Many of my private clients come to me through doctor's recommendations.
These are doctors and nurse practitioners, chiropractors and naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, and acupuncturists with whom I've cultivated relationships and THEY know that when it comes to yoga for people with conditions, slow and steady wins the race.
"But I'm not too flexible. I can't even touch my toes!
I think I would look silly compared to everyone else...."
Yoga Therapy is a very mindful practice that incorporates stretching, strengthening, balancing, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and meditation/prayer (if that's what you love). If you aren't flexible - you're EXACTLY the right person for this class.
(Psst... there's a video below!)
"I did it once and I couldn't do those poses. I was bad at yoga."
In yoga therapy, we do poses because of what the pose is supposed to do for YOU. So it's not at all about being able to do a perfect Reverse Triangle. In fact, my job is to adapt the pose to meet your needs - essentially changing the form so that you can reap its physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
I design each practice to help you become more aware of body movement patterns that may be causing your pain. As your awareness increases, you begin to recognize and investigate unhealthy movement patterns, breaking these negative cycles. How empowering!
(Psst! Download my Tip Sheet for Finding the Right First (or next) Yoga Class for Health)
I like to think of yoga therapy as 'having a conversation with your condition. And that conversation is driven by slower, steady breathing which can take you deeper toward awareness and understanding of your emotional needs, which can be beneficial for those dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, or stress.
Can yoga therapy help me with my condition?
Yoga Therapy can help with all kinds of physiological conditions as well - mostly through
manipulation of BREATH. It can help to reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol levels in the body, and improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health. It can be helpful for digestive issues such as IBS/IBD, and can positively affect diabetes and blood sugar regulation.
(Hey. I also have great success in helping patients who have neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, ALS, and more. If you have questions - reach out!)
All these factors combined make it a great choice for anyone looking to increase their overall well-being. So, why not give it a try? Like, right now?
Here is a short chair practice - a great example of how we can adapt poses to reach more people with a reluctance to try (or try again). Enjoy!
What was your experience? Did the world slow down a little?
Slower therapeutic yoga can also be a great way to create personal space for reflection and self-exploration. It gives practitioners the opportunity to reflect on how they feel mentally, emotionally, physically - and spiritually.
The effects of slow yoga therapy practiced regularly can become a peaceful island retreat you can take every day - a place where you find comfort, courage, and confidence to respond to a world that is often chaotic or overwhelming.
I hope you enjoy this video! Please let me know what you think via reply. Or come to one of my regularly scheduled donation-only classes on Friday nights at the Davidson Hub. Check it out here CLASS SCHEDULE.
Love and peace to all.
Sam