By Cherie Lathey (yoga mama)
As those who practice it know, golf can be a very frustrating sport at times. When a shot does not come off as well as hoped for, it can be quite difficult to move on to the next shot and continue with the game.
This is where yogic breathing may be of great benefit. Taking time out to steady one's breath and focus on the present – not on what has just happened or what may happen later – may help golfers to forget previous errors and proceed as normal with their game.
From a bio-mechanical point of view, the strain on the body while playing golf can also have adverse effects on players. Not to mention the fact that swinging a club and hitting the ball with great force may also increase the risk of injury. Some of the most common injuries associated with golf are: back and hip pain, shoulder injuries, wrist problems, etc...
Many yoga poses can help alleviate these conditions. Poses such as the cat, the downward dog, seated twists, the cow pose (and many more) can help increase your range of motion and strengthen your core. Through practising yoga on a regular basis, your game is sure to improve.
For more information, please contact Cherie Lathey on 07939 58 90 83 or visit www.yogamama.co.uk or visit the yoga mama blog.
19 December 2009
10 December 2009
Common phobias
by Marygrace Anderson DCH, DHP, AICH, NCH, GHR Reg
We have all seen the list of absurd and ridiculous phobias:
When I get a call from a client, they will tell me they have a fear of flying. They do not say, I have aerophobia, aviatophobia, aviophobia or pteromerhanophobia. The same applies to people who suffer any fear.
In my personal experience, I have treated a wide range of people with many types of fear: social situations; speaking in public; cats; spiders; performing concerts in public; taking exams; the dark; urinating in public places; loud noises; flying; dating, to name but a few.
The thing is, no fear is ridiculous or stupid if it is truly ruining your enjoyment of life. The other important point is that you are not alone! Many people believe they are the only sufferer even with the most popular phobias. We all have fears, but if the fear is preventing you from doing an activity, you should seek help. A characteristic of phobias is that it can spread into other phobias. Children can also “learn” fears from their parents. So if your mother hated going in lifts, the likelihood of you developing a fear of lifts will increase as well.
So I encourage you now to face your fear and challenge it. Fear hates change, laughter and losing. So stand up and say over and over to yourself:
“I am no longer going to tolerate this fear! I can and will stop it by the power of my own thoughts. I created it in my mind and I will stop it now with my own mind.”
Please feel free to call Marygrace at The Putney Clinic on 020 8789 3881 or on 07931 547414 to discuss your situation. Alternatively, you can send her an email with any questions you may have to mghypnosis@aol.com.
We have all seen the list of absurd and ridiculous phobias:
- Consecotaleophobia – The fear of chopsticks
- Euphobia - The fear of good news, hearing good news
- Melophobia - The fear of music.
- Soceraphobia - The fear of parents-in-law.
- Arachibutyrophobia - The fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.
- Metrophobia - The fear of poetry.
- Olfactophobia - The fear of smells or odours.
- Heliophobia - The fear of the sun or sunlight
When I get a call from a client, they will tell me they have a fear of flying. They do not say, I have aerophobia, aviatophobia, aviophobia or pteromerhanophobia. The same applies to people who suffer any fear.
In my personal experience, I have treated a wide range of people with many types of fear: social situations; speaking in public; cats; spiders; performing concerts in public; taking exams; the dark; urinating in public places; loud noises; flying; dating, to name but a few.
The thing is, no fear is ridiculous or stupid if it is truly ruining your enjoyment of life. The other important point is that you are not alone! Many people believe they are the only sufferer even with the most popular phobias. We all have fears, but if the fear is preventing you from doing an activity, you should seek help. A characteristic of phobias is that it can spread into other phobias. Children can also “learn” fears from their parents. So if your mother hated going in lifts, the likelihood of you developing a fear of lifts will increase as well.
So I encourage you now to face your fear and challenge it. Fear hates change, laughter and losing. So stand up and say over and over to yourself:
“I am no longer going to tolerate this fear! I can and will stop it by the power of my own thoughts. I created it in my mind and I will stop it now with my own mind.”
Please feel free to call Marygrace at The Putney Clinic on 020 8789 3881 or on 07931 547414 to discuss your situation. Alternatively, you can send her an email with any questions you may have to mghypnosis@aol.com.
