Yoga
A way of living that aims towards 'a healthy mind in a healthy body.
What is yoga?
Yoga can mean many things to many people. To some it may be a lifestyle, a spiritual path, a philosophy, or a science. To others it may simply be a system of exercise, or way to relax after a stressful day.
The word ‘Yoga’ means ‘union’, ‘yoke’, or ‘joining together’. The union of the individual soul with the ‘Universal Spirit’. Or, on a more Western level, it is the union of the body with the mind and of the mind with the spirit. Yoga is about the balancing of the mind and the body using the breath. Yoga is in fact a ‘state’ of being – the state of ‘samadhi’ a state of ‘meditation’, or ‘being totally at one with the Self’.
Yoga arose at the beginning of human civilisation, when man first realised his spiritual potential. In ancient time yoga techniques were kept secret, not written down, but passed on from teacher to student by word of mouth. References to yoga were first found in texts which date back to hundreds of years B.C. We need to remember that the origins of yoga are centuries old when ways of life were vastly removed from ours today and the lives we now lead.
Today we tend to practise asanas, (postures) and pranayama (breathing) for the practical benefits to the health and the nervous system, glands, vital organs, muscles and joints etc, rather that in search for higher self enlightenment and we really only skim the surface of true yoga.
What is yoga good for?
In order to keep our bodies healthy we need to keep our stress levels down. Yoga provides a number of techniques and practices we can use to relax our mind and body and keep our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems balanced, namely: Asana, Breathing techniques, Relaxation, Meditation / Concentration.
People come to Yoga practice for all sorts of reasons and each person’s reason is as valid as the next and should be respected. Regardless of the original reason for practicing Yoga, when practiced regularly with dedication not only will the original reason be realised, much more will be experienced. A healthier, content life will result.
By promoting good health, removal of tensions, toxins and impurities and releasing energy blocks we become more useful in helping others and serving humanity, which is one of the key themes in the Bhagavad Gita – Karma Yoga or the Yoga of action.
We should not underestimate the life changing effects of an integrated Yoga practice. Thanks, to this wonderful art and science we call Yoga.
General benefits of the asanas by group
Standing poses are important for beginners because they teach the basic principles of alignment. They also establish a stable foundation for learning other poses. Through regular practice, standing poses give strength and mobility to the ankles, knees, hips, spine, neck, and shoulders.
Sitting poses are good for aligning the spine and focussing the mind. They are calming and help regulate blood pressure and promote restful sleep. There are two categories of sitting poses: upright seated postures and forward bends.
Reclining (supine) poses are relaxing and less strenuous. They are good poses during menstruation, for relieving tension and fatigue, and for recovering from illness.
Backward bending poses energize and open the body, particularly the upper spine and chest area. They are great for the nervous and digestive systems; they strengthen the arms and shoulders and increase the flexibility of the spine. Backbends help develop courage and mental energy, as well as lift depression.
Inverted poses reverse gravitational pull, bringing fresh blood to the head and heart, and revitalizing the whole body. They tone the internal organs and improve circulation. Some of them work to refresh tired legs.
Twisting poses are cleansing. They energize the body and increase the range of motion and spinal flexibility, as well as massaging the internal organs. The natural focus on the neck and shoulder areas relieves joint stiffness and headaches.
Balancing poses develop lightness, strength, and agility. They also help develop muscular tone, co-ordination, and mental concentration.
How often should you do yoga?
Ideally a little movement each day, even just ten minutes, would be better than practising once a week. However if this is difficult attending a class at least once a week would be beneficial.
What our clients say about us
I understand that you are giving a talk to a group at a Fibromyalgia Group so I thought I would drop you a line and let you know who I have been since I saw you in Octobers last year and you may wish to quote my email in your chat.
When I came to see you I was in a lot of pain especially in my neck and shoulders and some in my lower back which was having a massive effect on my sleep and general well being. I had tried physiotherapy, Chiropractor and osteopath before having Bowen Therapy. Since my treatment with you I now rarely have any pain and now manage to get a good nights sleep which In turn has improved my quality of life which is why you haven’t seen me.
When I had my first treatment I must say I was sceptical (not sure if spelt right) and sometimes felt worse once I was home but after 4 sessions I decided to have a break from treatment and see what would happen and the the results have been amazing a complete life saver in my view. I no longer find that I am feeling depressed and am able to cope with life so much better and have even started exercising again.
