MARY BALDASANO/ Special to the PVT Rebecca "Beka" Bergman demonstrates one of the many moves that involve the practice of yoga. Advertisement

Rebecca "Beka" Bergman has known yoga inside and out for years and acquired her certificate to teach 12 years ago. She is now teaching at the Dragon Cloud Dojo at 2160 E. Calvada Blvd.

Bergman teaches hatha, asthanga, kundanali, chakra healing and meditation yoga.

She achieved her credentials to teach yoga by attending over 20 workshops. She holds four certifications for teaching. In the 10 years of teaching in Hawaii and the mainland, she has taught over 600 students. She also teaches pilates.

She has used its special practices to help deal with the affects of stage four breast cancer. The doctors wrote her off -- she wouldn't.

With the use of powerful chemotherapy over an eight-month period, she turned to the peace and meditation of yoga and is still with us. She has been in remission for over a year.

Bergman teaches that "using meditation and chakra healing -- scientifically proven to heal the body with seven areas of importance, the crown (head), third eye (forehead), throat, heart, solar plexus, pelvic (abdominal balance) and root (bottom of the tail bone) -- it is possible achieve a healthy balance within the body."

Chakra is a holistic practice of ancient techniques designed to stimulate the flow of energy vortexes. It basically uses the concept of mind over matter and even leads into the mystical and sacred.

"It's not about age, body type, weight, or ego," said Bergman. "It's about relieving stress and healing the body. Using a well-balanced diet with yoga, you can reach peace. What you get on the mat is up to you."

One of the many things Bergman hopes to accomplish is the education of the community on exactly what yoga is and how it can help you use it to manage physical aspects of your body and mental confusion of daily life.

"I want to provide a better understanding of yoga and how it can relate to sports, strength building, and a lot more. One form of yoga I teach is ashtanga yoga, which is from western India. I was also taught hatha yoga by B.K.S. Ingar, also from India. Ashtanga has 608 movements in the body and gives flow to your body," said Bergman.

Ashtanga means eight limbs in Sanskrit. It is said to realign the spine, detoxify the body and build strength, flexibility and stamina. It takes up to two hours to complete both standing and seated poses, inversions, and backbends before relaxation.

The student goes at his own pace to accomplish all three series.

Bergman said, "I would never ask anyone to do something I wouldn't do myself. I'm right there working along with the students. Keep an open mind to the possibilities of yoga when you start. Have patience, accept understanding."

She closed by saying "Namaste -- thank you. I bow to you. I honor your practice as well as mine."

You can reach Beka by calling 775-751-0244 (studio), or 775-513-7277 (cell). Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. Pilates is taught on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.