An Introduction to iRest®: Deep Relaxation Tools for Healthcare Givers

including Physical Therapists, Psychotherapists, Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Dance and Movement Therapists and Educators, Physicians, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Massage Therapists, and all who are healthcare givers.

With Kevin Kortan
*Hosted by Phil Orenstein, P.T.

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Orenstein Physical Therapy
222 - 3rd Ave N at 2nd St N
$30 before 6/19, $40 after
Space is limited, so please register early.

  • Are you feeling tired or tense?
  • Would you like to have more energy, be more relaxed?
  • Would you like to improve your memory and concentration?
  • Would you like to free yourself from emotional reactivity and negativity?

Who doesn't need to support themselves with ways to truly, deeply relax - especially Healthcare Givers? This workshop will introduce the practice of iRest® as a core technique for self-care and the care of our clients and students. When you as a healthcare giver are supported, you can then support your clients with greater skill, attention, and authority. There are many studies that have proven the efficacy of relaxation and meditation. The great thing about iRest® is that it lures you into meditation effortlessly, through the valley of deep relaxation. You find yourself ascending the slopes of meditation without even "trying to meditate". All this while lying down! It can also be practiced seated or standing, and then throughout one's daily life.

Herbert Benson, associate professor at Harvard Medical School says, “How can we deal with our feelings of stress? … modify our behavior by regularly invoking the relaxation response” which “can reverse sustained problems in the body and mend the internal wear and tear brought on by stress.” This workshop offers tangible tools to

  • profoundly relax
  • deeply rejuvenate
  • sleep well
  • improve your digestion, memory, and concentration
  • de-stress
  • support your immune system
  • reduce pain and fatigue
  • improve your flexibility
  • resolve personal problems and trauma
  • neutralize anxiety, fear, anger, depression, and insomnia.

After a short verbal introduction, we’ll begin with some gentle, mindful movements and segue into the practice of iRest®. Please wear loose comfortable clothes and dress in layers. For this workshop yoga mats, blankets, and props will be provided.

To register, please email Kevin Kortan or call him at 612-203-4016.
Directions and parking info

*This workshop is being offered in collaboration between Kevin Kortan and Phil Orenstein Physical Therapy. The vision is to reach out and support fellow health care givers by offering experiential learning in holistic practices in order to become healthier, more informed, and in turn, become more productive in helping our patients and clients.

This is an introductory workshop to expose healthcare givers to deep relaxation techniques using iRest®. Further instruction would be needed to become a practitioner. More information on iRest®, including teacher training.

Kevin Kortan is a Certified Yoga Therapist and Teacher, a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, Movement Therapist and Educator, Dance Teacher, and Tantric Educator. He began as a dancer and has worked with many of the leading names in contemporary performance and dance, including six years as a member of the world-renowned Trisha Brown Dance Company. Kevin is the originator of Evolutionary Yoga™ and Evolutionary Touch™, an integrative approach that unites Yoga, Tantra, Somatics, and Embodied Education. Working one-on-one is a particular emphasis for Kevin. He also offers classes and workshops in New York, Minneapolis, the U.S. and Europe.