Morning everyone! I watched an incredible seminar last week, on Yoga Psychology. It may sound a little floaty to some but sceptics beware - there are mountains and mountains of evidence to show that yoga, mindfulness (that word again!) and relaxation are all individually helpful to a huge range of conditions - and just wellbeing in general. We know that movement = excellent for mental health, so the next step is choosing movement that works for you.
Sandra Palmer was the presenter of the seminar. She's a psychologist (specialising in trauma therapy), a yoga teacher, and she personally lives with chronic pain. It's what led her to begin teaching a range of restorative yoga programmes. "There are no 'Instagram moments' in my classes," she tells us. Attendees are more likely to be wrapped in blankets and be wiggling their feet. The aims are many: to really get to know your body, to be able to tolerate the possible discomfort of boredom, sit with your own thoughts, learn how to (really, properly!) relax, and extend your range of movement. The evidence is for less pain, less negative thoughts, better cognitive flexibility, memory - and apparently, incredible sleep. Oh, and they say smiles and laughs are possible side effects too!
Sandra teaches 'iRest' Yoga Nidra meditation classes at the Contemporary Yoga Centre in Remuera. These are available as 6-8 week rehabilitative programmes at a very reasonable price ($130 for 6, at the time of writing - info on dates and times here). She also works with a team of other therapists to deliver other classes (both meditation and yoga) specifically for clients with injuries, illnesses, pain, mental health issues, trauma and others. These are held at Active+ locations, and one of the teachers is Serafin Dillon, who is a child and family therapist as well as yoga teacher. From a referral perspective it's amazing to be able to refer clients to people who work with the relevant population on a regular basis. They're experienced, they 'get it', and it means no trying to fit into a 'one size fits all' class.
Their website is excellent so I wont repeat all the useful information there. It'll tell you what to expect, how to get into the classes (free if referred under either a Pain or Sensitive Claims ACC contract), the types of conditions catered for and more. There are loads of types of classes, times, locations, and levels. Have a read of it here. Sandra's website is here. More information on things you can get help from ACC for is in this blog here.
Contacts:
http://www.mindfulyogapsychology.com/
http://www.integrativetherapy.co.nz/
Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them, or pass you on to someone who can!
