Yoga

Yoga originated in India about 4000 years ago and the Asanas, or yoga poses, were originally created so the practitioner's body would be prepared to sit in meditation and so that they could remain healthy in order to serve others. The Asanas are only a tiny speck of the whole system of Yoga, and there is much to be gained from a regular practice. Modern science now proves that yoga is highly beneficial for mental, emotional, and physical health and is highly recommended for the treatment of chronic stress, PTSD, high blood pressure, anxiety & depression, arthritis, and other challenges. Yoga helps the practitioner build self-awareness, focus, compassion, inner and outer strength and flexibility, self-acceptance, increases health and well-being, and cultivates Love. There is no required age, level of physical fitness, brand of clothing, or prior experience to practice.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a gentle, supportive, therapeutic, deeply relaxing, and healing practice. While there are physical benefits to be reaped, it is the deep stillness that allows the layers upon layers of the mundane and stressors of life to peel away, leaving silence and a sense of calm and serenity. Our society strongly promotes "doing"; simply being seems like a forigen concept to many of us. Prioritizing our emotional, energetic, physical, and mental well-being is necessary to fill our own cup, so that others may benefit from the overflow. Props such as bolsters, pillows, blankets, blocks, weighted sand bags, eye pillows, essential oils, and therapeutic sound are utilized to offer physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental support.

Research on the benefits of Yoga

The multitude of benefits reaped from a dedicated Yoga practice are apparent to the practitioner, but the effects are not merely subjective. There is a vast body of research on the positive effects of Yoga and Mindfulness practices on the neurological systems, the brain, interpersonal relationships, the physical body, emotional and mental health, and overall well-being. Below are links to research articles and information.

The National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm#hed1

Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat

Interview with Dr. VanDerKolk, Leading expert on PTSD: http://www.traumacenter.org/clients/maginside.su09.p12-13.pdf

Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute-Yoga and Mental Health: http://www.traumacenter.org/clients/yoga_articles.php

International Journal of Yoga
Therapy: http://www.traumacenter.org/products/..%5Cproducts%5Cpdf_files%5Cijyt_article_2009.pdf

Dr. Amy Cuddy- posture and power: https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are