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A birth without pain? The science behind hypnobirthing

Studies have shown that 95% of labour pain is the direct result of the birthing mother’s fear and tension. So what if there was no fear and tension? Does that mean there would be very little pain in childbirth? Well, many hypnobirthing mothers would agree with that. They would claim that any discomfort was manageable without the need of medication. So how does fear cause a labouring woman to feel pain? When we experience fear or anxiety, our ‘fight or flight’ response kicks in. We all know that feeling. Think back to how you felt before a test, an interview or meeting your prospective in-laws. While you may not have run away or hit anyone, you would have experienced that rush of adrenaline produced by your body to help you survive the situation if it becomes too scary. A labouring woman who feels afraid or nervous is not in a position to fight anyone and certainly is not capable of fleeing the scene. Well, not with any speed. However, her body will still produce adrenaline.

Yoga may be best to ease back pain

Session on the yoga mat may be best to ease a bad back By Henry Bodkin With its catalogue of headstands and one-legged contortions, it might be thought yoga was best left to those of us who are in peak physical condition. However, new research suggests the group of people who could most benefit from adopting the lotus position is those who are immobilised by pain. Analysis of more than 1,000 adults with long-term lower-back pain found those who practised yoga were most likely to reduce pain and improve mobility. The findings, from researchers in the US, add weight to calls for GPs in Britain to prescribe yoga sessions to ease long-term discomfort. Back pain causes more disability than any other condition and affects almost one in 10 Britons, becoming more common with age. Because the causes are hard to isolate it is difficult to treat and  patients commonly resort to long-term use of strong painkillers. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidelines

Yin yoga for upper back, neck and shoulders

Yoga and fertility

1 in 7 couples in the UK are affected by fertility issues. There are many factors to consider in both men and women.  These include: endometriosis, tube blockages, Fibroids, lack of ovulation, poor quality sperm,... to name but a few.  However, 25 % of couples tested for fertility problems will be classified as being “unexplained”. This doesn't mean that you cannot get pregnant,  but  that there is no underlying medical reason for it not happening. This in itself can be very stressful and is why many fertility experts will recommend a mind body approach to fertility. What is infertility? According to the NHS guildlines “infertility is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive), despite having regular unprotected sex” with one in seven couples having difficulty conceiving this is 3.5 million people in the UK. About 84% of couples will conceive naturally within one year if they have regular unprotected sex ( every two to three days) “ See NHS website for full stati

How yoga can help with a smoother birthing experience

How yoga can help with a smoother birthing experience.               Babies that are well positioned in a woman's pelvis at the end of her pregnancy can have a major influence on her birthing experience and the way her baby is born. A lot of women will work up to 36 weeks in pregnancy, often seated at a desk leaning back in the chair. This seated position can cause the heaviest part of the baby ( the back of the body) to fall towards the woman's spine in the Occipital posterior position (OP) or back to back as it is sometimes called. Occipital Anterior position (OA) Babies in the Occipital Anterior (optimal fetal position) have an easier passage through the pelvis. Women delivering in the Occipital Anterior position tend to have shorter and more comfortable labours, with rapid cervix dilation and efficient contractions. There is less likelihood of medical intervention or complications during the birthing process. Occipital Posterior position (OP) Bab

PARAMAGURU, SHARATH JOIS YOGA CLASS NEW YORK JUNE 2016

Why Every New Mum Needs Physical Therapy

A very interesting article by Julie Revelant, published in Fox Health News on 17 April. She argues that every new mother needs physical therapy in order to rehabilitate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles that become weakened during childbirth. We would recommend this after the 6-week postpartum check up. Why every new mom needs physical therapy By Julie Revelant, originally published on Fox Health News on 17 April 2016 After she gave birth to her son, Valerie Orsoni knew what to expect: a prescription from her doctor for 12 sessions of physical therapy to rehabilitate her pelvic floor muscles. “Even when you’re a little girl in France, your mom always tells you to stay stretched and to always tuck in your tummy and contract your abs. When you do that, naturally it leads to contracting the perineum,” Orsoni, 45,  the founder of Lebodychallenge.com , said. After the birth of her son, now 19, Orsoni underwent biofeedback, a treatment that uses an electrode or probe inserted in

Yoga for Birth Preparation

YOGA FOR BIRTH PREPARATION NEXT COURSE: WEDNESDAY 8 & 15 JUNE, 4:30-6PM Diane's "Yoga for Birth Preparation" classes are tailored for the final stages of pregnancy (from 32 weeks), where what we need most is to quieten the mind, let go of time pressures and constant doing and be in a consciously relaxed state, where we can connect with ourselves, our babies and our inner birthing wisdom. The course runs over two weeks covering the following topics: Week 1: The natural physiology of birth – What to expect at different stages of the labour process Using breath as your anchor in labour – Detailed breath techniques for the different stages of labour. Week 2: Managing fear – Trusting your body and nurturing a sense of empowerment Creating a positive intention and guided relaxation – Letting go of the intellect and connecting with intuition and instincts. After the initial discussion, the session then becomes more body focused incorporating yoga postures t

How to take yoga photos for Instagram

Have you ever wondered how you should take yoga photos for your Instagram account? Well, watch this video from JP Spears and discover some useful tips! #livingtheyogaloca :-)