Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of diagnosis and manipulation to treat a number of ailments. Often associated with the insertion of fine needles into specific points in the body, treatment can also involve cupping, postural realignments, massage techniques, exercises and dietary/Lifestyle modifications. Acupuncture theory states that Qi (Life force) moves through specific pathways (meridians) of the body, and imbalances in the movement of Qi can cause negative symptoms. In the west it said these techniques can stimulate the nervous system and the lymphatic system through the newly acknowledge integumentary system. The meridians can be associated to nerve pathways like the sciatic nerve and can be utilized to add blood flow and increase endorphin release, whilst relaxaing or engaging the associated muscles. At the same time, stimulation of the lymphatic system through it's trunks and the fascial spaces of the integumentary system can increase removal of waste and aid the immune system in warding off disease. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective at treating many ailments, especially those associated with pain and mood, without many of the common side effects of some medications. It is normally recommended to plan on a course of 4-8 treatments depending on the ailment and severity, with additional treatments possible every 2-6 months.
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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Yogash chitta vritti nirodhah. Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.2. Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of consciousness.
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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a form of Hatha (Physical) Yoga, developed and popularized by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and continued by his family including his grandson R. Sharath Jois. It is a form of yoga based on the principals of Asthanga yoga (The Eight Limbs of Yoga) taken from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, said to have been compiled over 1600 years ago.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (and all forms of hatha yoga) are often associated primarily with Asanas (Postures) (The 3rd Limb) mainly because it is the most obvious to observers when put into practice. Asanas are often the most accessible way to help those new to yoga engage with the practice, with physical changes often yielding the first or most significant results. Release of muscular tension and improved posture are often followed by changes in the breath and mood.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a vigorous physical practice generally completed as a specific sequence of asanas, focusing on the transitions between each asana equally as much as the asana itself. All movement and asana should be guided by the breath with 1 breath equaling 1 movement "Vinyasa means 'breathing system'. Without vinyasa, don't do asana. When vinyasa is perfect, the mind is under control" Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Yoga Mala .
The Primary sequence - Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy) is designed to strengthen and tonify the body whilst increasing flexibility, range of motion, and improving digestion. The concentration on the breath has also shown to reduce stress, anxiety and increase mental acuity and clarity of thought.
Full primary sequence can take 90 minutes and can be both physically and mentally demanding, and a certain level of fitness is assumed. The purpose of a demanding class is to provide a challenge for all students, the full sequence is not a requirement it is a measure of progression. Every student has their own challenges throughout the practice, it is these challenges that allow us to explore the remaining limbs. It is often up to the student to find their level of engagement in the practice, this is very dependent on the individuals starting point, through ownership of our actions and reactions we can understand ourselves and gain a deeper understanding of our Yamas and Niyamas (The 1st 2 limbs, how we treat ourselves and how we treat those around us and our environment). Asanas are a vehicle for us to practice the remaining limbs of yoga. Take the middle path, back away from the extremes, don't let the ego push to exhaustion or injury, but DON'T BE LAZY.
If you have any questions about suitability please feel free to contact, and, as always be sure to discuss with your primary care provider first if you have any doubts.
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The 8 Limbs of Patanjalis' Yoga sutras
Yama - Attitude towards our environment
Niyama - Attitude towards ourselves
Asana - Physical postures
Pranayama - Breath work
Pratyahara - Focusing away from external stimulation of the senses (Especially sight and sound)
Dharana - Concentration
Dhyana - Meditation
Samadhi - One-pointedness of mind, a state meditative consciousness
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Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is a form of Hatha (Physical) Yoga and a development of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Unlike Ashtanga Vinyasa sequences, Vinyasa Yoga sequences are often dictated by the teacher and may vary from class to class and teacher to teacher. These classes can often take place in a heated environment to encourage sweating and allow muscles to relax more efficiently. Along with the benefits associated with all Yogas, Vinyasa Yoga allows the exploration of many more asanas and dynamic movements. These classes can often be more accessible to new students whilst still providing a sufficient challenge. This form of class can also allow exploration of movements associated with specific body areas like shoulder strengthening or hips openers as an example. They can also provide progressive poses that work towards a more complex or difficult final pose.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic Acupuncture has been shown to increase collagen and elastin, which decreases with age. Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of healthy skin, they both help with the elasticity and overall quality.
Cosmetic acupuncture also relaxes the muscles of the face, especially the forehead and jaw, and reduces tension and frowning lines.
The improvement of circulation to blood and lymph from needling reduces puffiness and increases the skins healthy glow.
Individual needling of points allows the correct depth to be accessed which can vary depending on the area being needled, there is also less risk involved compared to other treatments that require substances to be injected into the dermal layers.
Cosmetic acupuncture has also been demonstrated to be effective against acne and rosacea.
Since cosmetic acupuncture helps with the bodies own healing process it may require 4-6 treatments to see significant results, with treatments starting at once to twice a week, then being extended out to every 2 weeks. A course of 8-10 treatments is normally recommended but may vary with each individual. Once a course is complete 'top up' treatments can be given every 2-6 months.
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Yin yoga
Yin yoga is an asana (posture) practice based on the teachings of Paulie Zink, Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. This practice incorporates theories from TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) and Taoist philosophies. Often practiced in a heated room, it is a slower paced style of yoga where asanas are often held for up to 2 - 5 minutes. Asanas in Yin yoga are passive with the aim to release engagement of muscles. In my classes I like to emphasize meditation (Dhyana) and concentration (Dharana) and the placement of the mind (Yamas and Niyamas) as much as the placement of the body.
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Meditation
The practice of meditation can be experienced in many ways. Whether we focus on the breath, our thought patterns, visualization of an object, or a specific sound, the practice helps develop focus and mental clarity and has been shown to be effective against anxiety, depression, stress, pain, and overall perception of well-being.
Corporate and 1-2-1
Yoga and meditation practices can be catered to individual and groups needs. Whether corporate, for stress and relaxation, or sports for prehab and rehab. Maybe you just want your own 1-2-1 sessions. From single sessions, weekly sessions, or block sessions contact us to see what we can do for you.