Archive for June, 2012

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Yoga Teacher Training for High Blood Pressure

Saturday, June 30th, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Gopi Rao

The most common precaution for students in our classes is high blood pressure (HBP).  To mention this precaution before class starts is a wise practice.  During the course of a yoga teacher training this precaution should be analyzed.  When should we be concerned?  Is there a list of priorities concerning HBP.

What a yoga instructor should know about HBP:

1. Unregulated HBP plus an inversions puts a student at risk of a stroke.

2. Students want to do headstands and they don’t see the risk.

3. Does the student have his or her doctor’s blessing?

4. Never play at being a doctor of medicine unless you are one.

5. Yoga teachers should know all the risks.

6. Concerning inversions: There are risks for anyone with HBP.

7. If you teach or have HBP, you should do more research.

Students who suffer from high blood pressure can benefit from gentle yoga practice. Any student can benefit from the release of pressure in the body brought on by regular meditation. While the students must use caution and practice slow motions during practice, there are plenty of poses that can help treat high blood pressure.

The more strain the muscles are under during a yoga class, the higher the corresponding blood pressure will be. So those with high blood pressure should shy away from hot, power, vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga that raise the a student’s heart rate. Kundalini yoga and dynamic pranayama can also affect a person’s blood pressure with the rapid breathing.

Sometimes high blood pressure is caused by malfunctioning kidneys or is paired with diabetes. If that is the case, you can guide the student to poses that massage the kidneys and promote healing. Other students are suffering from heart related problems, while others can not pinpoint a reason for their high blood pressure. Twists and stretching poses are especially effective to cleanse the endocrine system and to aid the heart. If there is no identified cause, the condition is referred to as “hypertension.”

Inversions

Many times students who are on medication for blood pressure ask if they can or should do inversions including shoulder stands or head stands. While each person is different, currently doctors encourage students taking medication to exercise regularly. If your student feels light headed or has a racing heartbeat, have them to lie in shavasana immediately until the feeling goes away.

A gentler inversion, Downward Facing Dog, does not put as much pressure on the head, and if your student suffers from high pressure that is not yet managed by medication, they should use the pose with caution. Those currently on medication should find the pose to be a comfortable one.

Meditation and Blood Pressure

Mental strain is often linked to higher blood pressure. While medical science can control the physical symptoms, the meditative nature of yoga can treat the mental stresses that remain.

If your student finds even the gentlest poses to be too taxing, assure her that meditation will help her lower the mental aspect that is contributing to her high blood pressure and it will complement the medication she is taking.

By focusing on meditation and twisting poses, a student can successfully use yoga to treat high blood pressure. Yoga provides an ideal way to alleviate the pressure in the mind and body while giving students a safe form of exercises.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

Posted in Yoga Teacher Issues, Yoga Teacher Training | 3 Comments »

Yoga Teacher Education for Cardio Health

Friday, June 29th, 2012

yoga teacherBy Bhavan Kumar

Continuing education for Yoga teachers isn’t simply about techniques.  The complete profile of the benefits our practice can deliver should be stressed at every yoga teacher training.  When you think about a cardio workout, you probably consider running, kickboxing, tennis, basketball, football and other sports. Yogic exercise might not cross your mind as a high-intensity, heart-pumping workout. Technically, yoga is low-impact and gentle on the heart. However, practicing yogic exercises does improve your cardiovascular health due to the deep breathing and increased blood flow encouraged by the postures.

Types of Yoga

Since yoga’s introduction to the west in the 19th century, several different types  have evolved to suit the needs of modern people. Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, and Vinyasa are just a few of the different types of yoga we commonly practice today. Some classes have more focus on finding an inner peace, while others focus more on the physical body. People who strive for a more vigorous workout often look to power yoga to fit their needs. In Vinyasa, students perform a series of poses in a swift manner, causing the heart rate to rise as in other forms of cardio workouts. Vinyasa can result in improved flexibility, stamina and cardio benefits.

Heart Benefits

People suffering from heart disease often find yogic techniques can have healing benefits. Yoga is good for the heart because it is an all-encompassing sort of exercise that takes into consideration the body, mind and breathing. The asanas work to stretch and strengthen the muscles while improving flexibility. The meditation portion of classes allows practitioners to focus on finding an inner sense of calm, and the breathing portion of class allows students to concentrate on bringing fresh oxygen into the body so it can carry fresh blood to the organs. The heart benefits because it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the body functioning, when the blood cells can easily do their job.

