Yoga for ME and Chronic Illness
"If you can breathe, you can do yoga".
Contrary to popular perception, yoga can be practised by absolutely anyone, or any age or religion - and people living with severe illness can find the practice especially beneficial; even life-changing.
Qualifications
I have undertaken specific training in teaching yoga to those with ME and related conditions, and am registered to teach with Fiona Agombar, one of the UK's leading authority on yoga therapy for ME. I am also a registered Relax and Renew Trainer®, certified by highly regarded US teacher, Judith Lasater.
A little about ME
ME (in full, Myalgic Encephalomelitis, also known own as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CFS) varies in severity from mild to severe. Typically, those suffering from the condition will have a host of fluctuating symptoms.
These include: extreme fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, malaise, light and noise sensitivity, insomnia, sluggish digestion, and poor concentration.
Over-lapping and/or related conditions can include: Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, Myofascial Pain Sydrome (MPS), insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and very low energy.
ME can be hugely misunderstood by the medical community, and there is much still to learn.
Alleviating anxiety and lifting depression
Encouraging people to take responsibility for their recovery (incredibly important), and wellbeing
Promoting 'proper' breathing'
Boosting energy levels and circulation
Improving posture
Releasing stored tension
Strengthening weak muscles
Bringing flexibility and mobility to the whole body
Improving self-esteem and acceptance
Helping the sufferer to overcome unhelpful habits/patterns of behaviour that could well have contributed to the onset of this illness
How I work with those living with ME and Chronic Fatigue
a) Privately: working on a one-to-one basis allows me to tailor the class exactly to the individual. The sessions may be carried out at the student's home (even on their bed, if the condition is severe), or in Central Chelmsford. The nature of the classes can be as gentle as only working with the breath, visualisation and relaxation. Or, if appropriate, sessions will incorporate gentle movement. The programme offered will be entirely dependent on the individual's needs, and will include a suggested daily 10/15-minute home practice. Please email to talk more.
b) Small group classes, held at the beautiful Hummingbird Centre in Writtle, near Chelmsford. Classes that may be suitable for those living with this (and other related, or similar, issues) condition are:
* Tuesdays, 1.15-2.15: Restorative Yoga & Yoga for Chronic Fatigue.
* Thursdays, 7pm: Restorative Yoga & Meditation
Please note: I am very interested in hearing from those suffering from ME, Chronic Fatigue or related conditions, with a view to setting up more specialist classes. Do drop me a line.
Qualifications
I have undertaken specific training in teaching yoga to those with ME and related conditions, and am registered to teach with Fiona Agombar, one of the UK's leading authority on yoga therapy for ME. I am also a registered Relax and Renew Trainer®, certified by highly regarded US teacher, Judith Lasater.
A little about ME
ME (in full, Myalgic Encephalomelitis, also known own as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CFS) varies in severity from mild to severe. Typically, those suffering from the condition will have a host of fluctuating symptoms.These include: extreme fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, malaise, light and noise sensitivity, insomnia, sluggish digestion, and poor concentration.
Over-lapping and/or related conditions can include: Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, Myofascial Pain Sydrome (MPS), insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and very low energy.
ME can be hugely misunderstood by the medical community, and there is much still to learn.
Why yoga?
A gentle yoga practice has been found to be very helpful in the following ways, including:Alleviating anxiety and lifting depression
Encouraging people to take responsibility for their recovery (incredibly important), and wellbeing
Promoting 'proper' breathing'
Boosting energy levels and circulation
Improving posture
Releasing stored tension
Strengthening weak muscles
Bringing flexibility and mobility to the whole body
Improving self-esteem and acceptance
Helping the sufferer to overcome unhelpful habits/patterns of behaviour that could well have contributed to the onset of this illness
How I work with those living with ME and Chronic Fatigue
a) Privately: working on a one-to-one basis allows me to tailor the class exactly to the individual. The sessions may be carried out at the student's home (even on their bed, if the condition is severe), or in Central Chelmsford. The nature of the classes can be as gentle as only working with the breath, visualisation and relaxation. Or, if appropriate, sessions will incorporate gentle movement. The programme offered will be entirely dependent on the individual's needs, and will include a suggested daily 10/15-minute home practice. Please email to talk more.
b) Small group classes, held at the beautiful Hummingbird Centre in Writtle, near Chelmsford. Classes that may be suitable for those living with this (and other related, or similar, issues) condition are:
* Tuesdays, 1.15-2.15: Restorative Yoga & Yoga for Chronic Fatigue.
* Thursdays, 7pm: Restorative Yoga & Meditation
Please note: I am very interested in hearing from those suffering from ME, Chronic Fatigue or related conditions, with a view to setting up more specialist classes. Do drop me a line.