09 December 2009
Facet Joint Injury
The spinal facet joints are located on the left and right of the spine. They are synovial joints (meaning they have a self lubricating lining), and their role is to guide and limit movement of the spine.
Symptoms
Facet Joint injuries are characterised by localised pain, muscle spasm and limitation of movement, usually to one side of the spine. They are generally aggravated by leaning backwards into extension or side-bending in the direction of the pain.
Causes
The joint is commonly injured by loading of the spine whilst in a poor posture, e.g. sitting at a desk with chin forward posture, sleeping awkwardly. Sudden traumatic loading as in a whiplash injury also commonly injures the joint.
Prevention
The key to maintaining healthy facet joints is to maintain good spinal mobility, strength/stability, and a good posture.
For more information, call the Putney Clinic on 020 8789 3881 or visit our website.
Symptoms
Facet Joint injuries are characterised by localised pain, muscle spasm and limitation of movement, usually to one side of the spine. They are generally aggravated by leaning backwards into extension or side-bending in the direction of the pain.
Causes
The joint is commonly injured by loading of the spine whilst in a poor posture, e.g. sitting at a desk with chin forward posture, sleeping awkwardly. Sudden traumatic loading as in a whiplash injury also commonly injures the joint.
Prevention
The key to maintaining healthy facet joints is to maintain good spinal mobility, strength/stability, and a good posture.
For more information, call the Putney Clinic on 020 8789 3881 or visit our website.
08 December 2009
Campaign to encourage women runners
In 2010, a new online initiative will be launched by Take To The Streets that aims to encourage more women to take up sport. The GoGirlActive campaign is being led by Australian Olympic athlete and World Cross Country champion, Benita Willis-Johnson, with the objective of persuading more complete beginners to take up some form of sport in a safe, non-judgemental and secure environment.
This scheme will also allow women with intermediate or advanced fitness levels to achieve their goals by means of positive reinforcement from the expert advice that will be made available on the website. A wide range of tips will be given, covering everything from race/ event selection, preparation, how to set yourself goals, training, injuries and even nutrition. The information provided will be presented in a such a way that it can be used by all.
Willis will be writing an exclusive blog for the project and encourages all participants to do the same, in order to share experiences and give each other moral support, especially when the going gets tough. A Facebook page is also going to be created, which will allow all involved to share their experiences of the Great Run and the Great Swim.
The GoGirl Active initiative will give women the opportunity to meet like-minded women and do something for themselves that will be greatly beneficial to their health, confidence, social skills and determination; as well as being cheap. Training groups will be formed across the country with enthusiastic leaders chosen to coordinate proceedings.
It will be all about women having fun together in ways they may have not envisaged.
GoGirlActive will be launched by Take To The Streets in March 2010.
This scheme will also allow women with intermediate or advanced fitness levels to achieve their goals by means of positive reinforcement from the expert advice that will be made available on the website. A wide range of tips will be given, covering everything from race/ event selection, preparation, how to set yourself goals, training, injuries and even nutrition. The information provided will be presented in a such a way that it can be used by all.
Willis will be writing an exclusive blog for the project and encourages all participants to do the same, in order to share experiences and give each other moral support, especially when the going gets tough. A Facebook page is also going to be created, which will allow all involved to share their experiences of the Great Run and the Great Swim.
The GoGirl Active initiative will give women the opportunity to meet like-minded women and do something for themselves that will be greatly beneficial to their health, confidence, social skills and determination; as well as being cheap. Training groups will be formed across the country with enthusiastic leaders chosen to coordinate proceedings.
It will be all about women having fun together in ways they may have not envisaged.
GoGirlActive will be launched by Take To The Streets in March 2010.
07 December 2009
Yoga or Pilates?
By Cherie Lathey (yoga mama)
Many people often ask me what the difference is between yoga and Pilates and if there is point practising one if they already practice the other.
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice and can be traced back more than 5000 years to India. The word yoga means “to yoke”; a union of mind, body and spirit, making it a spiritual tradition. Yoga aims to purify the mind and body, and the Eight Limb Path practiced in some yoga traditions offers ethical principals to follow. By following this path, it is said one can transcend the ego and awaken the spirtual energy hidden within, revealing our highest capabilities.