Find a Balance

While yogic exercise might not be as vigorous as other types of exercise, it can still be a valuable piece of the fitness puzzle in maintaining a healthy heart. Get your heart pumping faster by flowing through a series of poses swiftly, or combine stretches with a more rigorous workout. Asanas are wonderful ways to stretch and cool down the body after the heart rate has risen. Concentrate on deep, deliberate breathing while performing each posture to ensure the heart gets ample amounts of oxygen. Release your heart from stress, anxiety and fear by opening up during workouts to let positive energy into your body. All of these things will help maintain a strong, healthy heart.

Tips for Teachers

If you teach a physical style but it is therapeutic, you can easily modify your classes for cardio health and there is nothing wrong with props.  Paulji has shown slow flow vinyasa using a chair.  Instructors who don’t know how to change, should enhance their education with specialized yoga teacher training.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Teacher Training: Lesson Plans

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

Planning ahead for a yoga class characterizes the smart, experienced instructor although some teachers don’t realize they should come to class armed with a plan. Those who teach in an intimate yoga studio setting and are familiar with their students and those students’ needs can develop a yoga lesson plan with thorough attention to detail and practitioner needs. On the other hand, many yoga instructors who teach large classes with ever-changing rosters protest that planning for their classes can be really difficult.

The truth is that no teacher can foresee the needs of every student or session, so the inability to do so is not an excuse to for-go the lesson plan. In fact, developing a lesson plan may make an instructor better at modifying in-class activities for a number of reasons. First, having a plan already laid out means a clearer picture of theme or class emphasis. Second, have a series worked out ahead of time means less mental juggling in-class, which should make modifications easier to adapt to. Third, planning ahead encourages the instructor to consider audience, length, experience, and foreseeable needs so that mid-class changes to the series occur less often.

Six Tips for Developing a Lesson Plan

1. Consider audience. Who are your students? Do you know them? If so, consider their age, experience, and physical needs such as injuries. If not, what have previous classes at this venue prepared you for?

2. Consider time of day. Afternoon and evening classes tend to feature adults who are tired or stressed whereas morning classes can be more invigorating. Can you insert more meditation and relaxation poses into your afternoon session?

3. Consider emphasis. Each yoga class should have a clear purpose. If you know your students, consider their needs. What do they know or not know about yoga? If you don’t know your students, can you anticipate, based on class advertisement, what they’ll be looking for?

4. Consider longevity. Should you design your class as a one-stop-shop for yoga or can you structure a series of classes with differing emphases that string together toward a common purpose? For example, some instructors design a 6-week beginner yoga course which teaches new yogis the basics while others build a strong repertoire of mastered poses through repetition and gradual introduction to more complex postures.

5. Consider resources. What props are available at your venue? How can you ensure access to props as necessary and encourage their use to facilitate better practice?

6. Consider plan B. Expect the unexpected and try to adopt methods for handling unforeseeable needs or students. If you think through potential problems ahead of time, you will be better equipped to deal with them when they arise.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Teacher Training for Reaching Schools

Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

There are many opportunities, which are not discussed in a typical yoga teacher training.  Most trainers may make you think the only opportunities are in their studio or ashram.  When you take any yoga certification course, networking to the local community is usually brushed over.  Usually, you have to do your own homework in reaching out to the community, but it is even more difficult when reaching out to areas where children congregate.  Public, private schools, dance, and martial arts schools are a good place to start, but how can you explain the benefits if you can’t get your foot in the door.  If you are a parent, you should join the PTA.  If you’re not a parent, you should network with the PTA, administrators, teachers, and parents.

Yoga can provide many benefits to children, both physically and mentally. Schools that have already implemented yoga into the classroom are finding positive results on academic and behavioral levels. There are still many schools that haven’t heard of the positive effects of teaching yogic techniques to help the kids focus, release stress, gain confidence, and get along with other children better. When approaching teachers and administrators with the idea to implement yogic concepts into schools, it’s best to let them know the benefits, show them how to teach it, and let them try it for their selves.

