Thai Bodywork & Restorative Yoga Experience £60

Hello & welcome! 

Francesca & Tanya would like to welcome you to our Spring Sessions in Monmouth!  

These Thai Bodywork & Restorative Yoga experiences are designed to help you relax both body & mind in a unique and effective way. 

Whether you're a beginner or have a wealth of experience, we invite you to receive bodywork, meditation, massage & restorative yoga to help you unwind & find balance within.

We are committed to creating safe & welcoming spaces for all, with the hope it gives you a meaningful & empowering wellbeing experience. 

A space to soften, surrender & journey inwards. 

What to expect

A 2 hour 30 minute experience encompassing Restorative yoga (gentle poses needing no prior experience to benefit), breathwork, Thai bodywork and mat-based movement, including gentle stretches, mindful touch & massage to help deepen your practice & connection to self. 

This is not a traditional workout, nor is there any expectation of flexibility; we invite you to soften and receive. There are no hard moves where you are pushing yourself or forcing flexibility; all poses are wrist and knee friendly with no downward dogs!

The hardest part is actually letting go of any tension, and allowing your legs and arms to be moved by us.

Starting with light stretching and becoming aware of any tension in your body, we will flow into breathwork and the assisted rhythmical movements of Thai Bodywork including massage and holds. These longer sessions allow us to see what you need in the moment, and to work with you on an individual basis. 

We finish with breathwork & then float back down to earth with a tea ceremony to end your practice. 

To ensure everyone has dedicated time with us, and space to practice, there will be a maximum of 5 spaces available.

It is important that you feel comfortable and supported throughout. All props will be provided and within easy reach. If you need anything or want additional cushions or blankets, please let us know and we will bring them over. 

Your space will be all set up for your arrival! Prepare to sink into super thick yoga mats covered in cosy blankets, with cushions, bolsters and eye pillows all laid out for you. 

There is no need to bring anything other than water.

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. " - Deepak Chopra 

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative Yoga is the slow exploration of yoga poses where you are supported by bolsters and blocks. Here you are encouraged to stay in these positions for much longer than regular flows. Finding the balance that allows you to relax into the poses whilst quietening the mind can be challenging but rewarding. Clear guidance will be given to help you reflect and soften with each breath, no one will be left wondering whether they are in the right position!

Let your mind wander and the river of the breath flow through you. One inhale at a time.

What is Thai Bodywork?

Thai Bodywork is a nurturing combination of acupressure, compressions, massage & gentle stretching that is often similar to stretches you’d experience in a yoga class. It is hands-on work, with the practitioner guiding your body into different positions, but rest assured you are in control of the strength of the stretch throughout. If you need to move or adjust after we have worked on you, please feel free to do so.

The goal of Thai Bodywork is to bring harmony and balance back into the receiver. Releasing stuck energy can have a rejuvenating effect and can leave you feeling relaxed yet aware.

We want you to feel empowered in your practice & to move in a way that feels right for you.

Who's it for?

Anyone who wants to explore a different way of relaxing, that works in harmony with your well-being.

If you struggle to relax, mindful breathwork and receiving an assisted stretch or massage can help switch off a busy mind and allow you to gently wind down.

The workshop is for those who would like to spend longer journeying inwards, whether you have yoga experience or not. It is not a workout, rather a holistic experience that is tailored for you to release any tension and connect to yourself.

 If you have limited experience, please don't worry, as we will give clear instruction and guidance; no one will be left behind on the mat. 

Gentle on your joints, and suitable for all levels of experience, Francesca & Tanya use mindful touch, holds and massages to help float you into a deeply relaxed state. 

If you are able to lay down on your front and back on yoga mats comfortably you will be able to take part. Alternatively if you want to come and lie down in shavasana (laying down position) the entire time, supported by comfy bolsters, you are very welcome to do so!

This is your experience, and as long as you are comfortable and supported we encourage you to do whatever works for you! 

Our small group size allows us to work longer with each person on an individual basis and adapt techniques to suit each person. 

We encourage open communication, and are here to listen & support you.

Let us take care of you.

"You are worth the quiet moment. You are worth the deeper breath. You are worth the time it takes to slow down, be still, and rest." - Morgan Harper Nichols

About us

Francesca is a yoga practitioner from the Forest of Dean, who found yoga during a turbulent time in her life. 

After many years of practice, she set off to India for her first yoga teacher training and hasn’t looked back. Her longing to learn more about yoga has taken her on many exciting adventures, most recently to Thailand where she fell in love with the art of Thai Yoga Massage.

Frankie's approach is easy going and caring, encouraging you to always show up as you are.

In her words, " Yoga has not only led me to study and travel across the world; but has taught and empowered me with the knowledge and tools to return and find peace within myself.

We all come to yoga for so many different reasons - I hope to provide a space where you can explore this practice for yourself."

Follow @practicewithfrances for updates!

Tanya is a VTCT massage therapist & life coach based in Monmouthshire.

