Backpain or back injury?

YOGA can: release unwanted tension, stretch restricted and tight back muscles and improve the health of your back by regaining strength and flexibility. You would be amazed how many joints there are in the spine all of which need to move easily. Yoga can relieve pain, improve range of movement and build core strength.

Tension and pain in shoulders and neck?

YOGA can: increase range of movement in the neck and shoulders while also building strength. In so doing it will relieve tension and reduce neck and shoulder pain. The practice of yoga will generally reduce the levels of stress which causes an increase in pain in overtight muscles, often felt particularly in the shoulders.

Stress related conditions? eg IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), heartburn / gastritis, tension headaches / migraine, insomnia.

YOGA can: reduce stress by bringing the attention away from the busy / stressed mind into the body, through improving breathing habits, improving range of movement in the ribcage allowing deeper breath, releasing unnecessary tension in the body, gently toning the muscles, balancing the nervous system and massaging the abdominal contents allowing for better functioning of the organs.

Knee problems?

YOGA can: build strength and maintain range of movement in the knees, balance muscle support around the knees, free tension in the hips allowing better alignment of both knees and hips and improve co-ordination and balance.

Arthritis?

YOGA can: maintain function and gently build strength in supporting muscles to reduce further deterioration in the joints and release unnecessary tension and tightness around joints which causes compression and pain. Most postures can be adapted for problems with arthritis.

Osteoporosis / osteopenia?

YOGA can: help to build and maintain bone density and strength by the practice of weight-bearing and balancing postures.

Poor balance?

YOGA can: build strength, flexibility and co-ordination (in particular in the feet, knees and hips) all of which will help with the balance. As we get older we lose foot ‘tensegrity’ (natural bounce) but with regular yoga practice it is possible to maintain / regain ‘tensegrity’ by increasing strength and flexibility in the feet and toes. All standing postures strengthen the feet and improve balance. Yoga also strengthens the core and deep postural muscles which improve posture.

Poor posture?

YOGA can: improve posture by focussing on spine health and alignment and building core strength. All twists, done with care and awareness, are very good for spine health allowing flexibility and strength to return. Through these postural changes all the organs are given space to function better and the abdominal organs are massaged by restoring good movement within the diaphragm. This then has the effect of increasing energy and sense of wellbeing.

Asthma or other respiratory conditions?

YOGA can: increase and maintain flexibility within the ribcage and upper spine which frees the breathing mechanism to work more efficiently and improves the movement and flexibility of the diaphragm. This then gives the body more energy and there is a greater sense of wellbeing. By reducing general stress levels yoga has a beneficial impact on all breathing related conditions.

Anxiety or depression?

YOGA can: bring a greater sense of calm to the body and mind, and students experience a lifting of mood, thus increasing a sense of wellbeing. By focusing on the use of the physical body and it’s co-ordination with the breath, the busy mind is given time to rest and the body is better able to relax and let go of tension. By ‘burning off’ adrenalin in a physical practice the student begins to return to a more restful and balanced place in mind, breath and body. Breath practices, meditation and a formal relaxation at the end of a class all contribute to improved mood and a sense of calmness.