KATONAH® YOGA
For centuries, many people have turned to Yoga as a holistic practice to improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Originating from India, Yoga comes in many styles, each with its own unique traits and functions. One example is Katonah Yoga®, a syncretic Hatha Yoga practice that integrates Daoist wisdom, the Five Element Theory from Chinese Medicine, sacred geometry, and metaphorical language to address the organs and glands.
At VVOO Yoga Studio Zürich, our Katonah Yoga® classes are thoughtfully designed and led by certified experts who genuinely care about your health and well-being, helping you build strength, balance, and inner harmony.
Discover more about this unique practice below!
WHAT IS KATONAH® YOGA?
Katonah Yoga® is a syncretic Hatha Yoga practice that blends classical asana with Taoist philosophy, sacred geometry, and metaphor to cultivate balance, stability, and longevity. Developed by Nevine Michaan, it views the body as a dynamic structure where joints, organs, and glands work in harmony with breath and attunement. By integrating the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine—earth, water, fire, wood, and space—it aligns personal practice with nature’s rhythms, fostering resilience and adaptability.
At its core, Katonah Yoga® treats asana like origami, folding the body with precision to refine posture, enhance organ health, and optimize energy flow. This method emphasizes universal patterns, using repetition as a tool for self-awareness, longevity, and well-being.
Katonah Yoga®'s unique approach enhances balance, longevity, and adaptability, helping practitioners become more spacious, well-rounded, and buoyant—embodying the symbol of perfection in both body and mind.
Taoist Philosophy & Transformation Through Repetition
Rooted in Taoist principles, Katonah Yoga® emphasizes balance and cyclical patterns. Through repetition and refinement, practitioners cultivate stability and transformation over time.
Sacred Geometry as a Guiding Principle
Using sacred geometry, particularly 90-degree positioning, this method stabilizes joints, reduces strain, and enhances balance for longevity and structural integrity.
Origami for the Body: Manipulating Form for Function
Like folding paper, the body is manipulated for function, strengthening joints, improving mobility, and fostering adaptability.
Metaphorical Imagery for Holistic Understanding
Katonah Yoga® uses metaphors to help practitioners visualize their bodies as structured environments. The body is envisioned as a three-story house:
— Basement (Pelvis): Stability and grounding.
— Main Floor (Torso): Emotional and functional center.
— Attic (Head): Intellect and intuition.
Cross-Referencing & Workshop-Style Teaching
Classes use cross-referencing and interactive, workshop-style teaching to refine attunement and spatial awareness with props and adjustments.
BENEFITS FOR THE KATONAH® YOGA
Attunement of the Mind, Body, and BreathKatonah Yoga® promotes attunement of the mind-body-breath trinity, optimizing energy flow and enhancing vitality and movement. This integration fosters a buoyant and efficient practice for long-term well-being. Mental Clarity & Emotional BalanceRooted in Taoist philosophy, Katonah Yoga® cultivates mindfulness and emotional balance, using imagery and techniques to organize the inner landscape for greater presence and self-awareness. Finding Center, Circumference, and the Space in BetweenThe practice focuses on finding center (core), circumference (outer boundaries), and the space in between—where expansion, transformation, and adaptability occur— improving posture, mobility, and attunement. Organ Health & Internal Vitality Through breathwork and structured sequencing, Katonah Yoga® helps optimize circulation, digestion, and internal vitality, supporting overall well-being. Longevity & Self-Cultivation Through Technique and RepetitionBy refining techniques and using repetition, Katonah Yoga® promotes longevity, efficiency, and resilience in body and mind.
Experience the Transformative Power of Katonah Yoga®
Step into a practice that expands your mind-body-breath trinity, cultivating balance, strength, and longevity in every movement. At VVOO Yoga Studio Zürich, we guide you through the techniques that make Katonah Yoga® a truly transformative experience. Whether you're seeking greater resilience or a deeper connection to yourself, this practice empowers you to move fluidly, think clearly, and feel deeply attuned. Book your class at VVOO Yoga Studio Zürich today and discover how Katonah Yoga® can reshape your life!