I would say to anyone give Bowen a try and don’t dismiss it till you have at least a couple of sessions. After suffering for YEARS Bowen Therapy has in effect given me my life back. I am due to see a rhematoligist at the end of the month due to an unexplained swelling/lump that I have on my wrist which may or may not be the cause of intermittent pain I am getting in my thumb joint and also to see if I do indeed have Fibromyalgia (recently had lot of eye trouble which has been put down to dry eye) Always something with me but at least I am no longer in constant pain.
Late I know but thank you so much as you were a great.
Hi, just thought I would let you know that I spoke with my aunt last night, and she is very pleased with the service that you provide. Her feet felt great afterwards.
So, thank you, she thought it was a lovely experience.
I know that she has booked a second appointment so she has happy feet for Christmas! I am sure that she will spread the word amongst her friends.
Having developed a very painful and debilitating “frozen shoulder” which was impacting on my ability to lift my left arm higher than just a few inches, I was becoming concerned aboutthe amount of pain-killing drugs I was having to take to get through the day. I heard about the “Bowen Technique” through a friend and in desperation decided to book an appointment with Lee, to see if it could possibly help the condition. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after just one pain free and relaxing session, I was amazed to find that the mobility in my shoulder had noticeably increased. Five treatments and about a month later, my shoulder was completely back to normal with its full mobility restored. That was seven months ago and my shoulder is still absolutely fine in every way. I can’t thank Lee enough for her help in using the “Bowen Technique” to completely cure my shoulder
So you can see I have a lot to THANK Bowen and you for…. There were times when I was going to give up – purely from the fear factor of not having a “loo” on that journey – but it’s amazing what you can “hold on to” …….I have been feeling very well and my body is improving almost weekly – my fitness is probably 100% up on this time last year and I feel positive, happy, calm in myself
Afternoon Lee Thank you for seeing me on Monday. I have made an appointment to see a doctor on Thursday and will let you know the outcome.The spasms around the ribs have almost gone, I am sleeping wonderfully and my neck is more flexible. I have been ambling around (and drinking water!) since Monday and this morning I’m feeling brighter. Looking forward to Monday! Kindest Regards Jo
HI Lee, Oh my its all better thank you so much can’t really believe the difference:you are magic. Thank you so much. Best regards and have a good Christmas if not seeing you before.
Since the start of my Bowen treatment I have had relief from pain that I have had for several years. I would recommend it to anyone who has any problems with their health. Also I find that my body and mind seem to be a lot more relaxed, feeling of well being.
Hi, I met you last week at Wexham Park Hospital, where you did a taster session
on myself. I’m very interested in having another treatment with you. I had great relief from the session I had with you.
Hi Lee
I just thought I’d give you an update after my therapy yesterday. I felt so relaxed for the rest of the day and my painful right shoulder really subsided as the day went on.
I woke up this morning and felt brilliant! Hardly any aches and pains at all. I’ve had a great day with boundless energy. I’ve achieved so much, silly little things really but they mean a lot to be able to do these things that a few weeks ago seemed impossible.
I eventually called it a day at 4.30 pm and took a good book into the garden with a large glass of wine!
For the first time in weeks I feel totally normal and still very relaxed.
I’m looking forward to my therapy next week.
See you then, Kind regards,Sue
Hello Lee,
I’ve been meaning to send you a progress report for a while. My second treatment was nearly 3 weeks ago now.
Everything is doing really well! My leg and right side feels very different and ‘connected’ again. I realise I had got used to it not feeling right and now I’m definitely noticing the difference. I’m sure I’m moving in a more balanced way. The improvement has been dramatic after the last treatment. I did have some recurrence of aches down the leg and/or sciatic area some days later but this didn’t last very long. I find it hard to believe that two sessions have achieved this result.
I am delighted with how you and Bowen have helped me. Thank you so much; it’s a wonderful therapy. I’m feeling sure that this change for the better is permanent – but I’ll certainly call you if I do have any concerns later.
I hope all is well with you.
Best wishes JC
As a well-established curtain manufacturing business in the Maidenhead area, I know how important it is to offer a personal, high quality service to my clients.
I would therefore like to thank you for reaching the same high standard in you recent dealings with me. I was recommended to use you by Sally Radford of the Amber zone after I was diagnosed with tendinitis in my knee. I was a little apprehensive a first but you put me at ease very quickly. The treatment is like nothing I have ever experienced before however, I don’t need to know how it works, all I know is that it does. Three sessions and I was pain free and now I am even able to dance in the kitchen (when no-one is looking).
Thank you for your help and I will find it easy to refer my client’s to you, knowing that they are in safe hands.
Many thanks