Yoga is an ancient art that has been practiced for thousands of years in India, and whose popularity continues to grow in the West. Yoga can be practiced in numerous places outside a studio, including a holistic medicine center. Hundreds of asanas, or yoga poses, are available to choose from to create a sequence that is right for your clients.
Restorative Yoga
According to "Yoga Journal," restorative yoga includes poses that provide nourishment and deep relaxation for the body. Restorative yoga usually requires the use of props, but piles of blankets can also be used. A typical restorative pose is to lie on the floor and place your feet straight up a wall. You can place a bolster or several rolled-up blankets under the center of your back to open up the chest. Having your feet up the wall gets all the blood flowing in opposite direction, which is helpful for circulation.
Stretches for Fatigue
Just about anyone can benefit from poses designated to help with feeling overwhelmed or tired. "Yoga Journal" lists numerous poses to try, such as balasana, or child's pose. Do this pose by kneeling down on the floor, sitting on your heels. Stretch over your thighs face down so that your forehead touches the floor. Let your arms lie by your side.
Try bhujangasana, or cobra pose, which is done by lying flat on your belly and placing your hands underneath your shoulders. Lift your torso up using the strength in your back and just a little weight in your arms, which are nestled close to your sides.
Stretches for Stress
Yoga is effective for releasing stress as well. The namaste pose is a simple movement to relieve stress and get the breath moving freely in your body. Stand straight up with feet firmly planted on the floor. Inhale your arms up overhead so palms touch and as you exhale, release the arms back down in front of the body so hands come in prayer position against the heart. Repeat this up to five times.
Gentle Yoga
Try seated forward bend, or paschimottanasana, which is done simply by sitting upright on the floor, spine elongated, with your legs stretched out in front of you. Inhale deeply and then begin to hinge from the hips, folding forward over your legs. Reach out to touch your thighs, knees, ankles or even toes; whatever position is most comfortable for you. Breathe deeply for several minutes and then release.
Always end a yoga sequence in savasana, or corpse pose. Lie down on your back with palms facing up, legs open and feet falling naturally toward the floor. Relax every part of your body and allow yourself to go into a deep internal state. This helps to integrate all the poses that were done throughout the yoga sequence.
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