The Toes Have It

The Toes Have It

Ankles, Hamstrings, Hip Flexors, Knees, Lower Body, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Yoga for Knee Pain
Yin & Somatics

The Toes Have It

This practice is all about the lower body. But we will work with the feet, ankles, knees, thighs and hips with an unorthodox somatic lens, the toes. You will be delighted to discover how influential these appendages are in your poses and movements and your knees and ankles will thank you for the attention.

This practice is geared especially to my listeners with foot, ankle and knee pain, but anyone with a lower body will enjoy this unique practice.

Props Needed: Blanket, bolster or pillow, yoga strap

 

Neck Pain Relief

Neck Pain Relief

30 Minute Class, Audio, Jaw, Low Intensity, Neck, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Shoulder, Somatic Education, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Neck Pain Relief

Yin & Somatics

Neck Pain Relief

The human neck is a tricky place. It’s a complex experience of musculoskeletal, nervous and vascular tissue. But also bound to thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Any of these components of the neck can contribute to issues here.  

For this pod practice I have created a somatic lesson to address this complexity. We will lean mostly in to somatics here with just a couple of Yin poses for gentle tension of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). This is a very simple practice that you could even do in your bed. All you need is something to rest/slide your head on. 

 

Yin & Pranayama: Expand Your Breathing Options

Yin & Pranayama: Expand Your Breathing Options

Audio, Chest, Low Intensity, Podcast, Pranayama, Side Body, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Pranayama | 0 comments

Upper Back Pain

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Expression

This practice is a blend of Yin Yoga and pranayama with a bit of somatic work sprinkled in. We will explore a breathing practice that I learned from my mentor Neil Pearson that I call, Expand Your Breathing Options. 

As you engage in movement and awareness you will also contemplate the gift of breath. This is a practice that is ripe with opportunities to learn and grow.

Props needed: Bolster, blocks and blanket

 

Thoracic Expression

Thoracic Expression

Low Intensity, Pain Care Yoga, Podcast, Somatic Education, Thoracic Spine, Upper Body, Yin & Somatics | 0 comments

Upper Back Pain

Yin & Somatics

Thoracic Expression

The upper back is an area that can be a big source of tension and even pain. We also have a fair amount of cultural baggage around the appropriate way to hold our upper back. Even in the Yoga world, we tend to favor a stiff and straight upper back above other shapes. But the upper back is capable of so much more, and I believe we suffer when we get locked in to a specific posture or expression. 

In this practice, we explore the capacity of the upper back to generate movements, sensations and even emotions. We will use a somatic lesson adapted from Feldenkrais Method® supported by familiar Yin Poses. Your upper back and neck will really benefit from this practice. 

 

Natural Energy

Natural Energy

20 Minute Class, Low Intensity, Podcast, Pranayama, Somatic Education, Yin & Pranayama | 0 comments

Natural Energy

Yin & Pranayama

Natural Energy

We usually think of Yin as calming, soothing and down regulating. But with a few tweaks, we can cultivate a calm, natural energy as well. Not the jittery wired feeling you get from caffeine but a gentle boost, without the crash. 

Back in episode 7 in this 4th season, we discussed breathing techniques, science and how this all applies to Yin Yoga. Please have a listen to learn how you can apply use these techniques as well!

For this practice, I’ve applied pranayama that are known to increase sympathetic activation, gently, as well as a somatic practice. You will be amazed at how great you feel after just 25 minutes. 

All you NEED is a Yoga mat but some might also like to have a blanket for comfort.