FAQ's

Atman, from Sanskrit, translates as inner-self, spirit, or soul. It is the true self of an individual beyond identification with phenomena, the essence of an individual.

Yes! ATMAN accepts all levels of practitioners. If you are a beginner, we will consult with you before your first class to assist you in choosing the best yoga practice to suit your personal needs and wellness goals.

Flexibility as a prerequisite for practicing yoga is a common myth. The truth is, with regular practice, over time, you will become more flexible. The only attribute required to practice yoga is the willingness to try. 

The short answer is yes. However, if you have existing health challenges, we recommended that you check with your physician before beginning any new course of physical activity. That said, if cleared for practice, the benefits of yoga - beyond increased strength and flexibility - are extensive. In addition to relieving stress, easing depression, and detoxification of the body, practitioners have had great success in healing chronic pain such as arthritis, joint aches, knee injuries, back problems, and sports-related injuries, increasing bone density, lung capacity, and cardiovascular health, as well as lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol and improving glucoses tolerance. 

- Refrain from eating two to three hours prior to your practice time.

- Practicing Hot? Wear flexible shorts that come above the knee.

- Practicing Cool? Wear athletic clothing that allows for full range of motion.

- Bring a  yoga mat towel to absorb sweat and prevent slipping. We highly recommend yogitoes® yoga towels, though any towel to cover the mat is suitable. Manduka Pro Yoga Mats are provided for all students. However, you are welcome to bring your own yoga mat.

ATMAN uses radiant heat for all heated yoga classes and therapeutic services. 

Radiant heat is heat produced by far infrared light. Far infrared light is the light on the electromagnetic spectrum of radiation that is beyond the spectrum our eyes. Radiant heat is comprised of far infrared rays that travel through the air and directly warm you and the objects in the room, but not the air around you.

Far-infrared radiant heating is 100% safe and natural for our bodies, and our well-being, as the human body is designed to accept and emit infrared. The feeling of warmth from infrared is particularly comfortable.

Numerous health benefits have been associated with far-infrared radiant heat, including, but not limited to, relief from sore muscles and joint pain, improved circulation, improved lymphatic flow, relaxation, and reduction in tension and stress.

In addition, radiant heat is clean heat. Unlike forced air heating systems, infrared radiant heating panels do not blow dust or allergens, and do not release any emissions, chemicals or pollutants.

More information on far infrared radiation (FIR), its biological effects and medical applications.

The Ghosh Lineage of yoga was developed in Calcutta, India by Bishnu Charan Ghosh (1903-1970). Ghosh was a bodybuilder specializing in great feats of strength and muscle control. He was the younger brother of the famous yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the book "Autobiography of a Yogi." His notable students include Buddha Bose, his son Biswanath Ghosh, and Bikram Choudry.

Even though this lineage draws its name to the early 1900s, many of its philosophies are traditional, drawn from texts and schools of thought that have been around for hundreds or thousands of years.

Ghosh Yoga takes a therapeutic approach to the body. Each posture is designed to exercise, stretch, strengthen, and cleanse a specific part of the body. The idea is to bring health to each part and then, the system as a whole.

For more information on Ghosh Yoga, please visit Ghosh Yoga.

Lingam, from Sanskrit, translates as "sign" or "distinguishing symbol." In Hinduism, a lingam is a phallus or phallic-shaped object that represents divine generative energy. It is worshiped as a symbol of the god Shiva. Lingams appear in temples and shrines throughout India and are revered as emblems of generative power.

A lingam massage is a type of massage that focuses primarily on the male genitalia. It is believed that lingam massage can awaken one's kundalini, an enlightenment-related energy.

Tantra, from Sanskrit, literally means loom, principle, or doctrine. It often refers to the adherence to the doctrines or principles of the tantras, mystical ancient texts, involving mantras, meditation, yoga, and ritual. While there is no universally accepted definition of tantra, for our purposes, it is essentially a tradition in which awakening is pursued through embodiment. The ATMAN Tantric massage is grounded by the mind/body connection, allowing the recipient to exercise sexuality in a ritualized yogic context.

The Lingam Massage promotes mental and physical relaxation, sexual well-being, and tones genital muscles. In addition it offers numerous benefits depending on the recipient's needs. It can assist in the treatment of premature ejaculation, anorgasmia, and erectile dysfunction. It can also help the recipient prolong erections, delay orgasm, or experience multiple orgasms. Furthermore, it can boost self-confidence, improve one's knowledge of the body, increase one's comfort with body exposure, and help release shame, trauma, and blocks related to sex.

The Lingam and Prostate Massage includes a hygienic, gloved prostate massage and pelvic floor strengthening. Prostate massage has been known to improve erectile dysfunction (ED), improve urine flow, alleviate painful ejaculation, and provide relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Pelvic floor strengthening supports the bladder and bowel, and improves sexual function.

In keeping with principals of Ayurveda - ayu (life or longevity) and veda (science or sacred knowledge) - a healthcare system with historical roots in the Indian Subcontinent - ATMAN uses oils, for all therapeutic services. Ayurveda teaches that it is important not to put anything on the skin that you would not eat.  

Oil is the closest match to the skin’s outer layer, and compliments the natural sebum - the oily, waxy substance produced by the body's sebaceous glands. Sebum coats, moisturizes, and protects the skin, and is the main ingredient in what could be considered the body's natural oils. When this protection is out of balance, creating dryness or too much oiliness, the skin becomes imbalanced. Massage oils mimic the lipid content of the skin, which means that the similarities in structure can help regulate sebum production in the skin and help repair the skin’s moisture barrier. Massage with oil also helps draw out impurities in the skin, unclogs pores, and balances the skin’s hydration—even overly oily skin can come back to balance by using oil.  

Atman uses Sesame oil, and Sweet Almond oil as carrier oils for all therapeutic services. Sesame oil is considered the best oil to penetrate deeply into the tissues due to its low molecular weight. It is reputed to penetrate all 7 skin layers and is able to enter the capillaries in the dermis of the skin and affect the entire body. Sweet Almond oil contains vitamin E, vitamin A, monosaturated fatty acids, protein, potassium, and zinc. These vitamins and nutrients keep skin cells healthy and protected from UV radiation damage. 

“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.”  - Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89.

Refrain from eating two to three hours prior to your service. 

Have a shower, including a thorough cleansing of the whole genital and anal area.

Do not apply lotions, oils, creams, or fragrance to the body prior to your service.

If you will be receiving a prostate service, give yourself a saline enema one to two hours prior to your arrival. Some men are more confident with two enemas, similar to the way one might prepare for a rectal exam. In which case, give yourself the first enema about 2 hours before the service, and the second enema about 30 minutes prior to your arrival. 

Saline enemas are inexpensive and available at most pharmacies including Walgreens, and CVS