Stiff Neck? Massage Self instead of a Spa Dessert Yoga Poses
So do you have a painful, tight and stiff neck? Massage self instead of going to a spa and paying hard earned cash. I used to get tons of free massages when I worked at Spafinder.com a few years ago. I am very picky about my massage and more often then not when I got my massage my neck did not feel any better. They usually just concentrated on my back the entire time. I’ve been to countless chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, holistic doctors, yoga classes, alternative and VERY alternative healers. I would be so embarrassed to admin to anyone how much I have spent over the past 6 years in the hopes that my neck pain would go away.
I have had a stiff neck for years. One of my chiropractors in Philadelphia gave me this tip to help my neck and shoulder pain ( neck and shoulder pain seem to go together…. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who had neck pain but didn’t have shoulder pain.)
I don’t ever travel without my tennis balls and a sock for my stiff neck so I can massage my self. I do have to allow a long time to do this since I start at the bottom of my shoulder blades and I lie on the tennis balls a few minutes and then after five minutes I move up to the next vertebrae. I keep going until I get to my occipital ridge….the ridge at the base of my skull and then when I get to that spot I often fall asleep. A great move if you have insomnia.
I recommend doing this tennis balls self massage on the floor and not on a bed. The pressure from the floor will drive the tennis balls deeper into those tight areas and really release that stiffness and pain. It does feel like restorative yoga which is one of my favorite kinds of yoga but requires a lot of props…. you won’t get Taylor Lautner abs from doing this gentle yoga practice but it is a treat and feels like a dessert yoga pose….I usually call it the dessert of yoga… so delicious and will send you to a deep place of tranquility and bliss.
Here is my video for how to do this neck and shoulder massage at home. Turn off your phone, tell no one to bug you for 20 minutes when you are doing this. My husband knows not to ask me anything when I am on my tennis balls…. I become so relaxed that I am incoherent.
I also have gotten so much relief with Jill Miller’s yoga flavored physical therapy moves in her Yoga Tune Up series. So I decided to order her DVD for upper body pain. This DVD is divided into 5 segments specifically for pain in different parts of your body such as your neck, shoulders, hands, wrists and back. The segments range from 5-10 minutes so they are very easy to fit into your day. I found that my pain and tightness had gone down mucho mucho. I have been teaching many of these in my classes and love seeing the look of relief and delight on my students faces when they are able to manage their own health through these moves.
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
You hear so much about interactive meditation and Yoga these days, and there are so many Yoga styles to choose from, that it is advisable to research a particular Yoga style which suits your needs. Some Yoga classes are gentle, restorative, athletic, cerebral, spiritual, meditative, or hot. Therefore, research the style of Yoga which attracts you most. Then visit a local Yoga studio, or wellness center, for further information. If you have any concerns, you could set up an appointment with a Yoga teacher, and share your thoughts about your specific needs. Do research online to see what kinds of reviews the studio and teachers have received. Some people think of yoga as a moving or interactive meditation.
BENEFITS OF PRENATAL YOGA AND PREGNANCY YOGA
A prenatal and postnatal yoga practice can help you
Connect you with other parents who are at all stages of pregnancy
Improve your postpartum recovery
Helps to strengthen the body for child bearing and aids in relieving common discomforts
Alleviate many of the discomforts of pregnancy such as nausea, constipation, varicose veins, swelling, back pain and sciatica.
How does yoga transform you physically, mentally and spiritually?
Release chronic pain, tightness and that frozen feeling in your body through juicy stretching and deep breathing.
Each breath, coupled with movement and intention allows you to create the space for change.
Gain clarity to detach from outcomes during your day so that decisions and obstacles become less stressful, which keeps you off the emotional roller coaster for good.
An uplifting & restful class that will leave you buzzing with vitality & connect you to a deep sense of inner wisdom so you can focus on what you want to manifest in your life
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
Reduce Stress through the practice of Yoga. This is a universal benefit of all styles of Yoga. If you have stress, when you walk into a Yoga class, you will have much less when you leave. You might feel sore or invigorated after your first class.Some Yoga schools use a variety of methods to purge stress from the body, but the most common are Pranayama (breath techniques), Asana (posture), Mantra (sound), Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques. After a few classes, you will know what works and what does not.
Positive Thinking is a by product of most yoga classes, with the rare exception of a dogmatic Yoga teacher. If you discover you are in the midst of a “drill sergeant,” disguised as a Yoga teacher, you have to make a decision based on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Do you want to be challenged or do you want to feel supported during your class? Consider this: If you feel negative after listening to your Yoga teacher, you should not return to that class. You may find another Yoga teacher in the same facility or at another Yoga center.