She has had the privilege of working on people’s bodies since 2010 & enjoys nothing more than helping clients find some peace in their week.

Qualified in Swedish massage, Thai foot massage, Thai Stretch, Indian Head Massage & Reiki, Tanya is well-versed at attuning to your needs and holding a safe space for you to relax. 

She favours an intuitive, compassion-led approach to working with clients, and believes self care & holistic therapy has helped with her mental health & recovery from burnout. 

She strongly believes massage is for everyone, and doesn't accept people apologising for not having "perfect" bodies!

You will find her providing massages & holistic therapy in the Garden Room in Grosmont or at epYc’s Monmouth studio.

She is excited to collaborate with Frankie bringing a unique blend of movement & massage in Monmouth!

Follow @green_t_therapy for updates!

What if I've never done this before?

Don't worry! A lot of people won't have done this combination of Thai bodywork & Restorative yoga, which is why we wanted to provide this unique offering. We have practiced and refined it, and have carefully thought about each movement and its place within the flow. Many participants have never done yoga before and are surprised at how little movement needs to be done during the workshops to have an impact. 
We want you to be comfortable throughout, so don't feel you have to endure an uncomfortable position either, you are free to move or change position if you’d like to.

There is no expectation of flexibility or pushing yourself beyond your comfort level. It is not an endurance test or heavy workout, so will be suitable for most abilities, whether you're a regular at EPYC or completely new to yoga, everyone is welcome to try it. All you have to do is relax and let us look after you. 

What should I wear?

Wear something comfortable that you can easily move around in. Joggers or leggings and a comfy tee are ideal! 

Bring an extra layer such as a jumper and/or socks, as you may cool down towards the end of the session.

Avoid wearing belts or delicate jewellery as they may snag or get in the way of your comfort. 

Aftercare

During or after this experience, your body might show some of the following healing reactions:

-feeling emotional, crying/laughing, tiredness, yawning, frequent visits to the toilet, runny nose, headache, burping, breaking wind

These are normal healing reactions whilst your body is in a repairing phase. This is a safe space so all bodily noises and emotions are welcomed! You may feel tired, hungry or thirsty during this time. Listen to your body's messages & allow yourself time to adjust so you can continue enjoying your relaxation process. Make sure you feel grounded afterwards; please ensure you feel safe to drive before leaving.

The Space

Eve's Pole & Yoga is a beautiful dedicated yoga and pole studio in Monmouth.

Fully equipped with blankets, mats and bolsters, there is no need to bring anything with you. Everything will be set up for your arrival, there is no need to set up or pack anything away. 

There is also a small kitchen near the studio available for filling water bottles if needed.

Easy to get to and with free parking, the mirrored studio has everything you need for a comfortable practice including air conditioning/heating.

We can't wait to welcome you to this relaxing sanctuary as you start your practice with us!

Toilets

There are toilets on the ground floor & first floor. Please note the studio is on the first floor. 

- At the top of the stairs turn right. Keep following the hallway round (through the door) & toilets will be on your right. 

- To get back to the studio - keep following the hallway to your left and follow the epYc signs on the wall.

Directions: Monmouth Studio

- As you turn into Wonastow Industrial Estate (East) you’ll see Mandarin Stone on your left. (Apex House is directly opposite Mandarin Stone).

-Take the first right turning, and then turn right into a small car park. (If you see Abbeydale Vet training signs you’re in the right place!)

- Head to the glass doors opposite the entrance to the car park. The buzzer panel is on the right. Press the top one marked “EPYC”.

- Once we buzz you in, pull the door open & go up the stairs. 

- Turn left at the top & follow the signs to epYc studio. (The lights will come on automatically as you walk down the hallway).

- Sat Nav: Apex House, Monmouth, NP25 5JB 

- What3words: scarecrow.flukes.incensed

On the day

The doors will be open 15 minutes before the start of the session, please arrive during this time so we can start promptly. 

Late arrivals will not be admitted.

If there is an emergency please contact us on: 07907 853505 and we will do our best to accommodate you. Once the session has started, our phones will be off -  please do not buzz in after this time. 

Feedback

'I'm not particularly flexible and wondered what I was going to be asked to do when I attended my first session, but there was absolutely nothing asked of me that I couldn't manage. I found it to be relaxing and restorative. The calmness lasted for a while afterwards too. If anyone is wondering about taking part I would say, "don't hold back as you will feel amazing both during and afterwards!". 

"I wanted to say thank you for last week's workshop. It really was so relaxing & a great emotional release. I appreciated the heads up in the written info about possibly bursting into laughter afterwards as I had that experience for the rest of the day, and cried too. Had a wonderful night's sleep! I really appreciated it, I haven't experienced a workshop like that before."

"The atmosphere with the group was so calming, and I honestly felt like I'd melted into the floor. There's no pressure to know meditation, all that is asked is an effort to relax and let go. The head massage was my favourite!"

Our ethos

We aim to create a safe, welcoming space where curiosity & compassion abound.

We look forward to seeing you on the mat!

With love,

Tanya & Francesca