olis.bio – Stefania Grappeggia

Postural Yoga with the Olis Method

The Olis Method

The Olis Method is a combination of postural yoga practices and self-treatment techniques that I teach, and it stems from a holistic vision of yoga as a lifestyle. I developed and integrated this approach, which became my method, especially during 2020. Unable to massage my clients directly, who still needed relief, I created self-massage sequences based on my experience as a therapist, blending my knowledge of massage therapy and craniosacral therapy.

My clients found this approach very effective and appreciated it, and from there, I began incorporating it into postural yoga classes for therapeutic purposes.

Stefania Grappeggia Olis Method yoga teacher in Como and Varedo

What is Yoga

The word YOGA derives from the Sanskrit root yuj, which means “to unite” and also represents unity or oneness.In spiritual terms, this union is described as the merging of individual consciousness with universal consciousness.
Yoga is a discipline that engages both the body and mind in a practical sense, aiming to make the mind flexible through physical training, and vice versa.

Its practice allows for tangible benefits regardless of spiritual goals, though lately, we are also reclaiming the spiritual heritage, which is a fundamental and integral part of Yoga.

Additionally, Yoga develops harmony and unity between body and essence, guiding them to look in the same direction.

The practice allows the mind to concentrate and relax, significantly reducing stress and increasing the ability to perceive oneself intimately, with attention and care.

“The stability of the spirit comes from the experience of a luminous and serene state.”
Yoga Sutra

What is Postural Yoga?

Postural Yoga developed as a branch of Hatha Yoga to meet the needs of people with physical back problems who wanted to find a solution to their pain.

Physically, it provides flexibility to the spine, positively affects back pain by providing relief, tones the body, and improves posture. It increases lung capacity through breathing and improves circulation in the tissues.

Although, as we mentioned earlier, its original purpose is not the improvement of health but spiritual realization, the physical well-being that results from the practice of Yoga is such that its therapeutic value is now recognized and documented.

Through consistent practice and perseverance, psychophysical transformation occurs, along with many daily realizations: breathing improves, the body becomes more harmonious and better supports fatigue, the mind is clearer, and it benefits from profound muscular and psychological relaxation.

Postural Yoga can also be defined as yoga therapy because it guides the individual through a self-healing process, promoting awareness of the body and one’s intimacy.

Who is Postural Yoga For

It is designed for people with back problems caused by poor posture and a hectic lifestyle. There are no particular contraindications, and it can be practiced regularly even by those over 40 to stay super agile. However, it is always important to consult a doctor if there are existing conditions such as herniated discs, inflammation, or ongoing pain.

A Curiosity About Yoga
The practice of yoga helps reduce the production of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that induce stress, and promotes a state of calm and deep relaxation. Simultaneously, it stimulates the production of endorphins, substances produced by the brain that enhance good mood, self-control, greater confidence, and energy.

Healing is a natural process that brings the body to a new equilibrium. It requires time and awareness to move in the direction of change; it is a process of self-discovery and empowerment, where the person heals themselves.

Often, tensions and discomforts arise from not listening to the body’s messages because it communicates through a small voice. Sometimes, we become aware of it only when the body makes itself felt significantly to communicate pain, often too late. By training awareness, we can anticipate this moment and act preventively.

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Self-Treatment with the Olis Method

For tension and a tight diaphragm

When tensions are more pronounced than usual, and the diaphragm is very blocked, and when the week has been particularly heavy, it’s difficult to engage in practice and breathe deeply. In these cases, within the practice, moments of self-treatment are proposed to be done alone or in pairs with basic massage therapy and craniosacral techniques that help the body release tensions and reactivate resources. For example, self-massage of the diaphragm and specific breathing techniques become important to regain good respiratory capacity. In cases where the diaphragm is blocked due to emotional and/or physical tension, sometimes just working with the breath is not enough because it is so tense that it doesn’t move. In these cases, it is beneficial to stimulate it at a fascial level with a deep and targeted self-massage to quickly regain a good balance.

And the same goes for self-massage of the back with the hands. Sometimes, after a stressful day of work, the cervical or lumbar area is particularly stressed, and it is helpful to offer relief and freedom through self-massage with balls and foam rollers before getting into positions. Additionally, it can become a pleasant practice to release tensions in the spine even at home after intense days.

Reviews

“I’ve been working remotely for over a year and needed to take care of my back. I had already tried following videos with back exercises mainly as a preventive measure, but your course seemed like an attempt to present a comprehensive view of the topic. The main benefits were definitely gaining knowledge of many theoretical aspects related to various topics covered (diaphragm, pelvis, spine, etc.) which also allowed me to understand the importance and scope of the practical exercises proposed. The exercises were simple, repeatable, and effective even at home and alone.”

Marcello

“After just 9 months of regular yoga practice, I can say with certainty that this discipline has transformed my life.
I met Stefania at a presentation on psychophysical well-being, and I was guided by curiosity as well as her simple and non-forcing way of communicating.
Before starting, I suffered from breathing difficulties and a constant sensation of “air hunger” due to tensions and anxiety that my body had channeled into my breathing style, so much so that I could no longer control it during the day or night.

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I trusted her, kept an open mind to the novelty, and I’m glad I did, because my experience with yoga has not only significantly improved my breathing capacity but also greatly reduced my anxiety levels. The yoga sessions taught me to breathe more deeply and controlled, and consequently, my emotional state improved as well.The combination of conscious breathing and fluid movements created a sense of calm and well-being that I had never experienced before. Additionally, the philosophical teachings of yoga helped me develop greater awareness of the present moment, reducing anxious thoughts about the future. Meditation and deep relaxation at the end of each session played a crucial role in improving my overall mental state. I highly recommend yoga to anyone suffering from similar problems to mine. It is a practice that not only strengthens the body but also nourishes the mind and spirit. Furthermore, I discovered that yoga practice is not exclusive to those with flexible bodies; I, who am the exact opposite of flexible, realize that by working within my limits, something in my body improves day by day, and in the face of concrete results, it’s easier not to give up. Additionally, the atmosphere of seriousness and concentration that is perceived during the lesson is an additional reason for respect and motivation to do well what is good for us.Thank you, Stefania!”

Angelita

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I named it the Olis Method because it defines both myself and my work: the whole, the union of mind, body, and spirit. I adopted this practice name in 2004 when I was practicing Hara Yoga with Master Giò Fronti. At first, it was just a name, then it became a direction in my growth, and then it became my lifestyle.