This Session will focus on sequencing practices for therapeutic purposes. As yoga research for alternative and complementary health systems grows, studies have documented the efficacy of yoga for back pain, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, cancer, heart disease, and tuberculosis.
Yoga can change unhealthy patterns and dysfunctional behavior in addition to the benefits of asana, meditation, and other practices. People become sensitive to the effects of actions on bodies and minds, and they want to make changes to feel better.
Click here for an interview of Cora talking about Yoga Therapeutics
The Series:
Class #1 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”kSnQ66wKGXs&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose CA
This is the first class in a series to look at therapeutic techniques within an asana. Today we began with the foundations of the feet. An overview to look at the anatomical actions of the feet, and how they can be used as indicators of other organs of action.
Misalignment of the foot can begin a cycle of instability for the rest of the body. Examining what anatomical actions we ask of the feet within yoga asana can help or hinder us in practice. Repeating patterns of misalignment and/or unaware action can be the tipping point to instability in body, mind and spirit.
Class#2 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”r6yfJ_qsW9U&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose CA
We will work today with Uttitha Parsvakonasana Side Angle Pose.
The variations were working with focus on the foot and inner groin. Subtle body focus to move balance energy of Prana and Apana, working with Samana Vayu to balance the mind, body and Spirit.
Bring the back of the brain around and over into the valley of the eyes.
Moving back and down into the valley of the seat of the heart.
Uttitha Parsvakonasana shown with wall, blocks, yoga belt, chair and supine floor variations.
Class #3 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”YrtPvm_5gko&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose CA
This session looks at Spinal rotation and how that applies to teaching twists in asana.
The back is an intricate structure of bones, muscles, and tissues that form the posterior part of the body’s trunk, from neck to pelvis. The centerpiece is the spinal column, which supports upper body’s weight and protects the spinal cord — the delicate nervous system structure that carries signals that control movements and convey sensations.
We will review some muscles of rotation and look at poses in standing, seated and supine positions. The focus is on Quadratus Lumborum and Psoas
Class #4 ([video_lightbox_youtube video_id=”oTo_giB8-jM&rel=0″ width=”640″ height=”480″ anchor=”Stream”] | Download)
Recorded @Yoga Bloom LAB San Jose CA
We look at how to work with endurance athletes, and the sports that are used in Triathlons. Triathlons are made up of three segments completed consecutively: swimming, cycling and running.
Triathletes compete for fastest overall course completion time, including timed “transitions” between the individual swim, cycle, and run components. Our model Lindsey is a triathlete who has competed in Iron Man for last 5 years.
Athletes need flexibility for freedom to move without resistance or pain, especially if competing and needing to use multiple muscles in different ways. Power in muscles comes from contraction, so increasing muscle length increases potential power produced by its contraction. Stretching also increases blood circulation, and helps flush out waste in muscle, like excess lactic acid.
It is important to stretch post exercise to relax muscles that have been tensed, and relax the mind after vigorous workout.