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...

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 birth...

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 inserte...

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...

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 :-)

Want, Idleness, Ignorance, Squalor and Disease: these were the five "giants" identified by Sir William Beveridge in his wartime report that laid the foundation  for the postwar welfare state. He omitted a sixth that is less viable yet as old as civilisation: loneliness. Isolation inflicts a heavy psychological burden, especially on the elderly. It also has financial costs, in worsening ill health. An innovative scheme in Rotherham suggests how these can be reduced. Health administrators in the town have since 2012 allocated about £500,000 a year to community groups to help vulnerable patients to join them. It works, for patients and health budgets. GPs direct patients to activities such as yoga, fitness classes or the arts, or counseling for those with financial or welfare problems. This sort of social prescribing reduces the pressure on medical services. Analysis by Sheffield Hallam University suggests that by reducing A & E visits, hospital stays and GP appointme...

Prescribing yoga, arts and Xbox fitness classes on the NHS can cut A & E visits by a sixth, according to an analysis of one of the largest such schemes. Lonely older patients are much happier of GPs send them to knitting, woodwork or local history groups and the NHS could save money because they need less treatment, the study suggests. Family doctors say they have replaced priests as the first port of call for people with social or financial problems, and non-medical help will free up appointments. Loneliness exacerbates health problems of the elderly. In one of the longest running programmes, health chiefs in Rotherham have spent £500,000 a year since 2012 on community groups and advisers to help vulnerable patients to joint them. Tai chi, quizzes, indoor curling and other exercises are among the groups offered to lonely older people, while those with financial problems are given debt and welfare advice and those with depression are steered towards music or creative wr...

Happy Moon Day!

YOGA FOR BIRTH PREPARATION NEXT COURSE: Wednesday 4/5 and Wednesday 11/5/2016 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...