Sleeping Better is a result of the first two, above-mentioned, Yoga benefits. For the most part, the physical styles of Yoga release muscle tension through Asana (movement) and Pranayama (controlled breath work). The less physical styles may focus on Mantra, Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques and often delve more into yogic philosophy.
Relief from Back Pain is a by product of the physical styles, but choose carefully. The more gentle Hatha Yoga sub-styles such as Restorative, Gentle, and Therapeutic Yoga, cater to students with a variety of ailments, including back pain. Styles such as Ashtanga are usually not a great choice for a yoga newbie since the adjustments can be quite aggressive.
Increased Muscle Tone is also a result of the physical styles of Yoga. If you are searching for a Hatha Yoga teacher, studio, or style, choose one that caters to your physical condition. Do not jump into a physically vigorous Yoga class, unless you are physically active. Most injuries, in the physical forms of Yoga occur, when students push themselves too far or the teacher does an inappropriate aggressive adjustment.
There are a number of personal hygiene practices that can lead to an increased sense of purity, wellness and vitality as it relates to a yogic lifestyle. Since the modern diet, which is centered around convenience, speed and mass production does not always correlate to food that is clean and full of nourishment. Since we are grossly unprotected by our government to regulate cleanliness and nourishment for the food industry, we are left to our own devices to find food that gives us vitality and strength.
A vegetarian diet is usually more ideal since all the chemicals, hormones and anti-biotics that are in meat and dairy products can make us sick. Even in eating a vegetarian diet it is best to abstain from white flour, white pasta, white rice and white sugar as well since these products have been severely denourished in the modern production process.
The simplest advice we could give is when you read a package of in ingredients and you do not recognize the ingredients in them, then it probably means that they are synthetic chemicals that can only harm the body. The more unrecognizable ingredients, the worse it must be for you. As far as diet goes, eating raw is even more energizing and we endeavor to have a few meals a week this way. I find that when I cook for myself with whole ingredients, instead of buying pre-made and prepackaged foods is when I tend to feel the most nourished. I endeavor to purchase organic foods from local purveyors in order to respect and honor our earth as well.
Yoga Asanas for Weight Loss
Yoga Asanas for Weight Loss
The more I learn about the harmful practices and foods that the worldwide food industry practices, the more diligent I become about what I purchase in the supermarket. I have read dozens of books about food production, diet, wellness etc. Each book I read, I endeavor to incorporate a few key lessons into my diet. I recently read a book where I learned the distinction between different production methods of olive oil which make a tremendous difference in how one assimilates this very popular and often used ingredient. Now, I will only buy cold-pressed or expeller pressed, first press extra virgin olive oil. Self-reliance and a determination to discover the healthiest ways to feed oneself are critical in an age where we rely on others to grow, prepare and regulate our food.
How does yoga transform you physically, mentally and spiritually to achieve your yoga weightloss goals? How can you choosing a yoga teacher help you get there faster with weightloss? How do you go about choosing a yoga teacher?
Release chronic pain, tightness and that frozen feeling in your body through juicy stretching and deep breathing.
Each breath, coupled with movement and intention allows you to create the space for change.
Gain clarity to detach from outcomes during your day so that decisions and obstacles become less stressful, which keeps you off the emotional roller coaster for good.
An uplifting & restful class that will leave you buzzing with vitality & connect you to a deep sense of inner wisdom so you can focus on what you want to manifest in your life
Philadelphia Yoga Class Outside …Rock Your Asana Yoga on the Art Museum Steps. We took this outside yoga class as a benefit for Yoga Unites against Breast Cancer which they hold every year so you can rock your asana yoga on the Philly Art Museum Steps.
Five Solid Benefits You Can Experience from Yoga
Reduce Stress through the practice of Yoga. This is a universal benefit of all styles of Yoga. If you have stress, when you walk into a Yoga class, you will have much less when you leave. You might feel sore or invigorated after your first class.Some Yoga schools use a variety of methods to purge stress from the body, but the most common are Pranayama (breath techniques), Asana (posture), Mantra (sound), Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques. After a few classes, you will know what works and what does not.
Positive Thinking is a by product of most yoga classes, with the rare exception of a dogmatic Yoga teacher. If you discover you are in the midst of a “drill sergeant,” disguised as a Yoga teacher, you have to make a decision based on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Do you want to be challenged or do you want to feel supported during your class? Consider this: If you feel negative after listening to your Yoga teacher, you should not return to that class. You may find another Yoga teacher in the same facility or at another Yoga center.