FAQ
Is Katonah Yoga® suitable for beginners?
Yes, Katonah Yoga® is great for beginners. It emphasizes form, function, and mindful movement, building a strong foundation for stability and adaptability.
How much does Katonah Yoga® class cost? (give anchor text for internal link to pricing page. Example here)
Our pricing is based on class type and duration of each class. Regular 75-minute classes are CHF 35, while 60-minute lunch classes are CHF 30.Special events may vary in cost and duration. For more details, please visit our pricing page to explore the best options for you!
Do I need to bring my own Yoga equipment? What should I bring to class?
At VVOO Yoga Studio Zürich, our studio is fully equipped with high-quality Yoga mats, blocks, straps, chairs, sandbags, and bolsters to support you throughout your practice. However, you’re welcome to bring your own Yoga mat, along with comfortable, breathable clothing and a water bottle to stay hydrated!
What languages are the VVOO Katonah Yoga® classes taught in?
While most classes are conducted in English, we strive to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone. Let us know your needs, and we’ll do our best to support you!
How long does a Katonah Yoga® class last?
Our dynamic classes are thoughtfully designed to span 75 minutes, providing a focused and efficient practice. For those looking to explore in greater depth, our extended classes last 150 minutes, allowing ample time for attunement, breathwork, and mindful movement.
We also offer a variety of workshops and trainings at At VVOO Yoga Studio Zürich to deepen your understanding of Katonah Yoga® principles, theory, and practice
Can I join Katonah Yoga® class if I’m pregnant or have an injury?
Yes, you can join Katonah Yoga® classes if you’re pregnant or recovering from an injury. Katonah Yoga poses are gentle and can help enhance flexibility, alleviate pregnancy-related discomfort, promote healing, and maintain mobility.
At VVOO Yoga Studio Zürich, we warmly welcome you, but highly recommend consulting with a medical professional before booking our classes. Once you’ve received their approval, please let our instructors know about your condition in advance. This ensures we can tailor the session to provide you with the safest, most comfortable experience while prioritizing your well-being.
Is Katonah Yoga® suitable for children or seniors?
Katonah Yoga® is designed for young adults to those in their prime, focusing on structured movement, breathwork, and attunement. While it may not be the best fit for children or seniors, our classes offer an engaging and dynamic practice for those looking to enhance their strength, balance, and flexibility.
(Note to client: Please kindly help advise if Katonah Yoga® is also not well-suited for seniors and more appropriate for younger to middle-aged adults (maybe around 20s to 40s/50s)? We can help adjust this information again if needed.)
How often should I attend Katonah Yoga® classes?
How often you should attend Katonah Yoga® classes depends on your personal goals, fitness level, and schedule. For beginners, we generally recommend starting with 2-3 sessions per week to build consistency and allow your body to adapt. As you become more comfortable and agile, you can gradually increase the frequency to 3-4 times a week.
However, always remember to listen to your body and find a routine that works for you, as your body also needs enough rest and recovery to avoid overexertion or injury. You’ll only be able to experience the full benefits of Katonah Yoga® when you are well-rested during your downtime.
VVOO KATONAH® YOGA TEACHERS
Meet our exceptional VVOO Katonah Yoga® teachers in Zürich, each bringing a unique approach to the practice. Through a blend of structure, breath, and imagination, our Yoga teachers will guide you in cultivating a deeper connection to your Yoga journey.
Aylin Karadayi
Reni bickel
Amy Vaillancourt
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According to Daoism all world exists in polarities. The polarities of Yin and Yang give rise to the concept of the five elements and the five seasons. VVOO is built upon the ancient knowledge of this pattern. The human is a fractal of the universe. Five is the center of a radiant sphere. The human is put at the very center of a bigger whole. The sphere around it makes it complete. V is 5, the center and 0 is the sphere around. Wu also means 'nothingness' and 'effortlessness'. "...but usefulness rises from whatever is not"
(from the Daodejing, Chapter 11)
