Yoga
Jennifer Kersten, Registered Yoga Teacher, CMT
Yoga consists of methods for developing balance and health throughout the entire being.
Originating in India, theword yoga means to 'yoke or join together' the gross and subtle energies of our beingthereby attaining an experience of wholeness and harmony. The practice of Hatha Yoga is designed to open and align the body in such a way that the life force flows freely through the system.
Health Benefits: Research on the health benefits of Hatha Yoga has demonstrated reductions in coronary heart disease risk by reducing blood pressure, stress and anxiety, as well as increasing self-confidence and strength. Additional studies have demonstrated positive effects of yoga on hypertension, asthma and mood enhancement. Studies on yoga in healthy people have also shown significant positive results including reductions in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body weight, autonomic arousal, as well as lower scores on excitability and aggression and higher life satisfaction scores.
Flow Yoga (Vinyasa): Vinyasa means 'breath-synchronized movement'. In other words, the teacher instructs you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or exhale. This type of yoga is called Flow Yoga because of the smooth way the poses run together and become like a dance.
Restorative Yoga: Restorative Yoga is a conscious body/mind relaxation practice. Benefits of Restorative Yoga:
- Opens and relaxes the body; releasing tension and stored toxins that can cause illness
- Encourages breath and energy (prana) to flow through the entire body
- Lengthens/strengthens the muscles
- Provides support for conditions such as asthma, chronic pain, depression, insomnia and migraines
A restorative Yoga practice will bring your whole body into a deeply relaxed state, allowing your mind to become quiet and reflective, with your mental, psychological and emotional bodies in blissful balance.
