Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Author at Aura Wellness Center

Yin Yoga Benefits Cancer Patients: Inclusion

September 26, 2024May 12, 2015

This daunting increase in the cancer rates means that many Yoga practitioners will be faced with a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. In turn, many “cancer warriors” will turn to the strengthening, balancing and relaxing benefits of Yoga to augment their healing cancer strategy. Additionally, many teachers will have students in their classes who are currently fighting cancer, or who are cancer survivors. You may even be a cancer survivor yourself and know firsthand the profound benefits of a regular Yoga practice, during cancer treatment and recovery.

Teaching a Detoxifying Yoga Class: Hip Openers

August 19, 2022April 25, 2015

Honestly and accurately gauging your own personal needs and the needs of your students in terms of a Yoga practice is one of the most fundamental aspects of creating a cleansing, safe and rejuvenating practice for both you and your Yoga students. There are many ways to increase the intensity of the detoxification benefits of a Yoga class. By leading your students through a challenging sequence of flowing standing asanas, arm balances, backbends, and inversions, you will support your students in their natural inclination to detoxify during the spring season.

“Take a Second Time Around” in Yoga Instruction and Practice

August 19, 2022April 17, 2015

The practitioner might not be aware of it, but – as an instructor and practitioner – I predict that he or she would have a slightly more open chest when approaching the posture with a different specific focus the second time. After that trial, I foresee that – just from that time of pointed and mindful focus – he or she would also have a firmer, yet more eased base of support in the posture, in addition to a more open chest (and deeper breath as a result). Some individuals do need multiple reinforcements of certain positive changes, them not occurring that quickly and easily. The above method is a good start to establishing those changes as permanent, however.

The Place of Developmental Movement Patterns in Yoga Part I – Beginnings

August 19, 2022December 31, 2014

I personally love to watch babies move. They roll, reach, and giggle at accomplishing what might seem to us like small goals. Sometimes they fall, struggle to get to where they want to be, and cry for a caregiver’s help. They are learning their bodies, ways to solve problems, how others react to their reactions, and what it is like for them to experience all of that in body and mind. All of those elements are the beginnings of the achievements, challenges, and inner/outer experiences that we all encounter throughout the lifespan. While the natures of those encounters differ for each individual, and notable exceptions do exist, there is a generalized sequential pattern of movement milestones that individuals achieve in the early years of life. Dance/movement therapy and other somatic disciplines rely upon this universal pattern to guide individuals to optimal holistic health. While yoga instructors and practitioners already (seemingly naturally) connect with this developmental somatic knowledge, we can even further utilize it in how we practice and guide others in practice.

Yoga & Self-Hypnosis to Quit Smoking

August 19, 2022September 6, 2014

In his second yoga sutra, Patanjali defines yoga as the “conscious process of gaining mastery over the mind”. By practicing self-hypnosis, asanas, pranayamas, kriyas and meditation, we develop awareness of our body, breathing and thoughts. This awareness awakens inner knowledge and wisdom that helps us better know ourselves.

Teaching Yoga and Demonstrating Ethical Behavior

August 19, 2022July 23, 2014

Becoming a yoga teacher involves more then just learning the basic poses and sequences. It involves a lot of personal growth, spiritual attunement, and reflection on respect and ethics both in and out of the yoga studio. Taking the time to develop your own personal ethics and responsibilities will ensure that your class is more than just a place to practice yoga. Through your demonstrations and examples of kind and compassionate behavior, you can encourage change in your community, starting one student at a time.

Return of the Old School

August 19, 2022June 2, 2014

Joint and associated muscle group movement helps to augment both Venous and Lymphatic circulation. This helps to prevent venous pooling and lower limb cellular waste accumulation. The venous system does not have the same pressure gradient as the arterial system and relies on venous cusps within the veins and the constant muscular skeletal augmentation to allow the blood to return to the heart for recirculation. The anti-gastric exercises in part II facilitate the gravitational return of blood back to the heart as the lower limbs are often placed at a higher angle than the thoracic cavity.

When to Change a Yoga Studio Schedule

August 19, 2022April 5, 2014

Once you have gotten as much input as possible, you are ready to move forward with some fresh ideas. This could involve an investment in some new props. For example, if you decide to pursue Nidra yoga, you may need more pillows and blankets. If you want to try aerial yoga, you will have to purchase the hammocks.

How to Firm Up with Yoga

August 19, 2022March 13, 2014

Certain poses are more conducive to building strong, toned, lean muscles than others, too, so you’ll want to learn the best ones and make them a regular part of your routine. Can yoga be used to get the lean body of your dreams? When combined with the right diet and exercise regimen, it can help you achieve incredible results.