The physical practice of yoga poses (asanas) is what many people in the West are attracted to initially. The physical effects (toning, lengthening and strengthening of the body) and the feelings of well-being brought about by practising yoga is what can often be the start of a yogic journey… A journey within.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a much newer practice in comparison to yoga. Joesph Pilates created this system in the early 20th century in order to assist his recovery from injury and poor health. He used his knowledge of the physical body to create a system based very much on the core (abdominal and back muscles), incorporating breathing techniques while performing exercises. Controlled repetitive actions are performed to tone and strengthen the body. Posture and alignment are improved and a feeling of well-being and bodily awareness is created.
There is a big cross over in terms of the physical practice of these two disciplines. Many of the poses performed in pilates come directly from yoga. The core strength used in Pilates is also present in yoga. The ancient yoga practice of Moola Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha (root lock and upward flying lock) esentially strengthen and lift the pelvic and abdominal area, toning the perineum and the transverse abdominals.
Should I practice both?
As mentioned above, there are a lot of similarities between yoga and Pilates. It is now quite common to find classes using a fusion of the two, therefore – in some ways – allowing you the best of both worlds. Not all yoga teachers will teach core strength (Moola Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha) in their classes . Students of BKS Iyengar do not mention these words, but do activate abdominal muscles while practising yoga. Concentrating purely on this area in pilates can be of real benefit to your yoga.
I think you can combine the two disciplines. Yoga - unlike pilates - has its foundation in a (non-religious) spiritual practice, which ultimately could determine the path one is drawn to. Those looking for spiritual enlightenment will be attracted to the study of yoga and its ancient traditions; whereas those looking to strengthen and tone the body whilst using breathing techniques will be drawn to Pilates... The choice is, as they say, yours!
For more information, please contact Cherie Lathey on 07939 58 90 83 or visit www.yogamama.co.uk or visit the yoga mama blog.
Many people often ask me what the difference is between yoga and Pilates and if there is point practising one if they already practice the other.
What is yoga?
Yoga is an ancient practice and can be traced back more than 5000 years to India. The word yoga means “to yoke”; a union of mind, body and spirit, making it a spiritual tradition. Yoga aims to purify the mind and body, and the Eight Limb Path practiced in some yoga traditions offers ethical principals to follow. By following this path, it is said one can transcend the ego and awaken the spirtual energy hidden within, revealing our highest capabilities.
The physical practice of yoga poses (asanas) is what many people in the West are attracted to initially. The physical effects (toning, lengthening and strengthening of the body) and the feelings of well-being brought about by practising yoga is what can often be the start of a yogic journey… A journey within.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a much newer practice in comparison to yoga. Joesph Pilates created this system in the early 20th century in order to assist his recovery from injury and poor health. He used his knowledge of the physical body to create a system based very much on the core (abdominal and back muscles), incorporating breathing techniques while performing exercises. Controlled repetitive actions are performed to tone and strengthen the body. Posture and alignment are improved and a feeling of well-being and bodily awareness is created.
There is a big cross over in terms of the physical practice of these two disciplines. Many of the poses performed in pilates come directly from yoga. The core strength used in Pilates is also present in yoga. The ancient yoga practice of Moola Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha (root lock and upward flying lock) esentially strengthen and lift the pelvic and abdominal area, toning the perineum and the transverse abdominals.
Should I practice both?
As mentioned above, there are a lot of similarities between yoga and Pilates. It is now quite common to find classes using a fusion of the two, therefore – in some ways – allowing you the best of both worlds. Not all yoga teachers will teach core strength (Moola Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha) in their classes . Students of BKS Iyengar do not mention these words, but do activate abdominal muscles while practising yoga. Concentrating purely on this area in pilates can be of real benefit to your yoga.
I think you can combine the two disciplines. Yoga - unlike pilates - has its foundation in a (non-religious) spiritual practice, which ultimately could determine the path one is drawn to. Those looking for spiritual enlightenment will be attracted to the study of yoga and its ancient traditions; whereas those looking to strengthen and tone the body whilst using breathing techniques will be drawn to Pilates... The choice is, as they say, yours!
For more information, please contact Cherie Lathey on 07939 58 90 83 or visit www.yogamama.co.uk or visit the yoga mama blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
