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in reply to: Inversions shoulder stand #5494
Hi Siobhain
I can understand that one would be worried. I actually have a friend that has sustained some nerve damage (in his eye) from doing an inversion for too long. He won’t do headstands any more. (Yes I know, that is not a shoulder stand but I wanted to give you the example.) I know I can in no way comment on whether he had good technique or not as I was not there and it was not at my studio. And I only have limited knowledge of what is happening for you.
Have you checked that your student has enough pliable support under her shoulders so that the pressure through her neck (and shoulders) is minimized? A thick mat, towel, blankets? Maybe you can look at what she is using. Can you give her a pose of less intensity? And of course the obvious thing is to let your student opt out and not do the pose at all. If she is worried perhaps at some level there is reason to be. Every body is different. 😉
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Inversions shoulder stand #5489Hi Siobhain
You are right that you would get some affects of increased pressure and flow toward the head. A quick question: When you/the student comes out of shoulder stand how long does the redness and the puffiness last? How long is the pose being held?
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: I am as confused as I can ever get….. #5487Hi Eric and Freia
Thank you so much Freia for that response. I really appreciate the time you took to put that together.
The world is full of inconsistencies and much hypocrisy. Everyone draws their line in the sand and believes certain things. The religious world and the world of yoga is as full of hypocrisy as any other. So I totally understand what you are conflicted about Jeff.
There are so many styles of yoga for example, with studios populated with folk from all walks of life, many different religions. One is supposed to approach their practice with equanimity, non-attachment and non-judgment yet strangely I have met some of the most judgmental people (there I go being judgmental 😉 ) in the yoga world.
There are folk that vehemently oppose one style of yoga and steadfastly back their own – perhaps in a way to justify their own decisions and choices. And there are others who say “oh great, you are practicing yoga” and don’t care what style. Everyone has an opinion and draws their line as to whether that opinion is to accept what others believe or whether they will judge the other and even oppress or be aggressive and violent in their words, deeds or actions.
My point: there are ideals in yoga and there are ideals in religion. Those ideals (of brotherhood, peace, love, non-violence and so on and so forth) tend to be quite common across the board. It is a quirk of nature, and indeed a reality that our ideal self may NOT be the self that we are projecting to the world. It is part of our path towards our own enlightenment and one of the reasons we even practice yoga or religion.
For the record, in my opinion, yoga is not a religion. We are each on a quest to find and project our ideal selves. And each of us, whether religious, or a yoga practitioner, or both, has some amount of inner conflict about humanity, the world we live in, and yes, our own inner world!
I have found as have many others have more inner calm and clarity through the meditative aspects of yoga. There are odd aspects of yoga that are at loggerheads with the ideals of enlightenment. For example I remember having a discussion with some of my students and what a lot of people reported was feeling quite egotistical and narcissistic while practicing yoga in front of the mirror. This pride and comparison is not the stuff of an enlightened yogi yet it is ever-present.
I would love to hear what others have to say about the confusing aspects of their practice and how it fits in with their model of the world. Fascinating stuff.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Twisted pelvis /expectations managment #5486Hello Michelle
Thank you so much. I am happy you found ‘us’. I hope you find your answers. 😉
OK. As for your condition. I really think that you will experience a better indication of the power to change your own body with your 60 day challenge. Three times a week, while great for anyone, is less likely to institute the changes that you are after.
If you have read my story then you will know that although I didn’t have the longstanding pain problem that you have been experiencing I certainly had a moderate scoliosis. I felt my spine start to realign within weeks of starting. And no, I did NOT expect that to happen or even think that it could – so imagine how much more powerful your experience will be knowing that you can and will improve your alignment!
Please, if you haven’t already, type ‘scoliosis’ into the search facility and see what comes up. Here is a good place to start though: Thoracic Scoliosis as I within that pose I have also popped in a couple of other posts that will probably help you.
Frequency of practice is key. When you finish your 60 day challenge, see what you can do to keep up a minimum 4 classes per week, but 5 or 6 a week is better. Commit to a number that is achievable and the other extra class/es will be a bonus.
Have fun and enjoy the feeling of your changing body. I am sure you will read it elsewhere but I actually got a real buzz out of the discomfort (even difficulty turning over in bed at night that woke me up nightly) knowing that my spine was realigning.
