About Sunrise Yoga
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning yoke or union. The aim of this ancient Eastern practice is to create unity between the self and the outer world, and to resolve inner turmoil in order to help us achieve our full potential.
​
The science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realise the ultimate reality through yogic practices.
​
Sunrise Yoga has over 36 years of experience in teaching Yoga and health living in New Zealand. This has included Therapy yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Yoga for Children, Beginner yoga, Improver yoga, Open class yoga, Chair yoga, Ball yoga, Vegetarian cooking classes (Ayurvedic) and Gluten free classes and Arka Dhyana- Intuitive Meditation.
Asmita Makwana
Yoga Instructor
RYTA 500
My journey to Hatha yoga began in India in 1966 at the age of 9. Yoga is like a vast ocean of in-depth science and philosophy of our body & mind. It involves disciplining not only the body, but also the mind and wellbeing. Yoga is described as a smart way of living in today’s world. Few years ago, I celebrated my half century in yoga to become yogini.
I have been developing a professional teaching environment for over the past 38 years in healthy living. Each class has been designed to help and provide ideas on how yoga can assist people in various ways. Included in this course is Therapy Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Yoga for Children, Beginner Yoga, Improver Yoga, Open Class Yoga, Chair Yoga, Ball Yoga, Vegetarian cooking classes (Ayurvedic) and Gluten free classes and Arka Dhyana- Intuitive Meditation.
​
-
I have been teaching yoga in New Zealand for over 36 years in Christchurch since 1982.
-
I am a Registered “RYTA 500” Yoga Teacher with Australasian Yoga Institute, Melbourne. with whom I have also conducted Healthy Cooking and Yoga workshops as well.
-
I have also received training in all the aspects of Yoga from Paramahamsa Yoga Therapy Centre in Mysore, India.
-
Further I have also undergone training in Arka Dhyana-Intuitive Meditation Your Touch and Sound as shown by Mr Srinivas Arka.
Testimonials and References
Yoga classes
"I've been attending Asmita's yoga classes for about 18 months now. Prior to this, I'd been experiencing major back pain for over 6 months and this was significantly affecting both my everyday life and my sporting activities. I'd tried a number of different things, some of which eased the discomfort, but none seemed to have any lasting rehabilitative effect. After only a short period at Asmita's class, I noticed a major reduction in my back pain, coupled with a steady improvement in my overall level of flexibility which has continued to improve to date. The classes are challenging (and fun), but I now have long periods of time free from discomfort, something I'd concluded previously, wouldn't be possible. Being able to assimilate the knowledge and techniques of Yoga into my everyday life has been a very positive experience for me and I recommend Asmita's classes to everyone."
- Craig Cowie
​
​
"Asmita creats a wonderful family atmosphere in her classes, which allows you to feel very comfortable and encourages you to keep coming to classes.No matter what the class size you always feel like you're getting individual attention. Asmita is always trying new ways to improve our results, we don't just do the same set moves week after week, she is able to adapt stretches to improve flexibility in small increments so we feel we are making progress! Yoga has made a big difference in my life and a large part of that is due to Asmita and the friendly mix of people you meet who continue classes year after year."
- Beth
​
​
"I've experienced Yoga Beginner course. I had heard about Yoga for a long time but I've never tried. I guess I was afraid if I can do it or not, because I knew my body was very stiff since I was child. But when I attend first class I felt relieved. I was told it didn't matter, what I should do is do MY best. So I did try my best every time. And I can tell my body is getting flexible but not just this, I try to think positive always. that's makes me difference. I experienced "YOGA is not just touch your toe" it is true. I wish I can join next term too, but I have to go, so I'll do it myself wherever I need. I really appreciate Asmita. You told me new world. Thank you, "
- Akemi
Yoga, Pregnancy and Babies
"I have been attending yoga classes once a week with Asmita Makwana for almost seven years now. In my fourth year I became pregnant with my first child and last year I gave birth to my second. I was keen to keep up with yoga throughout this time and Asmita has made it very easy for me to continue at a pace that has suited me at different stages of the pregnancies and during the return to yoga after each birth.
"Initially in the pregnancies I was able to work through most of the asanas as usual, with Asmita occasionally indicating that I should go easy on a particular one - usually one that involved a lot of back or abdomen strength. As I began to get bigger we adapted some of the asanas so I could do them safely and comfortably. Often I could do these adaptations myself - if I couldn't think of a way round a certain asana I would ask for help and Asmita could always come up with a suitable version. She took all pressure off, in terms of pushing me hard, but always encouraged me to continue with each asana for as long as it felt comfortable. In this way I felt that my body was being exercised and nurtured at the same time.
​
"I am aware that in some areas I am only a little bit more flexible today than I was two babies ago, but the big thing for me is that I'm not any less flexible and that's something that I'm proud of. I don't like to imagine how I'd be feeling now if it weren't for these years of yoga.
"We hope to have another child one day. If that happens, I know yoga will continue to provide me with the great physical, mental and spiritual nurture that it has so far."
- Annabel Calder
Nasal Cleansing
"I was introduced to nose cleansing by my Yoga teacher Asmita. I have had blocked sinuses for years and after using the method of cleansing my nostrils I have found that I can now breath freely and have not suffered with a blocked nose this winter. It was with reluctance at first that I tried the cleansing but I now do so regularly and find it really helpful."
- Heather
​
​
"After some 10 months of nasal congestion and rather bad sinusitis and three different courses of antibiotics and number of nasal sprays plus a course of herbal remedies did nothing long term to help me. After using the Nose Pipe on a regular basis (twice daily for two weeks) my nasal congestion cleared and I am breathing far more freely, my sinusitis has all but gone and have been told I am not snoring any more."
- Cris
​
​
"The main feeling is freedom from congested mucus on top of my nose. I have suffered from headaches, but by using the nose pipe which clears all the nose and brings relief to my head as well."
- H Aman