IYOGA online classes/workshops/privates/Wellness Retreats.

07/07/2026

06/07/2026

Hello, My name is Vanessa Greenwood I am a level 3 Iyengar yoga teacher with over 25 years teaching experience. I hold an annual Iyoga retreat in Rarotonga, it will be the last time in this beautiful unique yoga shala. The Yoga retreat will be from October the 11 th to the 15 th. We have a wonderful group of woman ranging from beginner to experienced. If this interests you please contact me to find out more details. It truly is a magical experience I have hosted many retreats over the years, you are in good hands.

21/06/2026

We have our annual Iyoga Retreat in Rarotonga. It’s a great time with like minded people, they also love yoga and are keen to take some time out from there daily life and do 2 x daily yoga classes with swimming in the warm turquoise sea, turtle viewing and with daily fresh seafood. A sunset cocktail and laughter.
The warm breeze s a treat after a N.Z winter, have this to look forward to. I’m sure you deserve it!
We have a pre yoga retreat programme to get you ready for more of a deep dive into yoga for 5 days in beautiful Rarotonga. Excludes airfares and accommodation.

13/03/2026

08/03/2026

WOMEN'S WELLNESS 5 Day YOGA RETREAT
25-29 March 2026 ... consider staying at Te Wahi Ora Women's Retreat while you attending this IYOGA retreat at Piha.

🧘🏻‍♀️ Yoga, nature and no cooking.
All meals are provided as part of your stay here at Te Wahi Ora!

BOOK NOW if this sounds like something you are interested in as there is a lot going on that weekend.

Vanessa is an Iyengar Association certified yoga teacher.

MARCH 25-29th 2026
Wed-Sat, morning sessions: 9.30am-11.30am
Wed-Sat, afternoon sessions: 4.00pm-5.45pm
Sun morning session: 9.00am-11.30am

Venue: Piha Schoolhouse Hall, Seaview Road, Piha
(2min drive and 15min walk from Te Wahi Ora Retreat Centre)

Use the QR code in this image to BOOK your IYOGA 5 Day Retreat

Click here to book your accommodation:
https://www.tewahiora.co.nz/booking-form/

08/03/2026

Neuroscientists and physiologists at the University of Copenhagen have characterized the precise neurobiological mechanisms behind the stress resilience benefits of habitual cold water immersion — finding that regular cold water swimming (10-15°C water, 10-20 minutes, 3-5 times weekly for 6 months) produces permanent structural changes in the locus coeruleus (the brain's primary norepinephrine hub), including increased dendritic branching, enhanced norepinephrine synthetic capacity, and upregulated alpha-2 autoreceptor sensitivity — changes that result in more controlled, proportionate stress responses that persist indefinitely after cold swimming cessation. The cold is rebuilding the brain's stress architecture. 🏊
The locus coeruleus is the neurological origin of the acute stress response — it produces the burst of norepinephrine that drives increased heart rate, alertness, and fight-or-flight physiological changes. In individuals with anxiety, PTSD, and burnout syndrome, the locus coeruleus is dysregulated — firing too readily and too intensely in response to non-threatening stimuli. Copenhagen's findings show that the repeated controlled stress of cold water immersion — which activates the locus coeruleus intensely but briefly, with the swimmer maintaining behavioral control throughout — acts as graduated functional training for the stress system, analogous to progressive overload training for muscles. The repeated controlled activation followed by recovery builds a more regulated, more resilient norepinephrine response architecture.
The mental health implications are immediately practical. Conventional anxiolytic treatments (SSRIs, benzodiazepines) suppress stress responses pharmacologically without addressing the underlying locus coeruleus dysregulation. Copenhagen's data suggests cold immersion therapy creates durable structural changes that improve stress regulation from the neurological architecture level — and unlike medications, the effect outlasts the treatment. Six months of cold swimming produces stress resilience that persists for years.
Copenhagen is now running a clinical trial of cold water swimming for treatment-resistant anxiety and PTSD. A swimming pool and cold water may be among the most cost-effective mental health interventions identifiable.
Source: University of Copenhagen Neuroscience Center, Cell Reports Medicine 2024

06/03/2026

Piha is a stunning location, especially at this time of the year, with majestic sunsets, the air is so fresh, there is still a feel of Summer, with the chorus of the cicadas.
Yoga twice a day with Vanessa Greenwood Senior Iyengar teacher offers important ways to practice yoga when you are dealing with perimenopause symptoms which there are many.
Get a sense of ease and deep relaxation
A pause from your own life.
Laugh with others, chat , share and learn.
Walk through the bush, have waterfall swims,
Beach swims and watch magical sunsets.
Enjoy
Caco ceremony by the outside fire under the stairs.
Join us for a night out for a meal from awarded chefs.

Www.iyoga.co.nz