Yoga
Natural Solutions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch



Learn about the natural health benefits of Yoga & find an Yoga practitioner/clinic in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to assist you further within New Zealand.

YOGA (THERAPY) FACTFILE

Fact: More than 30 million people worldwide are said to practice some form of yoga.
Origin:  Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge, derived from Hindu philosophy, dating back to over 5000 years ago.
Therapy Type:  Movement

 

WHAT EXACTLY IS YOGA?

Yoga is an ancient Indian practice and it’s beliefs centre upon achieving harmony, within mind, body and spirit, through using physical postures.  Yoga, which originates from Sanskrit, means ‘union’ and is used as a philosophy for life as opposed to a religion.  The teachings of yoga, incorporates breathing, exercise, body awareness, relaxation, meditation and personal development.

There are various different types of yoga, such as; Bikram, Hatha, Iyengar, Astanga, Kundalini, Sivananda, Viniyoga and Power yoga.  All of which uses postures, termed ‘asanas’ and breathing techniques ‘pranayama’, these are key for establishing and supporting mental and physical wellbeing.  Yoga can be taught in a group situation, however as yoga therapy can be personalized and adapted to the needs of the individual, one-one sessions can prove to be more beneficial.

The thousands of yoga positions that can be used to recondition and re-establish harmony to the body are grouped into ‘actions’, known as ‘kriyas’, ‘seals’ known as ‘mudras’ and ‘locks’ (bandhas).  Each group holds a different purpose, for example, an action, concentrates upon the effort needed to move energy up and down the spine.  Seals are used for focus and to withhold energy in the body.  The technique used to sustain muscular contractions is called ‘locks’.  The benefits of yoga are far reaching as it not only influences your physical being through improved posture, muscle tone and flexibility, due to the lubrication of ligaments, joints and tendons, but also through it’s ability to massage internal organs and glands, which supports the prevention of illness and disease.

The integration of all the yoga techniques provides the body with healing and inner calm and encourages the mind into a sensation of peace and harmony.  With the mind and body coordinating into a state of balance and harmony, the heart rate decreases and energy can flow, providing your entire being with a sensation of inner peace.

 

YOGA STYLES

Astanga:  An intermediate form of yoga as some knowledge of postures and proper form is expected.  Involves a very specific sequence of postures; primary, secondary and advanced.  The goal is to leave you feeling energized, balanced and alert.

Bikram:  The same pattern of postures is always followed and is thus suitable for beginners or advanced clients.  Bikram teaches you a set sequence of 26 different postures in a heated room of around 38 degrees C.   Internal cleansing and improved physical movement are the key aims.

Iyengar:  In-depth style of yoga that highlighting proper form and alignment during a session.   Helps to focus your mind as you learn each posture or asana and is great for beginners.  Leaves you feeling relaxed, stronger and longer through your posture.

Kundalini: Possibly the most spiritual form of yoga practice.  Combines asanas with mudras, mantras and breathing to facilitate the connection to your chakras.

Power Yoga:  Recently developed into an intense aerobic session in America.  No set routine and thus teachers vary from class to class.  Similar to Astanga yoga.

Sivananda: A classical and holistic approach to Hatha Yoga and its 12 basic postures.  Breathing is a major focus thus mantras and meditation may be performed.

Viniyoga:
One-to-one yoga style addressing your specific mental and physical needs.

IS YOGA RIGHT FOR YOU?

Yoga may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:

  • Anxiety                          
  • Arthritis                          
  • Asthma                          
  • Back Pain/Chronic Pain                  
  • Breathing Problems                  
  • Bronchitis                      
  • Childbirth                          
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome      
  • Constipation                      
  • Depression                      
  • Diabetes                  
  • Digestive Problems          
  • Eczema                      
  • Frozen Shoulder                   
  • Headaches                      
  • Heart Disease                  
  • Indigestion
  • Infertility
  • Insomnia
  • Joint Pain
  • Lumbago
  • Lymphedema
  • Menopause
  • Menstruation Problems
  • Migraines 
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Pain/Cramps
  • Neck Pain/Stiffness
  • Osteoporosis
  • Post Surgery Pain
  • Postural Issues
  • Pregnancy  
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Rheumatism
  • Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
  • Shoulder Pain/Stiffness
  • Sinusitis
  • Spine Injuries
  • Sports Injuries
  • Sprains & Strains
  • Stress
  • Stroke
  • Tendonitis
  • Traumatic Stress
  • Urinary Disorders
  • Weight Issues
  • Whiplash


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOGA SESSIONS

Sessions typically last between 30 minutes and 1 hour.  You should expect the first session to be longer as your teacher will ask you about your medical history along with other relevant health and lifestyle details.  Honest feedback will allow the therapist to determine a suitable course of treatment specific to your needs.  The yoga teacher will start with relaxation and awareness exercises, which will then progress onto some breathing techniques and simple yoga postures.  These postures will guide you into consciously relaxing, whilst some other postures will be more energetic

Through the guidance of the yoga therapist you will be supported into various postures, which will encourage the realignment of your body’s structure and thus recover physical function, through the stretching, strengthening and compression of different areas of the body.  Postures also support and encourage the flushing away of toxins from within the body, by increasing the circulation.  In addition the breathing exercises boost the oxygen levels to the brain, supporting a sense of calm, in addition to improving lung capacity and energy levels.

A series of five or six weekly, based sessions are often recommended, to fully explore all postural and exercises variations that could benefit your condition.



FINDING A QUALIFIED YOGA TEACHER

Most people find yoga energizing and enjoy the associated pain relief.  It is also extremely safe and effective when carried out by a qualified teacher or therapist. It is wise to carry out some research and select a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as Yoga Aotearoa (International Yoga Teachers Association of New Zealand).  Yoga teachers are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified teachers within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.


© The Wellness Directory Ltd