“Set structures and constraints of idealised forms [asana] impedes the process of listening to the “breaking news” of the body. This breaking news tells us what is happening at all levels of embodiment, that is, physically, energetically, emotionally, mentally and even spiritually and what might be necessary for restoring balance”
Adapt the asana to suit your body, not your body to suit the asana
It is essential to have time to explore asana to ensure safe alignment for your body. Every body is different, each with a unique musculoskeletal system which I aim to honour as I guide you through a class. Options are given to ensure everyone feels included in a positive yoga practice, whether you are a beginner or someone who has been practising yoga for years.
My personal yoga practice has been influenced by many different yoga lineages and this is reflected in how I teach. I have also attended workshops and classes in Feldenkrais, Somatics and Alexander Technique over the years and these forms of bodywork also arise in my teaching.
The physical aspect of a yoga practice can help to reduce stress as well as build muscle strength leading to healthier joints and increasing flexibility. Yoga can support an improvement in your posture and focus, as well as increase bone density. It will, over time, stabilise the response of the nervous system and expand lung capacity.
Our breath affects and supports every body system. If we have ‘good’ respiration we can have optimal health. There is no one way of breathing and there is no right way to breathe, however there are efficient ways to breathe to support the mind and the body. The majority of us over breathe, consciously breathing encourages our breath to lengthen, so there is a greater chance for the gas exchange to take place in the lung tissue. By bringing focus to our breath, we encourage the mind to become still, which enables us to be present on our yoga mat, creating a balance between the mind and the body.
The medical evidence to support the benefits of yoga is growing, as I witnessed at the Yoga In Healthcare conference in London in February 2019. At present there is evidence that a regular yoga practice can help those with high blood pressure, heart disease, back pain, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia, digestive disorders, arthritis, asthma, anxiety, depression and stress.