Sleeping Better is a result of the first two, above-mentioned, Yoga benefits. For the most part, the physical styles of Yoga release muscle tension through Asana (movement) and Pranayama (controlled breath work). The less physical styles may focus on Mantra, Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques and often delve more into yogic philosophy.
Relief from Back Pain is a by product of the physical styles, but choose carefully. The more gentle Hatha Yoga sub-styles such as Restorative, Gentle, and Therapeutic Yoga, cater to students with a variety of ailments, including back pain. Styles such as Ashtanga are usually not a great choice for a yoga newbie since the adjustments can be quite aggressive.
Increased Muscle Tone is also a result of the physical styles of Yoga. If you are searching for a Hatha Yoga teacher, studio, or style, choose one that caters to your physical condition. Do not jump into a physically vigorous Yoga class, unless you are physically active. Most injuries, in the physical forms of Yoga occur, when students push themselves too far or the teacher does an inappropriate aggressive adjustment.
How does yoga transform you physically, mentally and spiritually to achieve your yoga weightloss goals? How can you choosing a yoga teacher help you get there faster?
Release chronic pain, tightness and that frozen feeling in your body through juicy stretching and deep breathing.
Each breath, coupled with movement and intention allows you to create the space for change.
Gain clarity to detach from outcomes during your day so that decisions and obstacles become less stressful, which keeps you off the emotional roller coaster for good.
An uplifting & restful class that will leave you buzzing with vitality & connect you to a deep sense of inner wisdom so you can focus on what you want to manifest in your life
Have you ever done yoga outside or in nature..what was it like…..? Post your thoughts on our Facebook page.
===============================
For free articles about yoga mailed once a month, email info at synergybyjasmine dot com with “Request Yoga Tips” in headline.
Jasmine Kaloudis teaches spiritual retreats in Pennsylvania, NJ and is the author of the mind body blogs and websites for 2011. She also teaches yoga weight loss classes, prenatal yoga near the Mainline, PA, gentle yoga near Broomall PA as well as gentle beginner yoga in various Philadelphia area locations.
There are a number of food choices that can lead to an increased sense of purity, wellness and vitality. Since the modern diet, which is centered around convenience, speed and mass production, this does not always correlate to food that is clean and full of nourishment. Since we are grossly unprotected by our government to regulate cleanliness and nourishment in the food industry, we are left to our own devices to find food that gives us vitality and strength.
The simplest advice I could give is when you read a package of ingredients and you do not recognize the ingredients in them, then it probably means that they are synthetic chemicals that can only harm your body. Don’t rely on packaging that claims it is “healthy, natural, fat-free” since a pile of lard wrapped in MSG can claim that on the main packaging. The more unrecognizable ingredients, the worse it must be for you. I find that when I cook for myself with whole ingredients, instead of buying pre-made and prepackaged foods is when I tend to feel the most nourished. I endeavor to purchase organic foods from local purveyors in order to respect and honor our earth as well.
The more I learn about the harmful practices and foods that the worldwide food industry practices, the more diligent I become about what I purchase in the supermarket. I have read dozens of books about food production, diet, wellness etc. Each book I read, I endeavor to incorporate a few key lessons into my diet. I recently read a book where I learned the distinction between different production methods of olive oil which make a tremendous difference in how one assimilates this very popular and often used ingredient. Now, I will only buy cold-pressed or expeller pressed, first press extra virgin olive oil. Self-reliance and a determination to discover the healthiest ways to feed oneself are critical in an age where we rely on others to grow, prepare and regulate our food.
If you’re not sure if a food is good for you or not, cut it out of your life for 4 days and just notice how you feel.
Research has shown that yoga and other types of mind-body practices can help improve patient outcomes, particularly quality-of-life. However, none have become standard of care, or are on the clinical care pathway for cancer patients.
The Status of Yoga Research
Research suggests that yoga might:
Improve mood, decrease stress and sense of well-being
Improve cardiovascular health such as reducing heart rate and blood pressure
Improve muscle relaxation and body composition
Help with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia
Improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility
Positively affect levels of certain brain or blood chemicals.
Patients who participated in the yoga program reported that their ability to engage in everyday activities – walking up stairs or around the neighborhood, carrying groceries – all improved. Studies also found improved sleep and reduced fatigue levels, and preliminary analysis suggests lowered stress hormone levels.
Through lecture, breath work, guided imagery and gentle physical postures, students learn techniques to manage treatment side effects, cultivate emotional balance, reduce stress and improve overall health.