Schools often get bombarded with a lot of different concepts for improving the learning environment, helping kids grasp concepts, or assisting with discipline. While many teachers are open to new ideas, they don’t want to spend time on trendy or frivolous ideas that simply don’t work. When a teacher who knows nothing of the benefits of yoga hears a proposal to implement it into the school day, he or she might likely dismiss it at first glance. Yoga teachers have a responsibility to school teachers and administrators to educate them about the benefits we can provide for the children.

State the Facts

When discussing the benefits that kids’ yoga can provide, use facts. Cite recent studies and statistics that give hard evidence of the effects that yogic exercises can have. You will want to show that kids yoga raises test scores, has an impact on disciplinary issues, and gives kids healthy ways to release stress and focus the mind.

Explain the purpose of yogic exercises. Let teachers know that as children learn to be at more peace within their selves, it will spread to their relationships with each other. Every student experiences stress of some sort throughout the day, and a healthy way to relieve it. Schools that use yoga are giving the students a lifelong habit that will result in greater health and happiness.

Show Specific Teaching Methods

Teachers also need to see how to implement yoga exercises into the classroom in a way that will not take much time or equipment. Get the teachers involved by leading them in a few simple stretches while teaching them the benefits or goals of each stretch. Show them which stretches to use to calm the mind, energize the brain, or release stress. When you get the teachers moving, they can experience the benefits firsthand.

Encourage Questions

Allow teachers to express doubt or ask as many questions as necessary. Encourage them to try it in their own classrooms for a month to see what happens. When teachers and administrators see the effects on their own students, there will be little room for doubt.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Teacher Training for Sciatica

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

yoga teacher educationBy Faye Martins

When looking at intensive courses for continuing education, most workshops and advanced yoga certification courses will generally be organized to address a number of common ailments.  For example: A yoga for back pain course is not entirely about sciatica, but the will be addressed during the course.  Let’s look at some issues concerning the sciatic nerve, which will help us get the most out of a specialized yoga teacher training for back problems.

Is lower back pain caused by picked nerve a contraindication for yoga practice, or can some asanas actually help in its recovery? Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs when one of the nerves radiating from the spine is pinched, resulting in tingling, numbness, weakness and cramping on one or both sides of the body.

The sciatic nerve is a one-inch band made up of of smaller nerves that radiate from the spine. When pinched by bone spurs or herniated discs, inflammation occurs and results in acute pain. Standard treatments usually involve rest, physical therapy, medication and sometimes surgery, but these often fail to provide lasting relief. Exercise can help, but it’s hard to know which movements help and which ones hurt.

What should our students do?

Nerve damage causes tight hamstrings and hip joints. Standing or seated forward bends can strain the lower back, exacerbating the problem.

• Temporarily and gradually adjust forward bends to work around any pain and use straps to stretch the hamstrings if needed.

• Don’t try to touch the floor during flare-ups and return slowly to forward bends as you recover.

• Never round the back; gently fold at the hips when bending forward, widening the sit bones and relaxing the tail bone.

• Extend and straighten the spine; tilt the pelvis forward to keep from worsening pain.

Which asanas help to control sciatic pain?

The first rule in yoga is to “never do anything that hurts.” Adjust poses to accommodate your individual needs and get advice from an experienced instructor.

• Regardless of the movement, compressing the lower back is a no-no for people with impinged nerves. Instead, concentrate on drawing the tail bone down toward the heels and tilting the pelvis. Raising the chest and lengthening the spine help to separate the vertebrae and create space in the lower back.

• The following poses extend the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve: Cobra Pose, Bow Pose, Bridge Pose, Crescent Lunge Pose, Reclining Big Toe, and Lotus Pose.

• Twists lengthen the spine and increase circulation to parts of the body affected by sciatica. Movement should be slow and cautious, using muscles instead of pushing with the hands. In some instances, such as bulging or herniated discs, twisting can further damage the back. Use caution.

• Helpful twists include Standing Chair Twist, Sage Pose, Bharadvaja’s Twist, Half Lord of the Fishes Pose and Noose Pose.

The Mayo Clinic recommends gentle stretches and restorative poses to relax tight muscles and improve posture. Strengthening the abdominal wall relieves pressure on the lower back, and the pelvic tilt is one of the safest and easy ways to keep stomach muscles strong. Some therapists also recommend the use of ice after workouts to calm irritated nerves.

