Meet Akalai
Aloha and welcome to Lemurian Yogi, I’m Akalai Hanui.
Why Traditional Chinese Medicine?
I was instantly drawn to this philosophy after learning about the strong connection to nature that can be found within all of traditional Chinese medicine.
The 5 Elements continue teaching me that everything is connected. Earth houses all the precious metals, metal holds the water and allows it to condense, water nourishes wood, wood burns as fire, fire burns turning to ash and returns back to the earth.
The 8 Principles have taught me to widen my gaze, to see the whole person. It’s shown me the value in asking questions, and truly listening when someone talks.
Why yoga?
When my mind is restless, when I’m feeling lethargic and my energy feels stuck, my practice is always there. Within my yoga tool belt I have asana, pranayama, or bhakti to help move stagnant energy. In my asana practice I stimulate my body’s meridian lines using compression, stretching, and twisting. My pranayama practice allows me to target all fourteen meridians with the help of diaphragmatic breathing. Bhakti yoga and chanting mantras helps to tone my vagus nerve which triggers my body’s parasympathetic nervous system. This system aids in the body’s rest, relaxation, and digestion.
I love that I’m equipped with the necessary tools to help alter any negative state of mind, and I’m excited for the opportunity to share these tools with each of you.
What style of yoga do you teach?
I teach a therapeutic style and in all of my practices weave in elements of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure, myofascial release, and detailed anatomical cueing.
What is at the heart of your practice?
“The word practice goes so far beyond the four corners of one’s yoga mat. I feel that how one chooses to live and act each day best embodies their practice.
For how you do anything is how you do everything”
Is this a religious yoga site?
A common question when someone hears me talk about Jesus. My response; I love the teachings of Jesus however I’m not Christian. I also love the teachings of Buddha, however I’m not Buddhist.
I enjoy learning from both of these incredible teachers, and choose not to get wrapped up in the dogma of ANY organized religion.
What is your education?
I am a therapeutic yoga specialist with over 15 years of teaching experience. I hold certifications in traditional Chinese medicine for therapeutic yoga, mental health, female health, myofascial release, lymphatics, and pranayama. I have over 500 hours of yoga related training, including extensive work in yoga orthopedics, and am currently taking online courses in pursuit of my 1000 hour certification. I am also a plant based holistic health coach, and have been living a vegan lifestyle for the past 14 years.