Rose Erin Vaughan is a Yoga teacher, Bhakti Yogi, Acupuncturist, Myofascial Therapist, and Anatomy specialist. She serves others with a blend of traditional and alternative healing methods. She holds a Master of Science in Acupuncture and a BS in Biology....
Ancient Teachings, Modern Approach.
Overview
The Sacred Fig Advanced Trainings are intensive, modular programs designed to elevate + inform the next generation of leaders in the wellness space. Our advanced programming is divided into shorter modules, each with a unique focus + theme. Each module has a unique focus, led by world-renowned experts in their respective fields.
The focus of this 50 hour module is Meridian Yoga Therapy. For this training we’re thrilled to welcome Rose Erin Vaughan, founder of The Science of Self. This AADP (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) accredited course is a deep & practical immersion into the human energetic & physical anatomy leading to development of powerful skills and techniques for genuinely helping others.
What is Meridian Yoga Therapy (MYT)? In modern times, much of our physical pain comes from problems in the mind and emotions. The ancient philosophies like Yoga and Chinese medicine are sophisticated systems that offer maps of the body, mind and soul, a different kind of anatomy that acknowledges the physical as well as the emotional. Even in modern culture, the heart is known not only as an organ that pumps the blood, but also as the source of love and compassion, connection to divine and other. The techniques of these two systems were designed as both physical medicine and tools for spiritual development. MYT is a modern synthesis of these two ancient systems. MYT techniques work in the same way that Yoga asana works – relying on the connection between the physical, emotional and spiritual. Like Yoga asana, MYT uses physical methods to Ease the flow of energy through the subtle channels and release muscle tension, joint pain, headaches, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, etc. Meridian Yoga Therapy is a healing modality that can be applied to self or others. This system is based on the 8-limbed Yogic principles and informed by the traditional Chinese Medicine meridian system of points and pathways. MYT techniques can be used within Yoga classes. It is our belief that in serving others, we can heal ourselves also. Graduates qualify for membership in American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). This program is not registered with the The Yoga Alliance.
The MYT certification allows graduates to use the title Certified MYT Practitioner. These techniques can be used to inform the Yoga Practice for yourself and for your students. The MYT certification program does not provide graduates with a legal license to practice massage, bodywork, or acupressure.
Space for this advanced training is limited – we encourage those interested to sign up early.
About Meridian Yoga Therapy
About Portugal Portugal’s beauty is subtle and understated - the magic here is witnessed only when you slow down. Portugal's beauty is lived + experienced.
The area were heading to is called Coastal Alentejo, and you probably haven't heard of it (that's a good thing). It's far removed from the coastal tourist culture of the rest of Europe. The beaches are windswept and untouched. As you move inland, golden rolling hillsides give way to a rugged coastline, traditional whitewashed villages, and majestic medieval towns.
Traditional farming here is a way of life. Cork production still continues. Even at our property, the eggs come from our chickens, the cheese from our neighbors sheep, and olives from an olive grower down the road. The birds here are some of the most majestic you'll see, and the walking paths, like the Costa Vicentina, are world renowned.
The world is (finally) catching on to Alentejo. Get there before it does.
The Retreat Center
Cocoon is a 275 acre farm and dedicated retreat center on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, offering inspiration + community for the modern traveller. It's also pure magic, where between the oversized hammocks and the freshwater lake, you'll start to lose track of time. The kind of place where each morning is a celebration, practicing under the canopy of old growth pines, but so is each evening, with incredible farm-to-table meals and elevated dinner conversation. The Guardian recently rated Cocoon "One of the Top 20 Yoga Retreat Centers in the World" and Yogascapes voted it "Top 10 Retreat Centers in Portugal".
Watch this gorgeous 90 second video of Cocoon, which was filmed during one of our previous advanced teacher trainings!