Conclusion

As a yoga instructor, you aren’t expected to be a doctor, but you should be able to modify techniques to suit the health of your student.  Look into reliable resources, such as studies at hospitals, colleges, and websites that are affiliated with the medical industry.  In this way, we can avoid making claims that we can’t deliver.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book: “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Yoga Teacher Training for Diabetes

Monday, June 25th, 2012

yoga certificationBy Faye Martins

When you attend a 200-hour yoga certification course, you are often trained to work with athletic types. After a yoga instructor begins teaching, he or she addresses the most common health problems. Sooner, or later, an instructor will have a student who is a diabetic.  If you didn’t cover special populations and ailments in your foundational teacher training, it’s no problem, but now is the time to work on your continuing education.  Just so we’re clear, continuing education is part of keeping your mind active for life and there is no one course with all the answers to the puzzles of life.

What are the best postures we can teach to diabetics? Flowing sequences come to mind first, but not every diabetic is ready to begin practicing Sun Salutations (surya namaskars) and vinyasa sequences from the start. These means, we have to research, consult a mentor, and possibly modify the routines we learned at foundational training. Depending on the health of your student, all asanas may have to be modified by using a chair and establishing a restorative practice.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the way the body metabolizes food. Diabetics don’t produce adequate amounts of insulin for cells to be able to take in the glucose that our bodies produce. This incurable disease lasts a lifetime. Although it can be controlled through proper diet, exercise and medication, there is nothing that patients can do to eliminate the disease. If it isn’t treated properly, diabetes can lead to other health concerns, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage or gangrene. People with diabetes can, however, live a normal, healthy life.

Today, more and more people are being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, which means the body isn’t producing enough insulin. There is a common perception that the most common reason why people get Type II is often due to poor diet, obesity and a lifestyle that doesn’t include exercise.  This is not always true, you could be fit, lean, eat right, and still have Type II.  So, let’s avoid stereotyping because anyone can become a diabetic. Walking, surya namaskars, and a regular yoga routine can usually help eliminate many of the causes and symptoms of diabetes. The gentle nature of asanas and the deep breathing included with the poses can result in lower blood pressure, better digestion, weight loss, and an overall healthier body.

My suggestions for any asana are modify when needed.  If you never learned to teach with props, you should take a continuing education course that will help your skills.  Yoga teacher training courses can cover the full spectrum of special needs that our students have.  Here are three of my favorite asanas for diabetics, but there are many more to choose from.

Downward Facing Dog

Begin on all fours, with palms flat on the mat, fingers spread, and the hands below the shoulders. Push up and back, creating an inverted ‘V’ with your body. Heels can rest flat on the mat, or be raised off the mat a bit. Pull the belly in, push down into the mat with your hands, and point the tailbone up towards the ceiling.

Big Toe Pose

Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Slowly bend from the hips, lowering the head toward the thighs. It’s okay to keep a slight bend in the knees. Reach your hands down to grab your big toes with the thumb and forefingers of each hand. Release the head and neck, allowing the weight of your upper body to pull you into a deep stretch.

Triangle Pose

Stand with feet wider than shoulder width on the mat, toes pointing forward. Turn one foot about 90 degrees, keeping the other foot pointing forward. Keeping the hips squared forward, raise both arms to shoulder height. Slowly lower the upper body to the side of the body with the turned-out toes. Bend from the waist and reach with your arms. Place the bottom hand next to the foot, rest it on the calf, or use a block for support. Reach the opposite arm up toward the ceiling. If it’s comfortable on your neck, turn your gaze up toward the ceiling.

Conclusion

As a yoga instructor, nobody expects you to have all the answers, but you should maintain contact with a source or a mentor.  Don’t make false promises and make sure you do diligent research before you work with yoga students who have special needs. There are many circumstances that can contribute to any ailment. As a yoga teacher, it’s important to keep your students safe.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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How Can Yoga Teachers Help Beginners?

Sunday, June 24th, 2012

yoga instructor trainingBy Amruta Kulkarni, CYT 500

As a yoga teacher, you want to welcome new people with open arms.  People new to a yogic way of life are taking a big step, just by visiting a studio or ashram.  We may view it as a small hurdle, but new students want to shed the label “beginner” as soon as possible.  The best way a yoga instructor can help is to provide handouts, information and explain that some information on the Internet is erroneous or intended for teachers.

