The sacrum, often overlooked, plays a vital role in both spinal health and overall movement. It's not just a single bone but a fusion of five vertebrae that occurs as we age, usually completing the process in our 20s. Despite this fusion, the sacrum is part of a dynamic system that requires awareness and movement to stay healthy.
Yoga and creativity share a special connection. Both require us to move beyond the confines of the familiar, to explore the unknown, and to embrace the perspective of a beginner—a fresh lens through which we see the world. This convergence of yoga and creativity is a catalyst for inspiration, opening doors to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of being.
Yoga therapy is fundamentally about empowering you to take an active approach to self-care through the tailored application of yoga. Unlike general group classes, which aim to benefit a wide range of participants, yoga therapy offers a personalized and evolving practice that addresses specific health challenges and promotes overall well-being.
iRest Yoga Nidra can be perceived as resting, especially since rest is in the name, and we all are not people who rest. Resting can even be a bit scary. It is easy to wonder: Will everything be OK if I slow down and rest? What if I told you that iRest Yoga Nidra is active resting? You are doing something. You are actively listening to a voice, following the prompts, re-wiring your brain, and improving your health.
Dogwood Studio is continuing the theme for vagus nerve toning with new workshops and weekly On Demand classes! For a reminder of why vagus nerve toning yoga is beneficial, check out our blog here.
Why Vagus Nerve Yoga?
Your body needs a fine-tuned balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems to maintain a healthy body and mind. The sympathetic nervous system constricts blood vessels and increases heart rate, while the parasympathetic nervous system dilates blood vessels and lowers heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system is stimulated in times of stress and is the cause of the “fight-or-flight” response. The vagus nerve is the primary pathway for the parasympathetic nervous system, which can be thought of as a “rest and digest” response.
Headaches are a common source of frustration, disability, and loss of productivity. Migraines are the third most prevalent disorder and the seventh highest cause of disability according to this source. A randomized study published in the American Academy of Neurology showed that yoga is helpful in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Stress is ever-present in our lives, and during the pandemic, many of us are feeling greater stress, anxiety, and even a feeling of loss. A great way to cope with stress and manage negative feelings is mindfulness and yoga. Being mindful is a great way to reconnect with the body and become present in the moment, thus reducing focusing on negative emotions. This article in The New York Times suggests some poses and breathing exercises to help mindfulness and thus reducing stress. (Remember to be safe and adjust poses to your health and body.)
What are on demand yoga classes? Yoga sessions are pre-recorded, and you will have access to view the video for a certain amount of time at your convenience.
On Demand classes will be offered two ways:
Weekly with availability for 7 days after the "start time." Each week starts on Sundays at 9 a.m. The first week starts May 31st, and
For special times when the teacher is on vacation or for special recorded events like workshops or master classes. The timeframe for the video availability for these On Demand sessions is set specifically for that event.
Even though we are spending more time at home, it somehow seems easier to forget to leave time to take care of ourselves. According to this blog, some of the most important ways we can take care of ourselves is met through yoga. These include breathing, listening to our bodies, and finding peace with ourselves. The pandemic has increased our stress, and yoga has also been shown to decrease stress. Not sure what class is right for you or if online yoga will meet your needs?
Ideally take all 4 sessions, but you can take as many as you would like.
Cost: $40 dollars for all, or $10 each session. Minimum of 4 people needed in each session, no max.
Length: 1.5 hours each, with the structure of 45 minute lecture, 30 minute meditation, and 15 minutes questions/sharing.
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m. starting April 30th