Where in Portugal? Cocoon is situated on the breathtaking Atlantic coast of Portugal, near the charming fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes, in the Alentejo region, which is known for its long stretches of untouched coastline and charming whitewashed villages. From Lisbon, it's roughly two hours drive south, entirely dependent on how many espressos you’ve had (from Faro, we’re slightly closer). The ocean, with bluffs, trails, and sandy coves, is a 10-15 minutes drive.
Yoga Shalas There are two yoga shalas at Cocoon. The pine shala is nestled under the canopy of old growth pines, with the occasional sheep or goat roaming around nearby. The pine shala is a dream for morning meditation and practice, especially as the morning fog rolls in. The indoor shala is lightfilled, with high ceilings and traditional handmade Santa Catarina tiles, which are a joy to practice on.
Meals Expect three healthy, lovingly-prepared meals each day. Strong coffee and herbal teas are available throughout the day. For breakfast, expect homemade granola, local honey, homemade jam, oats, fresh local fruit, and slow-rise breads. Lunch is typically light, like a bowl of ancient grains with fresh greens. Dinner is served family style, expect things like curry, beetroot hummus, salads, and soups. Our menu is always changing, depending on what's available. We fly in a different chef each year, and so the menu changes according to their personal style. The menu items listed above are just to give you an idea!
Rooms The rooms are clean, bright, and simple. Cocoon has 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. There's different options for different budgets, from a private room to having your own bed in a shared double or triple room, your preference. You can have a room with an ensuite bathroom, or share a bathroom between two rooms. Please keep in mind this is not a resort - it's a Portuguese farmhouse. If you are looking for a JW Marriott with staff, central AC and turn-down service, this is NOT the training for you. If you appreciate understated beauty, barefoot adventures, a freshwater lake, peacocks, pine forests + salty air, then this is PERFECT for you! The property is so spacious, with many places to relax, chat or study - and from our experience people really only use their rooms to sleep.
How To Arrive Fly into Lisbon. Rent a car, and enjoy the two hour drive to Cocoon. Stop at Camporta Cafe for a fabulous lunch and a swim, and check in after 3pm. If you don't feel comfortable renting a car (or just don't want to), we can pair you with someone else arriving at the same time, so that you can drive together. Renting a car in Portugal is extremely easy & affordable. If you have time before or after the training, we highly recommend a couple of nights in Lisboa!
Daily Schedule
This 7 night program covers approximately 50 hours of real life, in-person education. Plan on arriving at the retreat center by 3pm on July 31st: our first session together is at 5pm on July 31st. The program finishes after asana and breakfast on August 7th: check-out on August 7th at 10:30am. Please schedule your travel plans accordingly. Below is a typical schedule, which tends to vary slightly once we get going, according to the specific needs & pace of each individual group. Regarding food: the menu items below are just to give you a general idea - we fly in a different private chef each year, and the menu changes depending on their personal style.
7am - 8:30am
Meridian-based Yoga Asana, with Rose Erin Vaughan.
8:30am - 9am
Daily Quiz! After the quiz, there's just enough time to enjoy a dip in the freshwater lake before breakfast.
9am - 10am
Nourish.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast of living foods. Expect oats, avocados, local fruits, homemade granola, homemade jams, hearty breads. Meals are vegan, and there's options for everyone. Food is most often organic & local. Strong coffee & herbal teas are available.
11am - 1pm
Morning Session.
Topics vary each day - expect lectures on specific Meridians, with technique and hands-on practice, an intro to Trigger Point Theory, an exploration of healing techniques and tools such as GuaSha, Cupping, and Moxa.
1pm - 2pm
Nourish.
Nutritious vegan lunch.
2pm - 3:30pm
Integrate.
Use this time to study, or enjoy a nap on a hammock.
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Afternoon Session.
We open each afternoon session with the Gayatri Mantra. Topics include further Meridian lectures, and Pranayama and Meridian Circuit Body Scans.
6pm - 7:30pm
Official Meridian Yoga Therapy Sequence, with long holds.
8pm - 9pm
Nourish.
Dinner.
10pm
Stargaze and take rest.
faculty
Rose Erin Vaughan
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