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Embracing the Journey: A Love for Yoga

foresthavensuffolk

Yoga combines physical postures, (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote overall wellbeing. Many people practice yoga for its physical benefits, such as increased strength and flexibility, as well as for mental health benefits, including stress reduction and improved focus.


My relationship with yoga started in my early twenties, then as a health club studio manager, group class instructor and personal trainer, when I was diagnosed with a premature menopause, now known as POI, premature ovarian insufficiency. Yoga became a tool I could use to help with focus and at the time help with those menopause rages. I spent many years also teaching Les mills Bodybalance. A fitness programme combining may elements of Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates. Body balance classes focused on mindful breathing and body awareness. It emphasises core strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation through a series of controlled movements and flowing sequences.



Throwback photograph of when I was diagnosed with a POI (then a premature menopause) "this is what an early menopause looked like, a silent struggle"
Throwback photograph of when I was diagnosed with a POI (then a premature menopause) "this is what an early menopause looked like, a silent struggle"

I had come to learn over the years that strength, balance, flexibility and breathing were incredibly important and beneficial for managing my early menopause symptoms and spinal care following surgery. Over the years I had trained in many fitness disciplines and biological science but it was not until my forties after suffering a perforated bowel due to bowel disease and having part of my bowel removed that I trained in further yoga studies, became a breath coach, flexibility coach, sound therapist and menopause practitioner. I go as far as to say these particular courses changed my life, especially the breathing practices for nervous system regulation.


Diaphragmatic breathing or belly breathing can activate the body's relaxation response, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. It can lower heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels promoting a sense of calm and relaxation and certainly helps with the menopause rage. Conscious breathing techniques, such as mindfulness or breath awareness, can also enhance focus and concentration. By bringing our attention to our breath we can anchor ourselves in the present moment and cultivate mental clarity and awareness.


Breathing techniques and yoga are now very much a way of living for myself, on and off the mat. Yoga and breath work can be such a powerful tool for managing invisible illness. By incorporating yoga into their routines, individuals with invisible illnesses can experience a holistic approach to managing their conditions, enhancing both their physical health and emotional resilience.


To learn how to manage your nervous system or associated menopausal or invisible illness symptoms get in touch.





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