More About Yoga

WHAT IS YOGA?

Yoga is one of the oldest systems of self development. It is believed to have originated in India around 3000 BCE. The word ‘yoga’ translates as ‘union’ so, whilst yoga is essentially a physical discipline, it uses the body and breathing to develop self-awareness and mental clarity and so ‘unites’ the body and the mind.

Techniques begin with the health of the physical body as a route to improving the state of both mental and emotional well being. Yoga includes the practice of physical postures, breathing exercises and relaxation that are of special relevance to stressful living as they form a balanced and holistic approach to countering the stresses and strains of the modern western way of life.

Over the centuries many diﬀerent forms of yoga have been developed, the most frequently practiced in the western world being ‘Hatha’ yoga.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM YOGA?

Anyone can practice yoga regardless of age or ability. Yoga can be modiﬁed with the help of a skilled and trained teacher so that anyone can derive beneﬁt from it.

Some people start to do yoga because they want enhanced body ﬂexibility whilst others seek an improved sense of inner tranquility. But any yoga student can begin to notice beneﬁt within 10-12 weeks of starting a yoga course. When you begin to practice yoga you may be only interested in the physical beneﬁts but before long you may well ﬁnd that yoga postures lift your mood and improve your state of mind.

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Helps to improve and/or develop:

• Body awareness
• Body strength, tone, ﬂexibility, stamina
• Quality of breathing
• Concentration
• Co-ordination
• Balance and poise
• Circulation
• Calmness thus assisting the managementof anxiety, depression
• Self conﬁdence
• Self discipline
• Sense of well being
• Mindfulness
• Sleep patterns

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A YOGA CLASS?

In the ﬁrst instance you will need to bring a non slip exercise mat and a blanket for
your ﬁrst class. You may also then require some additional props such as blocks.
You will also need to pay attention to the following practicalities:

• Wear loose, non restrictive, comfortable clothing removing jewellery.
• Working in bare feet ensures a close contact with the ground and is safest.
• Allow at least 3 hours after a heavy meal and 1-2 hours after a light meal before
   beginning your practice.
• Always listen to your body. Do not overstrain.
• Relax into the postures. Do not overstretch.
• Relax between postures.
• Be aware that your performance will vary from practice to practice and is perfectly
   normal.
• Always practice ‘mindfully’.
• Breathe through your nose unless directed otherwise by your teacher.
• Inform the tutor of any physical problems that you may have which may aﬀect your
   practice, including pregnancy.
• Take responsibility for your own body. Yoga is non-competitive, with others or yourself!

YOUR YOGA TEACHER

Christine Turner is a qualiﬁed occupational therapist with over 30 years of working with
people with special physical and mental needs, including experience of working in
the specialist ﬁeld of posture management and wheelchair assessment.

Over 25 years ago she embarked on her own personal journey with yoga and latterly has become a British Wheel of Yoga trained yoga teacher. She now works in private practice
combining these two specialities which complement each other as holistic practices.

For further information about classes or individual sessions please contact Christine