Just one final note: don’t be in a hurry and expect to see changes occurring. Although they will, and you can be surprised when they do, if you hook your practice to the expectation rather than the joy of practicing the attachment to it can be quite distracting.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: March 30-day challenge #5479Hi Jeffrey
You should be able to get by drinking about a pint or so before. 😉
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: March 30-day challenge #5477Hi Jeffrey
I know it is hard to fit in enough water in the morning. It is possibly unrealistic to say one can’t fit ANY in. For me it is a question of habit. For example, I place a very large cup of water on my bedside table. In the morning it is the first thing that I have upon waking. Then on the way to your class you can have a one liter bottle that you aim to drink some of. You may find for morning classes that you drink a little more than normal during class than you would for a class later on in the day. The body dehydrates over night quite significantly. So don’t see it as some kind of test that you shouldn’t drink. Use water judiciously before, sparingly during class as needed and then of course after class.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Is everyday to much? #5476Hi Cory
I know the feeling! You just love it and you crave it. And life would seem empty without it.
This is oh so common. I have also been there. I know I have even written about it elsewhere. The point is, that the body needs recovery time. I typed in the word ‘recovery’ into the search facility and came up with loads of results. Robert loves the work of Tony Schwartz and he talks about it here: 3 weeks on, 1 week off, good idea?. Maybe one’s mental recovery can be regaining perspective. Every one has their own path – so these are simply ideas.
The other thing is that although yoga is a fine addiction to have, one has to look at how much control it is having over you (also written about elsewhere 😉 ). I know it helped me a lot to ‘let go’ of those, what were they? feelings of guilt? when I didn’t attend when I had every expectation to. Perhaps don’t go one day, and then get over it! You will grow as a result. Allow yourself to make a minimum commitment to yourself of x number of classes per week. Extras are a bonus. There are all kinds of strategies – like a day off with a double on another day, or a class early one morning, and a class the next night with what feels like 2 days off in between. That could even be the weekend. Live your life, do your yoga and also plan for recovery!
What you want is choice with your ‘habit’. This is what your recovery will give you. Not being beholden to your yoga to give you what you want may allow your unconscious mind to provide you the same outcome in a different and maybe a delightful way you hadn’t even thought of.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Labral tear (hip) #5474Hi Lynne
Oh, that is terrible to be feeling pain. I very much doubt that this injury comes from your yoga. Your labrum tear tends to be from repetitive weight bearing and or shearing activity. Typically it happens with contact sports, from accidents, from golfing or softball or football. It can be aggravated by many activities like riding a bike or even from weight bearing the hip, stressing the labrum during your training for example.
Has your doctor recommended any treatment (eg to remove the tags or clean up the area)?
If you need help with modifications of poses, let me know
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: ACL Reconstructed #5469Hi Darin
I meant to post a few weeks back with the idea of doing single leg knee bends. I found a very simple video on youtube by matt white. And another youtube video on single leg squats by Michael Reid. Both of these would align with your own to date successful method of rehabilitation without any special equipment.
Hope that helps
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Lissette
May I ask you a question? When you look at yourself in the mirror at yoga, what do you say to yourself? Are you upset and maybe saying “I look horrible” or other such things? I am guessing that with such outbreaks you could be feeling rather upset when you look in the mirror. And because you aim to make your self-connection during class you could be reinforcing any negative feelings or beliefs you have around your conditions. Your beliefs and what you say to yourself and how you talk to yourself are a powerful determinant of your reality. One type of treatment that you may not have considered could be hypnosis. Or you could see a Bodytalk or Psych-k practitioner to help you rewire your mind’s ‘software’. I personally like this last approach.
Now onto your conditions:
I did some poking around and couldn’t actually find that your dermatitis condition is affected by the heat. I did find out that it can be caused by a fungal infection (which you probably already know) and it can be caused by changed hormonal levels. Is the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis definitive?
As malesma can also have its roots in changed hormonal levels I was wondering if that avenue had been investigated. Now I realize you are probably under professional care and I am not here to give you medical advice but I just wanted to say that it is possible – being a woman – that hormone levels are worth looking into.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Chronically painful hamstring #5465On second thoughts Freia, I will add something now while waiting for your response!
OK, here’s the background. I had a tiny what seemed non-event of an accident at the park with my daughter and from then for 3 whole months I could NOT do the same poses you mention with any ease at all. It was so upsetting not because I couldn’t do the poses as well as before (because the depth of the pose isn’t important) but because it was affecting both sides because of the pain I was experiencing and it was causing a decrease in my ease and flexibility in both legs; I was having some background pain a lot of the time. I, like you and thousands out there believed that the yoga would fix it. However, no amount of stretching or what I considered to be solid rehabilitative yoga was helping. So eventually I went to see a therapist.
