Why practice yoga?

That seems to be a question that comes up everyday. Everyone thinks that they will come to a yoga class and meditate for an hour. Most people are comfused about what yoga is and what class to take. It seems yoga is more complicated than what it really is. I remember when I first started looking at yoga. With a background in running, weight training, arobics and any other high impact exercise you can think of I couldn't imagine slowing down and doing yoga. So, I bought my first yoga DVD. I always worked out at home and never went to a gym. I am very self disciplined. Anyway, I worked out with my yoga DVD for the first time about 11 years ago. I was amazed at how great I felt. I was also amazed at how inflexible I was. The first backbend almost left me paralyzed (just kidding). It did floor me though. But, the imprtant thing is that I left me high impact exercise behind and started practicing yoga more frequently. I bough every yoga DVD I could find. Soon after that, my siet changed, my body image changed, my confidence rose, my body awareness arrived, my life changed for the better and I became a better person. Was it yoga? I do give it credit. I also credit massage as it came about 4 years later. What would I do without yoga & massage? So, yoga is not an hour of meditation unless you go to a meditation class. Yoga is a workout. No matter what class you take. What is important is the knowledge of what kind of yoga you are going to take. There are many types of yoga classes out there and I would be leary of walking into a yoga class that labels that class as just Yoga. Be sure you know the class fits your level. If you are a beginner, at least make sure it is a beginners class. Then there is the question of whether it is a vinyasa flow, Iyenger, Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, Kundilini, or Hatha yoga. I think I hit them all but you get the idea. Just be sure you know what you are walking into when you go to yoga. I am positive you feel good when the class is over.

Craniosacral Therapy

I just got back from my first training. Two more to go. It is very confusing as it is a whole new way of looking at the body. In massage I was trained to be aggressive but in Cranio I'm trained to be light and patient. I have a couple of things I need to work on. Oh boy! I'll get back to you later this week on details of my training.

Ginger Mango Smoothee

Her's a healthy smoothee recipe to get your warm summer mornings off to a good start. This would go great during your spring detox also. Exchange the milk for soy milk or almond milk. Yummmmmmmmm!
2 cups frozen mango chunks*
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple
1 6-oz. carton plain lowfat yogurt
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder (optional)
2 Tbsp. honey
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• In a blender combine mango chunks, pineapple, yogurt, milk, milk powder (if using),honey and ginger. Cover and blend until smooth. Makes: 4 (6-ounce) servings

Time to Detox

Feeling sluggish, achy, bloated? Time to detox. Spring is a great time to detox with all the new sprouts, greens and berrys. I find I have more energy and can maintain my weight if I detox at least twice a year. I have also been told that it is good to detox in each season because each season boasts its own individual harvest of fresh foods and our bodies need them all. It is best to eat the in-season foods to keep your digestive and lymph systems working at their peak. There are many web pages to visit that can help you optimize your detox. The length of time you spend in your detox is determined by your will-power. I like to spend at least 2 weeks detoxing to thoroughly cleanse my system and to get it running at top speed. Does anyone have any helpful advice to add to this post?

Craniosacral Therapy

I am excited to announce that Friday the 23rd of April is my first training in Craniosacral Therapy. I have done my best to explain what this type of therapy is but I have found it difficult to do without the training. There are many definitions out there. This is the best description I have found.
Craniosacral Therapy is an alternative medicine used by osteopaths, massage therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors and occupational therapists. The session begins with the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which allows them to tune into their craniosacral system. The practitioner works with the spine and skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragm and fascia. The restriction of nerve passages is released and the movement of cerebral spinal fluid through the spinal cord is optimized, and misaligned bones are restored to their natural position. Craniosacral Therapists use this treatment to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ syndrome, and chronic pain syndrome such as fybromyaglia. A condition defined as unexplained muscular pain.
I will continue to update you with information as travel through my trainings.

Charity Month

This month I am asking for donations to give the the Prince of Peace food pantry or to the La Crescent Animal Rescue.
Prince of Peace is in need of non-perishable food items and toiletries.
La Crescent Animal Rescue is in need of items for dogs & cats to include food like Science Diet cat food. Leashes, collars, rawhide chews, beds are a few of the items they need. Visit them at www.lacrescentanimalrescue.org for more information.
Bring you items to Simple Pleasures Yoga & Massage and take 5% off of your services!

Chakra Yoga Workshop

Chakra yoga workshop is being offered on Saturday, January 23rd. This is a fun and exciting opportunity to network with friends and family. It begins at 10:00am and will last for two hours. We will perform a series of sun salutations focusing on the different chakras in our bodies. We will begin with a warm-up and end with a comforting savasana. The cost is only $15.00 per person or bring a friend and pay only $25.00 for the two of you. Call 608-780-7909 to sign up. Hope to see you there!