https://melaniegillum.com/blog daily 0.75 2025-05-09 https://melaniegillum.com/blog/soul-fhpsg monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565797388353-ZNIL9DIOB2P9Q5AICP8I/Aro+Ha_0411.jpg Blog - Feeding your Soul image shot at Ara Ha https://melaniegillum.com/blog/summer-retreat-92dg2 monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565796730347-F967A8VZLRZX25KHDFKR/Aro+Ha_0394.jpg Blog - Summer Retreat 2019 photo shot at Aro Ha https://melaniegillum.com/blog/yoga-hlbsr monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565795875642-R6M0H2EEIP23VHI244L5/Aro-Ha_1169.jpg Blog - Yoga Reimagined image shot at Aro Ha https://melaniegillum.com/blog/exploring-ewfwp monthly 0.5 2019-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ce592c8732098000152407a/1565797613488-VGVMGKNK8VDIMJ36QTC8/20140302_trade-151_0742-copy.jpg Blog - Exploring Colima https://melaniegillum.com/home daily 1.0 2025-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1582994143047-VP23YYSNE3IO7535EABB/massage-melanie.jpg Melanie's homepage for Rolfing, Yoga, & Meditation. - Bodywork https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1582991081334-BAQQE4PK0HOTB4BDE72N/yoga-class-mel.jpg Melanie's homepage for Rolfing, Yoga, & Meditation. - Yoga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1622759996073-6P1KWZDNT51774JFBMX4/Untitled-design-2-optimized_thumbnail.png Melanie's homepage for Rolfing, Yoga, & Meditation. - Human Design https://melaniegillum.com/melaniesbio daily 0.75 2025-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587683631328-LKMBF9OFSE9DG71ZJHZW/rolfer-whidbey-island.jpg About Melanie - Melanie Gillum Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://melaniegillum.com/classes daily 0.75 2025-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587682081180-3V7UMY44AGU9GXKEYG0O/massage-bodywork-rolfing.jpg Offerings - Bodywork After practicing Rolfer for 25 years, I have recently stepped away that title and into a gentler approach to bodywork. My current practice is informed by a 2 year cranial training and study with Don Hazen focused on the peripheral nerves. While my work has softened, I still have a structural eye and the intention to help alleviate discomfort and support your ability to move freely. Whether it is a nerve caught under your scapula, chronic SI pain, achilles tendentious rupture, scoliosis management or any other physical discomfort, I offer experienced, attentive care. With my 40 years of hand-on experience, I approach each session by deeply listening with my hands and heart. How your bones are stacked are based on two major principles: the natural genetic alignment that you were born with, and the layers imposed by culture, accidents and attitudes. Together we unwind these patterns through informed touch, education and time. As the body reorganizes layers often begin to ease naturally, allowing you to inhabit yourself more fully. My approach is comprehensive, and integrative, addressing the fascia associate with muscles, bones, nerves, the visceral and cranium and vascular systems. My work is intuitive yet grounded in science. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1583337466852-1O9W2JIXT343G78E9K8I/foot_blur1.jpg Offerings - Yoga Classes With my background as an Advanced Rolfer, long time yoga teacher and lifelong interest in anatomy, I bring a discerning eye and an intuition touch to my classes. I listening with my hands as much as with my ears, sensing where the body is bound and where movement is restricted. I weave these skills along with years of meditation practice, sharing what I cultivate in my own life. My role as a teacher is to offer a quiet haven- a practice of depth and presence that provides respite from the buzz of life. The gentle style of yoga I teach today is rooted in decades of exploration that align perfectly with the kaiut style of practice. It is calming to the nervous system, powerful in restoring joints mobility, and effective in unwind fascial patterns. The practice is easily modify, making it accessible to everyone from age 14 to 100. Regardless of flexibility, experience, or injury, everyone is welcome. Ultimately, it’s not about touching your toes, but about noticing what unfolds along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1622770119857-V4VY1G4916CFVRWNHRAI/Melanie+-HD+cropped+chart.jpg Offerings - Human Design Are you curious to understand yourself more deeply — the patterns that shape you, the ways you make decisions, and the gifts that come naturally? Discovering and living your unique design can be a powerful step toward inhabiting your life with greater ease, clarity, and self-trust. Human Design offers a kind of map — a playbook that helps illuminate how you are built to move through the world. Each of us is imprinted at birth with a unique design and a role to play. When we begin to live in alignment with that design, life often begins to feel more fluid and authentic. Through this lens, we can start to notice the conditioning that pulls us away from our true nature. As awareness grows, choices become clearer, our voices more genuine, and our confidence steadier. I offer guidance through in this complicated experiment called human design. Together we can unfold this body of wisdom at a pace that can be lived and integrated. Let’s explore how your design expresses through your body, relationships, and daily life — bringing insight into action. https://melaniegillum.com/yoga daily 0.75 2025-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847326051-DDKVFNNHMCYZKWEBK63D/Yoga_teacher_Whidbey Yoga - Fascial