This is what I wrote to another fellow yogini (Cindy) who also reported experiencing something very similar to what I was going through and very similar, give or take a few details, to what you describe:
I know that it is a great belief to have that the yoga fixes everything. It supports your healing. I think though that you are experiencing quite a bit of discomfort and would benefit from the advice from a physical therapist. Perhaps they will say that stretching is all you need do. But perhaps you will (like we did) have to do some special exercises to regain some strength in your hamstrings.
Freia, please go and see somebody about building the strength in your hamstrings and/or returning normal function there. What was happening with both Cindy and I is that the belly of the hamstring sustained some kind of injury and with the inability to heal/strengthen and the development of adhesions/scar tissue the muscle couldn’t perform properly AND furthermore it was tugging on the tendon which meant that the pain was right up high as well. Both Cindy and I also had pain in the attachments behind the knee.
I hope that helps. By the way my problem has completely resolved. I attended 4 sessions and did special exercises at home. Cindy also reported improvement after several visits. Please let us know what happens with you.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Chronically painful hamstring #5464Hi Freia
Thanks for asking your question. I would like to know, what was the title of the post that you looked at? There is a lot of information on the forum. I just want to make sure we are on the same page.
I have recently answered quite a number of posts on hamstrings but a lot of that was on the Private Members’ section.
When you get back to me I will fill in the missing link and hopefully provide something of value. :cheese:
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Jane
Perhaps start with some core activation techniques. Did you see my video on that? If you don’t know how to activate your core it is really worth acquainting or re-acquainting yourself with the techniques so that you can turn on those muscles when you need them. When you are bringing your head to the floor first is your neck as extended as it can be? Some people drop their chins in an effort to get the head to floor first.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Moving into 4th phase #5461Hi gummisteph
The first thing I would do is make sure you are solid in stage 3. By that I mean that you can (and DO try this) stay in stage 3 for the entire first set. That is minus the small amount of time it takes to cycle through stages one and 2 to get your elbows down below your calf muscles. In other words you should be able to solidly stay in stage 3 for upwards of 50 seconds employing all the distinctions of this pose BEFORE moving to part 4 (at another time).
What Drew mentions are issues that should already be handled by the time you are even trying to get into stage 4. Thanks Drew.
In my opinion too many people are trying to go into stage 4 without working out how to properly progress AND stay in the other parts.
In stage one is where you work out how to keep your leg and joint alignment by properly weighting your foot. Progress into stage 2 helps you understand how extending the leg may change that, so you should have this already handled when you have ‘got’ stage 2.
The pushing of the heel forward and pulling of the toes backward really starts being MORE important as you start progressing into stage 2. I said ‘more important’ because there is a hint of that element already existing in stage one where you keep your foot actively flexed (just the direction of that ‘action’ is different – relative to the floor).
As you lift your leg and push it forward towards extension you have to be engaging this dynamic and then IT DOESN’T STOP occurring for the rest of the pose through parts 2, 3 and 4.
I implore you to take a class or 2 to explore how fully you are doing all of this. Then keep those dynamics going and then bring your forehead to your knee.
This is what your question is asking. Here is what I would suggest now that you have everything else handled.
It is a challenge to constantly change your focus because for the most part you are relying on your focus to give you the balance. So you feel rather disconcerted to be constantly moving where your eyes are looking.
One thing I have found students respond to well is asking them to look through their knee to the floor. This will get you used to changing your focus and still keep it on something solid – all the while you are working on keeping all the other basics of this pose constant. While you are learning a new skill the basics can often fly out the window so this is why you take your learning in stages. Then your job will be to tuck your chin even tighter and try to look at the floor behind you when you are looking through the space between your legs. Then you will more likely be ready to tuck your chin and look at your stomach. By this stage it will be easy because you have mastered balance with a moving visual focus! :cheese:
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Those of you who belong to the Private Members’ (or are a VIP) would have already seen the 71 minute Pose Tutorial on Standing Head to Knee for monthly members. It details all the above and a whole lot more concerning every aspect of this very challenging pose. Click here to find out more about becoming a private member: Get access to Pose Tutorials
Hi Elizabeth
It took me a little while to find it but I remember having answered a couple of posts before on the IT band. Check it out here and see if it helps at all. Tight Hips and Sciatic/Piriformis Issues
A quick question: did you see the Paschimottanasana and Sit-Up Pose Tutorial? Are you bending up your legs in the sit-up? Is it worth maybe missing the sit-up after Fixed Firm?
