, and in directing a conscious healing process. Karen's individualistic approach uses mindfulness, and holism within her integrative and cooperative practice. She addresses the whole person, and the specific kinds of tissues that need support. The anatomy of the body may need more yin or more yang attention, depending on one’s individual constitution, or energetic makeup, or circumstances. Sessions can be uniquely formalized to best meet these requirements. Yoga instruction is done in a very pleasant setting with an abundance of props and oversized mats. Clients can choose from in-person or virtual sessions. Although, having an in-person hands-on experience may well create a safer, and more nurturing reality for students who are new to Karen's unique style and focus on repatterning techniques through Yoga asana. Om shanti, shanti, Om