The research a beginner will perform before starting up will vary depending on the person’s intentions and whether or not they will be participating in a class or practicing alone.

Schools

All beginners should first research the different yoga schools to decide which one is right for their needs. Some people begin a practice wanting to lose weight, and these people should try more physically challenging schools like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, which includes a fast-paced flow of poses. A student looking for a more relaxed and calming style, which tends to slow down metabolism, might prefer Iyengar practice.

In Studio or at Home?

At Home

Beginners who want to practice on their own will need to perform a lot of research on various poses and breathing techniques. One of the best ways to do this is to find a beginner video series or online web tutorial from a reputable source that offers in-depth instruction.

Reputable videos or online tutorials are good starting places, as long as they fit the beginners’ needs. However, new students should still perform research on asanas, pranayama, meditation and their purposes, to begin building a strong repertoire of yogic knowledge. The more a student knows about basic breathing technique theory, for example, the better he or she will be able to put it into practice pranayama correctly.

In Studio

Beginners who decide that taking a class will be a better option should identify several local yoga studios or gyms that offer yoga classes and then do a little research. Those with fitness memberships might find it easier to sign up for a class offered by their gym, but this can sometimes mean a less-qualified yoga instructor or a class that does not fit with their intended purpose. On the other hand, this option is convenient and could be less expensive than taking a class at a local studio.

Studios tend to offer a variety of experienced and certified yoga instructors who teach different classes at varying times. Beginners interested in a local studio should ask around about its reputation and should take time to visit before the first class by arriving early.  Some studios a introductory to new students, which is a great way to try out a class without a serious commitment. Remind students to wear close-fitting, comfortable athletic clothes, and bring a mat if they are are more comfortable using their own equipment.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training and continuing education courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio owner, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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How to Tell Kids Yoga Stories

Saturday, June 23rd, 2012

yoga teacher certificationBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Teaching Yoga to children can be a challenging and fun experience. Although first-time instructors might feel overwhelmed by the incredible amount of energy one room can hold, preparing ahead of time can make the kids’ Yoga class a lot less intimidating for the teacher.

Stories as a Method for Focusing

One excellent way to tame active, energetic children is to use Yoga stories as a tool to guide students throughout the session. Stories can serve a variety of purposes, including getting a child’s attention, correcting misbehavior, teaching an important moral or character lesson, pacing the class, and giving young minds interesting material to latch on to.

How to Tell Stories

Some Yoga instructors tell stories, in the beginning of the class, to serve as an attention-getter, or at the end of class, as a call to relaxation; other instructors prefer to weave stories into the entire session. The method a Yoga teacher chooses will probably reflect how long the class is, how energetic the instructor is, the average age of the youth, and how engaged the students are.

Stories should be tailored to the age of the class, as younger children will benefit from simpler, more interactive stories, and older children will prefer more detailed stories that they can apply to their own lives.

One of the best things a Yoga instructor can do with stories is to use props. Kids love practical, tactile helpers, such as bolsters, blankets, and Hoberman Spheres. They can also have a wonderful time with less practical props, like hats, costume jewelry, feather boas, flowers, leaves, and branches. One smart way to utilize these items is to pass them out and have each student demonstrate the use of the prop during a certain point in the story.

Most young people have no problem following the instructor’s lead into asanas during story telling, but visual aids can also be a great resource for keeping kids’ attention. One easy way to do this is to bring in books with colorful illustrations to display, reserving one page of the story for each pose.

Creating Incentives As Positive Reinforcement

Another fun way to enhance the story is to find a felt board, which are available at any teacher supply store, and enlarge pictures of some of the students in their asanas. Then create alternative, fun names for the poses and display the new names, which correspond to the story, on the story board, along with a picture of different children performing a variety of Yogic techniques. Children will feel proud about getting their pictures on the story board and will enjoy the task of coming up with new names to go with the stories you tell.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher,  studio manager, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in kids yoga articles, yoga for children articles, Yoga for Kids | 1 Comment »

Yoga for Infertility

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

yoga teacher trainingBy Faye Martins

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 12 percent of the U.S. childbearing population suffers from an impaired ability to have children while close to seven and a half percent of women of childbearing age are infertile. Causes of infertility vary from blocked fallopian tubes to polycystic ovary syndrome to a variety of minor but highly influential factors like age, weight, diet, smoking and stress.

