Yoga
Most people believe that yoga is synonymous with stretching. This could not be farther from the truth. Yoga refers to thousands of spiritual teachings and techniques developed in India over the last five thousand years to harmonize, balance and strengthen mind, body and spirit. In the West, we practice yoga using asanas or postures, mindful breathing techniques, and meditation. Yoga asanas can be done quickly, creating heat in the body or slowly, to build strength and endurance. Regardless of the style of yoga practiced, yoga takes you out of your mind and into your body.
Benefits of a regular yoga practice include:
- Reduced sympathetic nervous system response, with reductions in cortisol levels
- Attention to body parts that have been neglected due to pain or trauma
- Increased muscular strength, coordination, flexibility, and endurance
- Improved ability to concentrate and focus
- Decreased skeletal muscle tension
- Improved gut motility, digestion and elimination
- Increased oxygen flow, decreased anxiety and depression
- Improved functioning of the lymphatic system
- Realignment of the spine with more efficient functioning of the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and intestines
I use yoga asanas and the associated breathing practices to help clients learn to be present and in their bodies. Focused breathing, placing attention within the body, and quieting the chatter facilitates a calm mind and an open heart. Specific asanas are used to open the heart, the digestive system, and other parts of our bodies that we keep tightly guarded. Once we learn to let go physically, we are able to let go of limiting beliefs and emotions that have been stuck in parts of our bodies. As we become “unstuck,” we are finally available and ready to change. Learning to listen to the wisdom of the body through yoga is a critical step in healing and transformation.