EXERCISE AND EMPATHY: “Yoga, and sharing this gift with others, has been among the greatest gifts of my life, and at the heart of my healing journey,” says Andrea Sacchetti. A yoga therapist, registered yoga teacher, and the founder and director of Princeton Yoga & Wellness, she is shown in the studio’s welcoming area for new students.

By Jean Stratton

These are challenging times, as nearly everyone is quick to point out. Worries over politics, bank accounts, negative social media, AI, kids’ anxiety and depression  —and more  — all abound.

Not everyone can take time to go sailing, spend a few weeks at a beach resort, or visit other stress-free (hopefully) locations.

Another opportunity, however, and closer at hand, is yoga. A proven method to offer stress relief and at the same time provide both exercise and empathy, it has become a popular means for many to enjoy quiet moments away from that ubiquitous “To-Do List.”

Princeton Yoga & Wellness at 88 Orchard Road in Skillman is such an opportunity. Founded by yoga therapist and yoga teacher Andrea Sacchetti in March 2024, it offers private sessions, group classes, and special events.

Unique Ability

An important focus was to “emphasize therapeutic yoga’s unique ability to enhance health and wellness, and address the root causes of many physical, emotional, and psychological imbalances,” points out Sacchetti. “As of 2019, there were 117 conditions shown to be helped by yoga in scientific studies; everything from Alzheimer’s to anxiety, back pain to osteoporosis, diabetes to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis to insomnia.”

     Her interest in yoga began in 2004, she explains. “I had some health issues, and I looked into yoga, and started taking classes. I had an excellent teacher, and I found that a lot of the health issues began to subside, but then they came back. But as I took more frequent yoga classes, the problems began to stop.

“The more classes I took, the more I wanted to learn and I wanted to share what I had learned with others.”

Her comprehensive yoga therapy training was with Yoga Life Institute. She is certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT), also a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance at the highest level (E-RYT 500), and is a registered provider of continuing education to yoga teachers YACEP). In addition to her yoga training, she received a BA degree in religion, magna cum laude, from Duke University.

Sacchetti’s yoga learning journey took her to India, Tibet, and Nepal, with opportunities to study with many of the most respected yoga teachers in the world.

Since 2005, she began adapting yoga for individual students and specific populations, with safety, wellness, and healing as the highest priorities. In addition to offering yoga therapy sessions, group yoga, and meditation classes, she designs and provides advanced training for yoga teachers.

Wellness Programs

She has also taught yoga for a number of years in various cancer wellness programs and to incarcerated boys and girls throughout the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission.

Among her specialties are complementary therapies appropriate for autoimmune challenges, chronic pain, anxiety, and bone health and bone density.   

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sacchetti offered Zoom yoga classes, including meditation. “This was helpful to people during that difficult time,” she notes, “and then I decided that I wanted to open a warm and welcoming yoga center.”

She found the perfect spot. A converted farmhouse in Skillman, in an attractive natural setting, it offers a spacious and light-filled environment. Its large main room for classes offers plenty of room for postures (positions) and exercises as well as an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and peace of mind.

Students are men and women of all ages, says Sacchetti, and classes are one hour or an hour and a half. Ten to 12 students typically participate in a class, and there are also one-on-one sessions. A series of four classes for teens is available as well.

“Yoga is actually a system of philosophy, originating in India,” she explains. “It works with an Eastern paradigm that integrates body, mind, psychology, and spirit. There are eight primary components of yoga philosophy. One is the physical poses or postures; another is the breathing practices. Both the postures and the breathing practices are designed to work with the energy system and channels — similar to acupuncture — hence the physical, mental, and emotional benefits.

“The classes begin with centering and breathing. Helping people to be conscious of their breath can help them to be calmer and relax. The postures, combined with the focus on breathing, can take you to a nice place, with clarity and peace.”

Where You Are

Sacchetti also points out that “Yoga can transform anxiety into vitality, strength, and peace. Yoga meets you where you are. The teaching of yoga helps us connect with happiness that exists regardless of the circumstances surrounding you. It can be very powerful in adding underlying peace for many conditions. In other words, yoga can help you find peace and well-being in the midst of difficulties.”

She adds that all classes can be adapted for individuals with specific conditions, such as arthritis or other physical difficulties. Chair yoga is available, and postures can be customized to the needs and abilities of each student.

Over the years, Sacchetti has also focused on bone density issues, including osteopenia and osteoporosis. As she explains, “Studies have shown that yoga, done with a particular technique, has been able to boost bone density in key areas of the spine, hip, and femur, and also improve the internal architecture of the bone. These poses and techniques have also been shown not only to maintain bone density, but to reverse bone loss and make bones stronger and more resilient.”

“In addition,” she continues, “many of these natural remedies for optimizing bone health can actually have very positive side effects, such as reducing anxiety, systemic inflammation, improving digestion, posture, sleep, strength, joint mobility, ability to focus, and mood. What’s more, they are designed to have an overall rejuvenating effect.

“The medical and scientific research on the benefits of yoga is very little known. We want more people to be award of this.”

Fundamental Principles

In fact, an upcoming event will focus on bone density. “Yoga For Bone Density: Nourish and Build Bones Naturally” will be held on Sunday, November 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Princeton Yoga & Wellness location. This mini retreat will include homemade chai, discussion, complete yoga practice for all levels, and written materials. A $21 discount is available for those who register by November 10.

“This in-person mini retreat is a also a beautiful kick-off event for our upcoming Bone Density Healing project series (offered in-person, on Zoom, and via recordings),” says Sacchetti. “These sessions will deepen your understanding of the fundamental principles at work and of the role of lifestyle and guided relaxation, and of course, assist you in mastering the prescribed postures and technique.”

Previous workshops and retreats have focused on “Emotional Healing & Resilience” with Swami Maheshananda Saraswati (Swami Mahesh) in attendance, and “A Day of Yogic Exploration, Experience, and Connection” with Jeff Migdow, M.D., a holistic physician, Reiki master, and experienced yoga instructor.

Princeton Yoga & Wellness classes are held seven days a week, with day and evening hours. Consult the website for specific class hours.

Payment arrangements vary with opportunities to pay $24 for each class or with packages of 20 classes for $299. A first class is free with the coupon code “yoga home.”

“We also accept donations,” adds Sacchetti. “If people can’t pay the full amount, we still want to make it available for them. It is so important that they are able to participate.”

Sacchetti is very pleased with the response to Princeton Yoga & Wellness. Interest in yoga continues to be strong, and new students are joining the classes all the time.

As she observes, “I enjoy making a difference for people and helping them find peace and wellbeing; and showing them that with the help of yoga, you can be happy within yourself.”

For further information, call (609) 891-6060. Visit the website at PrincetonYogaWellness.com.