The CDC lists several treatment options for infertility: medication, surgery, artifical insemination or assisted reproductive technology like in vitro fertilization. Unfortunately, even with all of these expensive medical interventions, at least one-third of the couples treated for infertility still do not end up conceiving.

Alternative Treatments

It is interesting that the CDC lists only medical interventions for infertility treatment since many studies concluded over the last decade or so that for unexplained infertility or infertility not related to a major problem like fibroids or blocked fallopian tubes, making lifestyle changes to reduce stress and stay healthy contributes to an increase in fertility.

Doctors have surmised that women who suffer from infertility have stress levels as high as those who were recently diagnosed with a major disease like HIV, and if a combination of unhealthy factors like stress, weight and diet affect a woman’s fertility, then reducing or eliminating unhealthy factors may in fact increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant and carrying the baby to term. To this end, many researchers have suggested improving physical and emotional health through methods like exercise, improved diet and yoga for meditative relaxation.

Yoga for Infertility

Yoga serves as an excellent alternative or complementary way to influence a woman’s body toward a healthier, more productive balance. Due to the fact that asanas strengthen and tone the body in an attempt to establish a mind-body awareness, women or couples who practice derive the physical benefits of healthier bodies in addition to the relaxation benefits that meditating and practicing breathing techniques offer.

Some yoga practices even recommend certain poses and emphases for women struggling with infertility. Poses that open up the hips and pelvis or relax the belly and abdomen to encourage the downward flow of prana, which may open up a constricted uterine or stressed out nervous system, can increase a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

Practitioners also note an added benefit to practicing yoga during a struggle with infertility. Women who can’t get pregnant often form a conflicted or negative perspective of their bodies, but a consistent yoga practice can help restore self-love and a positive relationship to the physical body.

© Copyright 2012 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

Free report, newsletter, videos, podcasts, and e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

If you are a Yoga Teacher, studio manager, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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Posted in Yoga for Health | No Comments »

What Doctors Should Know about Yoga

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

yoga teacher certificationBy Faye Martins

Yoga is being studied more and more, following an explosion of interest in it over the last ten years. As a result, experienced practitioners feel gratified that their claims of derived benefits have been and will continue to be substantiated by science. However, not everyone in the medical community is on board, and there are a few things to keep in mind when talking to doctors about yoga.

Tips for Discussion

Unless your doctor actually practices yoga, the chances are high that he or she will view the discipline with a suspicious eye. Thus, it is smart to keep the discussion within the scientific realm and avoid mention of chakras, asanas, pranayama and the like. Not only will this introduce unfamiliar vocabulary to your physician’s ear, but it will also fuel any suspicions he or she has about the practice we cherish, calling to mind ideas of witch doctors and alternative natural remedies that promise to work magic. Even if you believe in this stuff, most doctors prefer a Westernized view of medicine and many scorn the idea of alternative medicine.

This brings up another avenue of caution. In your discussion with your doctor about yoga, stress its function as complementary medicine instead of alternative. Studies have proven the medical value of yoga practice alongside traditional avenues of healing like medicine. Emphasize these studies, differentiating between the healing benefits of a yogic lifestyle, particularly as quality of life enhancements or as a form of physical therapy, and the healing properties of medicine. Be sure that you give your doctor no reason to feel competitive, threatened or defensive about his or her own medical practice and its relation to yoga.

What Doctors Should Know 

Doctors should be increasingly aware of studies done about the relationship of a yogic lifestyle to their own field of practice. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, bring study results with you if your doctor has not yet researched the benefits of yogic practices.

Yogic practices are designed to foster improved strength and flexibility in the physical body, and the benefits derived from its breathing and meditative techniques are also proven to decrease stress and tension.

Yoga is especially effective as an aid to improving psychosomatic illnesses like anxiety disorders. Yogic philosophy’s holistic focus emphasizes treatment of the root problem, rather than just its symptoms.

Explain to your doctor that yoga is not just about meditation and deep breathing, and asana sequences can work as physical therapy for people with injuries, persistent inflammation or chronic pain.

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