Yoga Fascia is the richly innervated support system that shapes and forms the human body — a living web that covers and connects everything within us. When we move slowly and intentionally, staying below our maximum flexibility and pausing at the first sign of resistance, we begin to explore the places where nerves, arteries, old scar tissue, and ligamentous structures are bound. These restrictions live within the fascial layers and often limit our range of motion. Most forms of yoga and exercise tend to move quickly, rushing past this subtle work. When the fascia isn’t given time and attention, it can tighten, creating stress on the joints and muscles — often leading to discomfort or injury. But when we take the time to meet these bound places with patience and kindness, we open the possibility of living more comfortably and freely in our bodies. In this style of yoga, the goal is not to become more flexible or to build strong, bulky muscles. Rather, we focus on hydrating and restoring the joints through mindful compression and alignment. Over time, this process naturally builds functional strength and helps reintroduce the kinds of movements nature intended for us — movements that support ease, balance, and vitality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847432824-3Q690UUFCYDKCFBY0GIU/DHM_2087.jpg Yoga Another unique element of this style of yoga is the way in which the nervous system is addressed. We shape the body into a relaxing pose and then ask for some stress, such as a strongly flexed foot or a contracted fist, as we deeply relax everything else; our face, our clenched buttocks, even our esophagus. We apply intensity rather than aggression. This trains the nervous system to recruit only necessary muscles to make the motion, which has an overall effect of training the central nervous system towards calmness and quieting of the mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847505454-WN63S7W8KQGVLV0SJNKO/kauit-yoga-class.jpg Yoga We practice with the eyes closed most of the time to limit visual input and invite deeper awareness. When the mind feels too active, students are encouraged to keep the eyes open but soften their gaze, using gentle peripheral vision to calm the nervous system. The focus of practice is on the sensations within — not what’s happening outside of us. By slowing down enough to truly feel, we begin to notice and discern our internal experience without labeling every sensation as pain. Through this process, we can gently reframe our relationship with discomfort, loosening the stories around “old injuries” and allowing the body to heal. Over time, as the body recognizes that we are listening with patience and care, a deep trust begins to grow — and with that, a greater ease and quality of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847940775-Y14DIYA0ZJKFFNJ2I8XN/Screen+Shot+2020-04-25+at+1.50.26+PM.png Yoga - We intelligently use the floor, walls, and the forces of gravity to counter the impact of our busy lives, the process of aging and old injuries that haunt us. Folks of all sizes, shapes, ages and abilities are welcome. If you’ve never done yoga before or have an attitude of dislike towards yoga, you’ll come to love this fascial approach. Melanie provides a safe and supportive environment to learn. All props; yoga mats, bolsters, straps and blocks are provided. No special clothing is required - just being comfortable. See you on the mat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1590257204833-D2GR3GVBR04CB40ST2MH/mel_fran.jpg Yoga - Francisco Kaiut, The Man Behind the Method The Kaiut Method is a biomechanical yoga practice designed by Francisco Kaiut to serve the modern body and the modern mind. This format is intended to increase freedom of movement. Francisco Kaiut’s method is deeply influenced by his professional practice as a chiropractor and his education in craniosacral and polarity therapies, deep tissue massage, and hatha yoga. Francisco is President of the Kaiut Yoga group, the teacher in charge of the didactic direction of 18 schools between Brazil and the USA. Yoga for Everyone! For more information go to Kauityoga.com https://melaniegillum.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-11-11 https://melaniegillum.com/schedule daily 0.75 2026-04-23 https://melaniegillum.com/home-1 daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1582991081334-BAQQE4PK0HOTB4BDE72N/yoga-class-mel.jpg Home (Copy) - Yoga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1582991625639-7P7WGUX7CZEMBFUMVNK4/Melanie-Yoga-52.JPG Home (Copy) - Workshops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1582994143047-VP23YYSNE3IO7535EABB/massage-melanie.jpg Home (Copy) - Bodywork https://melaniegillum.com/offerings daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1583337466852-1O9W2JIXT343G78E9K8I/foot_blur1.jpg Offerings (Copy) - Yoga Classes In the Kaiut Method of yoga the emphasis for both practitioner and teacher is on listening deeply & respecting our bodies while at the same time challenging the system through simple shapes that can be adapted to everyone. It results in a natural calm within the nervous system while rejuvenating & enlivening the body. Natural function is restored to the joints, in time, no matter what the age or condition of the practitioner. Melanie brings a calming aspect to her classes and offers modification and instruction to listen to your body. It is not about touching your toes but what you learn about yourself on the way down. All props are provided. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1583337588203-34Q15JLPCUGYJR2ORYTM/Screen+Shot+2020-03-04+at+7.59.31+AM.png Offerings (Copy) - Workshops Melanie is developing a series of workshops using Kaiut yoga to access the nervous system & fascial system in a deeper way, which naturally opens the Body/Mind to a deep state of Meditation. When fascia, nerves, vascular supply are less restricted, aging slows, old yoga and injuries are less problematic, we are more able to handle the inevitable stresses & overall life is sweeter. Stay tuned! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587682081180-3V7UMY44AGU9GXKEYG0O/massage-bodywork-rolfing.jpg Offerings (Copy) - Bodywork Advanced Rolfer of Structural Integration Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist Melanie offers support to her Kaiut yoga students with 25 years of structural bodywork experience. How your bones are stacked are based on 2 principles, natural alignment you were born with & Imposed alignment from culture, accidents and attitudes. Both begin to unwind with yoga & bodywork. The emotional component begins to natural loosen when we begin to listen & feel our bodies. Melanie combines fascial, peripheral nerve, visceral system & health of the cranial system as the bases of her approach. Her intuitive bodywork is grounded in the sciences with many advanced trainings. https://melaniegillum.com/about-melanie daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587683631328-LKMBF9OFSE9DG71ZJHZW/rolfer-whidbey-island.jpg About Melanie (Copy) - Melanie Lancaster Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://melaniegillum.com/yoga-philosophy-1 daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847326051-DDKVFNNHMCYZKWEBK63D/Yoga_teacher_Whidbey Yoga Philosophy (Copy) The Kaiut method of Yoga is suitable for everyone. We intelligently use the floor, walls and the forces of gravity to counter the impact of modern times, the process of ageing and injuries. We focus on regaining full range of motion in the ankles, hips and shoulders. We often apply compressive forces to these joints to strengthen bones and ligaments as we reintroduce movements that nature intended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847432824-3Q690UUFCYDKCFBY0GIU/DHM_2087.jpg Yoga Philosophy (Copy) A unique element of the Kaiut method is working with the nervous system to remain calm while some mild stress is applied. We shape the body in a relaxing pose and then ask for some stress such as a flexed foot or a reach of the arm as we deeply relax everything else. This trains the nervous system to recruit only necessary muscles to make the motion. Often the smaller intrinsic muscles are activated rather than the larger muscle groups and we get the classic Kaiut “cramps” as we calm the system and quiet the mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847505454-WN63S7W8KQGVLV0SJNKO/kauit-yoga-class.jpg Yoga Philosophy (Copy) We practice Kaiut yoga with the eyes closed most of the time to limit visual input. Students are encouraged to pay attention to sensations within the body. To slow down enough to begin to know how we feel and not judge all sensation as pain. We slowly work with these sensations to reframe “pain” as we drop the story lines around “old injuries” and begin to heal. Quality of life increases when your body begins to trust you and know you’re listening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1587847940775-Y14DIYA0ZJKFFNJ2I8XN/Screen+Shot+2020-04-25+at+1.50.26+PM.png Yoga Philosophy (Copy) - We’ve turned Yoga into a fitness activity for the flexible in the West. Often with the unintended consequence of overly stretching ligaments and causing instability and overuse injury to the body. In many yoga postures, people tend to just take a “shape” which often leads to recruiting loose muscles instead of the tight intended ones. Kaiut moves slow enough to form the shape well, only moving into the pose according to your body’s ability. This allows the richly innervated fascial support system that shapes and forms the human body to begin to release allowing deep relief from patterns that have restricted us for a long time. Students of all sizes, shapes, ages and ability are welcome. If you’ve never done yoga before or think they hate yoga, you’ll come to love the Kaiut Method! Melanie provides a safe and supportive environment to learn. All props; yoga mats, bolsters, straps and blocks are provided. Students of all sizes, shapes, ages and ability are welcome. If you’ve never done yoga before or think they hate yoga, you’ll come to love the Kaiut Method! Melanie provides a safe and supportive environment to learn. All props; yoga mats, bolsters, straps and blocks are provided. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e56a05842f6be26307fe78c/1590257204833-D2GR3GVBR04CB40ST2MH/mel_fran.jpg Yoga Philosophy (Copy) - Francisco Kaiut, The Man Behind the Method The Kaiut Method is a biomechanical yoga practice designed by Francisco Kaiut to serve the modern body and the modern mind. This format is intended to increase freedom of movement. Francisco Kaiut’s method is deeply influenced by his professional practice as a chiropractor and his education in craniosacral and polarity therapies, deep tissue massage, and hatha yoga. Francisco is President of the Kaiut Yoga group, the teacher in charge of the didactic direction of 18 schools between Brazil and the USA. Yoga for Everyone! For more information go to Kauityoga.com https://melaniegillum.com/schedule-1 daily 0.75 2020-05-23 https://melaniegillum.com/contact-1 daily 0.75 2020-06-28 https://melaniegillum.com/book-a-class daily 0.75 2025-05-09