Dr. Charisse Balance, PT, DPT, RYT
RYT 200
Prenatal Yoga level 1 (25 hours)
Prenatal Yoga Level 2 - prenatal and postnatal considerations (25 hours)
MFR yoga (25 hours)
Trauma informed Yoga- Embodied Practices (20 hours)
Trauma Informed Yoga Level 2 - Social Justice (20 hours)
Yin Yoga - 30 hours
Restorative Yoga Level 1 (30 hours) /
Restorative Yoga Level 2 - Therapeutic Applications (30 hours)
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
Born in San Jose, CA. Raised in Sacramento, CA
TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
My spin instructor started teaching yoga and encouraged me to attend her class at 24 hour fitness. At first I hated it - It was too slow and downward dog made all of the blood rush to my head ! I later returned to yoga , as it helped to heal me from heartache- the ugly cries on my mat during pigeon pose were no joke. Being a very physical person, the asana practice used the sensations in my body to pull my focus inward. I ALWAYS felt better after practice and I knew there was something magical about this practice. I did my teacher training in 2015 and have been consistently diving deep into the philosophy of Yoga through the Sutras since 2017. The practices of Yoga have been profoundly healing not only to my physical body, but have been a tool I have used to reconnect to my ( capital S) Self, over and over again. In 2016 I fell in love with restorative yoga. The quietude, stillness and deep support is something so nourishing to my nervous system. In this society full of stimulation, it is a practice that I find essential to help me reconnect at a deep level. Being a mom of two littles, when I can't get into the studio, my personal practice has evolved to being fully present, OMing and taking deep full breaths with my sons.
TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I became a Yoga teacher to be a more holistic and integrated Physical Therapist. Working primarily with patients suffering from chronic pain, I started integrating restorative yoga into my practice as a PT. I found that people with chronic pain had upregulated nervous systems that contributed to persistence of pain symptoms and restorative yoga helped to heal from the " nervous system out". My PT sessions would be like a private therapeutic yoga session, informed by lots of Physical Therapy. I then started teaching Anatomy in Yoga Teacher Training Programs around the Bay Area where my focus was " Ahimsa"- "non harming" to one's self during asana practice. To do this, It was important to me that people understood the anatomy and kinesiology of their own bodies first, so that they could embody the knowledge and teach from that inner wisdom. Most importantly, they taught in a way that promoted healthy and safe movement. At our local studio, I soon became known for being the Yogis PT, treating yoga specific injuries and began offering workshops to dive deep into the anatomy to allow practitioners to understand their bodies and know when and how to modify poses when appropriate. I taught various Restorative yoga workshops, to bring balance to the common power yoga classes taught around the city as well. I've taught the Pelvic Floor portions of Prenatal Yoga Teacher Trainings, discussing the anatomy of the pelvic floor and how to use preventative measures during class to minimize the risk of common diagnoses seen during pregnancy and postpartum. More recently, I've been incorporating the embodiment of Yoga Sutra 2.46, “sthira sukham asanam” meaning "Abiding in ease, is the Asana" during perineal birth preparation sessions with my Pregnant Pelvic PT clients. Practicing how to soften and surrender into the sensations of birth and labor is the ultimate practice of yoga- off the mat.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
Sidelying Savasana - because as a mama of 2 toddlers, I am always in need of deep restorative rest!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - I don't know where I'd be without these little gems of wisdom guiding me throughout life. These sutras help to bring the ongoing experiential practice of Yoga into my daily life off the mat.
"Yoga Myths" by Judith Hanson Lasater, PT, Ph.D : Judith became a PT to be a better Yoga teacher and I became a Yoga Teacher to become a better PT. The way she teaches deeply resonates with the way I learn. She is my teacher , mentor and friend and has greatly influenced my teaching and practice. I love this book because Judith uses the anatomy and kinesiology to debunk common yoga cues that are not in alignment with anatomical reality to foster safe and healthy movement in asana. Her books are easy to read and it feels like she's right next to you!
ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Practice with your eyes closed - so you can FEEL the physical effects of each asana. The asana is not the yoga. The residue that the asana leaves in your nervous system... that's the yoga
WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Community is a group of people with something in common that brings them together in a way that fosters connection, friendship, trust and unity. For me, my yoga community is my second family.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
I love the friendly people, the weather and chill, low key beach vibes.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
The Victoria Project (Local)
Rocket Dog