YOGA OF THE HEART
"When most people think about yoga they think hatha yoga, the stretching. To me that's the least interesting aspect of yoga. It's useful, but it's a starting point. What yoga is really about is transformation. It's about transforming your life, rediscovering inner sources of peace and joy and well-being, transcending the sense that we're just separate. On one level you're you and I'm me; on another level, we're part of something larger that connects us. If we have that double vision, it lends itself to compassion." Dean Ornish, M.D. Developer of the heart disease reversal program (that incorporates the practice of yoga)
Introduction
My teacher for this course was Nischala Joy Devi, who also was the Director of Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for reversing heart disease. Yoga of the Heart is tailored to teach people with heart disease coping techniques to relieve tension and stress. I'm trained & qualified to teach modified and supported yoga postures to people living with heart disease, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help cope with the condition.
Who is yoga for?
Yoga is for everyone, especially for people who are diagnoised as having Type A Behaviour!
Yoga Class Guidelines
- Before joining a yoga class, please consult with your doctor prior to signing up for a class.
- If you're an absolute beginner, be sure to introduce yourself to your teacher, and inform her about any past or current injuries or illness which you may have.
- Practice on an empty stomach, at least 1-2 hours after a light meal.
- Avoid caffeine or nicotine for at least 1 hour prior to attending the class.
- Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't limit movement or cut circulation.
- Please practice yoga without wearing socks
- Please email me prior to the class if you've any additional questions.
The general publics' understanding of the word 'Yoga' is a form of 'stretching' exercises. When you join a class you'll hear the word 'asana'(pose), to describe each posture. The direct translation of this word 'asana' is steady and comfortable. When practicing yoga, one should never feel pain or strain, due to excessive effort. Nothing is ever excessive in yoga, it is an exercise through awareness using mind and body to bring about a feeling of wellbeing. If you persist in holding a pose which is unpleasant, you are no longer practicing yoga. Always come out or modify a pose whenever your awareness is telling you that you are uncomfortable or unsteady.
Warning Signs of Excessive Effort
These symptoms may indicate that an student is exercising too hard, too long or too often.
- Tension in the face, eyes,ears, neck or any other part of the body
- Irregular, strained or jerky breathing
- Chest pain(angina)
- Light-headedness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Crampy pain in the leg(s)
- Shaky muscles, or loss of control to any degree
- Impaired circulation of blood
- Undue stress on any joint
- Pallor or bluish skin tone
- Breathlessness lasting for more than 10 minutes
- Palpitations
- fear or anxiety
Precautions for students with a heart condition when practicing Yoga
- No inversions (poses where the head is below the heart)
- Keep the head level with the heart
- Do not hold the arms up in the arm for an extended period of time
- Never hold your breath
- Remember to breath OUT on movement or effort
- No strong postures which might raise the heart rate too much
To keep your heart happy check out the following website: Irish Heart Foundation - Desk Work-Out