While it’s not a cure for cancer, yoga enhances physical and emotional wellness—and brings a peace many patients had thought they’d lost forever.
People with cancer may use yoga to:
Help cope with the side effects of cancer treatments, such as nausea, discomfort, pain, and fatigue;
Comfort themselves and ease the worries of cancer treatment and related stress;
Feel that they are more empowered with their own care and well-being.
Mind-Body Medicines
These are based on the belief that your mind is able to affect your body. Some examples are:
Meditation: Focused breathing or repetition of words, matras or phrases to quiet the mind;
Yoga: Systems of stretches and poses, with special attention given to breathing;
Questions to ask Your Health Teacher and Doctor
What types of Yoga might:
Help me cope, reduce my stress, and feel better?
Help me feel less tired?
Help me deal with cancer symptoms, such as pain, or side effects of treatment, such as nausea?
Improve my level of vitality and wellness?
Are there any kinds of yoga (hot, power, kundalini) or poses ( backbends, inversions, balancing) that I should avoid?
If I decide to try a Yoga:
Will it interfere with my treatment or medicines?
Can you help me understand these articles I found about ygoa?
Can you suggest a yoga practitioner for me to talk to?
Will you work with my yoga practitioner?
Choose Yoga Teachers with Care
Choosing one should be done with the same care as choosing a doctor. Here are some things to remember when choosing a Yoga Teacher:
Ask your doctor or nurse to suggest someone or speak with someone who knows about yoga.
Ask whether someone at your cancer center or doctor’s office can help you find a yoga teacher. There may be a social worker or physical therapist who can help you.
Ask whether your hospital keeps lists of centers or has staff who can suggest people.
Contact Yoga Alliance to get names of practitioners who are certified. This means that they have proper training in their field.
Contact local health and wellness organizations.
Ask about each practitioner’s training and experience. They should be certified a Yoga Alliance approved school.
Call your health care plan to see if it covers yoga.
What general questions should I ask the Yoga Teacher?
What types of yoga do you practice?
What are your training and qualifications?
Do you teach other students with my type of cancer?
If You Are Thinking About Yoga
Do not use yoga as a replacement for conventional care or to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem.
If you have a medical condition, consult with your health care provider before starting yoga.
Ask about the physical demands of the type of yoga in which you are interested, as well as the training and experience of the yoga teacher you are considering.
Look for published research studies on yoga for the health condition you are interested in.
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a complete picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
If you’re taking a class and have difficulty with a pose, an experienced instructor will design an easier posture for you or give you modifications to make it more accessible. Many teachers use props such as blocks or cushions to make the practice more comfortable.
If you find even basic classes to be too difficult, ask your teacher if there is a “restorative” yoga class you could try. These gentle classes are beneficial when recovering from illness or surgery and involve a minimum of physical work, concentrating on breathing while being supported by pillows, blocks, blankets and other props.
Important things to consider before trying yoga
Like all practices, yoga comes with some risks:
Risk of inexperienced instructors: Because of the variation in certification requirements for yoga teachers, it’s possible to take a class with a yoga teacher who has very little experience. This is not always safe and can result in injuries. Ask your oncologist or cancer center staff to recommend highly experienced yoga instructors who regularly work with cancer patients.
Risk of lymphedema: In people who have had lymph nodes removed, some of the more strenuous yoga types and poses may present a risk for lymphedema.Lymphedema (pronounced LIMF-eh-DEE-ma) is a side effect that can begin during or after breast cancer treatment. It isn’t life threatening, but can last over a long period of time. Lymphedema involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm or hand. The swelling may be accompanied by numbness, discomfort, and sometimes infection. A yoga instructor who has experience with breast cancer patients will know which yoga types and poses are safe.
Risk of fracture in people with bone metastasis: In people with breast cancer that has metastasized to the bone, some types of yoga may carry a risk of fractures. If you have bone metastasis, ask your doctor whether yoga is right for you, or if there is a gentle form of yoga such as restorative yoga or another practice that might work better, such as guided imagery. Always check with your doctor before you begin a yoga practice, especially if it vigorous or physically challenging.
What are your thought about practicing yoga and when you have cancer?
for pain in different parts of your body such as your neck, shoulders, hands, wrists and back. The segments range from 5-10 minutes so they are very easy to fit into your day. I found that my pain and tightness had gone down mucho mucho. I have been teaching many of these in my classes and love seeing the look of relief and delight on my students faces when they are able to manage their own health through these moves.
Research has shown that yoga and other types of mind-body practices can help improve patient outcomes, particularly quality-of-life. However, none have become standard of care, or are on the clinical care pathway for cancer patients.