Get back to me (it’s Saturday night here and I am signing off for the evening). There is a lot to consider from the above post and to see what fits with your situation.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: YogaBody supplement really works #5456Hi Kristina
You are very welcome! Now as for your other question. If you want to post something on Pranayama you can click on Forum Home (above) and scroll down until you see the list of all the poses. Pranayama comes first. Click on it and then near the top right of the page you will see a gray box with the words NEW TOPIC. Name your topic and then type your notes and questions! You may already know this but I included the details just in case.
It really doesn’t matter how long and involved the question is. It really helps for it to be on the forum because other people may have the same question or benefit from reading and participating. You may get some other contributions as a result.
If you have something to say of a personal nature then I do answer emails.
Now if you want to send me a message then you can do that in a number of ways. You can send me an email through the forum:
>> find a post that I have made and click on the profile box on the bottom left of each post. Within the display that comes up you will see the boxes marked “EMAIL” or “PM”. An email will get delivered directly to my personal inbox. And a PM will go to my Private Mailbox (which you and every member who belongs to the hot yoga doctor site has).
>> you will also find a box with the letters PM next to ‘profile’ on each post, so there are 2 places you can access the private messaging system.Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: tender lower back #5449Hi gummisteph
I didn’t chime in before because you and Annie were having a great conversation with basically good answers to your questions. I do note that you said you DID Pilates before. So perhaps some core strengthening exercises to supplement your yoga classes and also work on engaging your core in class as often as you can. It takes a concerted effort to do it. I do believe that your strength really does need work and it seems you are taking steps and indeed you have noticed some improvement. Please keep us posted as to your progress.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Triangle Pose with long legs #5448Hi gummisteph
I want you to try something for me! I want you to try and lift the toes of your bent leg up off the floor. It helps bring the center of gravity back towards the hips. Try that a few classes. Also see if the outside of the foot of your straightened leg seems to slide away and when it does do you find it hard or easy to plant your big toe and inside of your foot?
Get back to me and then if that doesn’t work I have another 2 slightly more unorthodox approaches WHICH WORK quite quickly.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Elizabeth
You know, that your forehead should come to your knee AS you round down and grab your foot. You should never put your hands to your foot and then round down. The other thing I advise is for you to bend up your lengthened leg a little and then once head is on your knee and hands are clasping your foot then you can pull back on your foot and push your heel away and feel that lovely traction open up your leg at the same time as lengthening your leg and yes, maybe straightening it.
As I understand it though it is not the lengthened leg but the internal side (upper facing side) or your right leg when you are rounding down to the left or second side. Have you ever tried unbending your right leg just enough to stop it hurting? I want to know where it is that it doesn’t hurt… I would also like to know if the adjustment above helps your problem. If you listened to the first member interview with Amy this was definitely a great improvement to her practice. I just want more info about your knee!!!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: Teacher training #5446Hi Chris
Practicing and teaching! Both are so rewarding for their own reasons aren’t they?
Hi Rebecca
You asked a question about teacher training: Hmmmm I have certainly been asked whether I offer training quite a number of times. In fact so many times that I think it could be a possibility. I would love to hear some feedback on that!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: YogaBody supplement really works #5445Hi Kristina
I JUST heard back and apparently there is no problem with duties in Germany. He mentions that people in Austria or Italy are more likely to have to pay a little extra. So go ahead and order here: Yoga Body Caps!!!
Have fun on your challenge. Yes it is true that taking the supplement helps as does good technique so if you need any help I am here for you!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: YogaBody supplement really works #5443Hi Kristina
I have just sent an email off for you, to find out the answer to your question. I will get back to you as soon as I hear.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂Hi Jane
The butt lifts for most students so you are really not alone! Try this: squeeze your knees together at the same time as activating your core on the way down.
I could also ask you: what’s happening in your upper body? How relaxed are your shoulders; is there tension there? What’s touching the floor first, the hands or the forehead?
Awaiting your reply
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂in reply to: First two classes #5431Hi David
Just wondering how you are going now that you have had the chance to attend a few more classes.
Your natural physiological heat-acclimatization process should by now be making it easier to be in the room. How are the “shaky legs” improving? Strength and stability can build surprisingly fast. I wonder how much having some classes under your belt would have improved your experience with the final breathing exercise.
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂 -
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