The stresses of today's hectic living can really get to you. Everyone needs a way to unwind and yoga can be a great way to do this. Regimented stretching and breathing can calm you down and relieve anxiety, if you select the correct poses.
Use Pre-Natal Yoga for Labor and Delivery
Over the years, the use of prenatal yoga to aid in labor and delivery has grown exponentially. The breathing techniques, awareness of the body, connection with the mind, modified postures and concentration have all brought expectant mothers and women readying for pregnancy through the doors of yoga studios across the country. If you’re hoping to use prenatal yoga to get yourself ready for childbirth, there are numerous classes available around the country ready and waiting for you.
Find Yoga Pressure Points
Acu-yoga, created by Michael Reed Gach, is a combination of the practices of acupressure and yoga. In acu-yoga, yoga postures are used to put pressure on acupressure points, thus stimulating those points with the entire body. The pressure points which are stimulated in acu-yoga are the same pressure points which are stimulated in acupressure, so they are simple to find.
Use Yoga Straps to Stretch in Yoga
Yoga straps are considered "yoga props." Yoga props (like straps, blocks and blankets) are designed to enhance the yoga practice. They allow beginning yogis to move into deeper stretches and help them with more difficult poses. For seasoned yogis, yoga straps help students perfect poses and help improve alignment and form. If you don't have a yoga strap, you can also use a long, sturdy towel. Just follow these steps.
Do Inversions in Pre-Natal Yoga
The topic of doing inversions in prenatal yoga is somewhat controversial. This is one type of pose which is often contraindicated during pregnancy, according to yogic tradition. One reason given for this is that the umbilical cord often connects at the top of the uterus, and performing even gentle inversions may cause the fetus to put pressure on this region, lowering its oxygen supply. However, not all yogis, doctors or midwives agree with this theory. Many women enjoy inversion asanas throughout pregnancy, with the blessing of their health care providers. If you choose to perform inversions, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.