By: Jennifer Moreland RYT500

We all have attachments. Whether healthy, unhealthy, small or large, people, places, material things, social media, life outcomes and…Yoga poses.

Yoga poses? Why? For what? As a yoga instructor I encounter all body types, sizes, injuries and physical limitations. I love the variety because it challenges me to learn from my students. They teach me. So when a new student or long time practitioner asks me about a certain pose or variation I say let’s try it. Let’s work our form, learn proper technique and see what happens. Sometimes the pose happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Most of the time a good reaction comes from the student even if they didn’t achieve the pose.  It was fun to try, fun to fall and they lose a bit of fear or a preconceived thought they had about it. They enjoyed the journey and will keep trying.  Healthy goals right? But then there are some that get extremely frustrated because their bodies were unable to bend, twist, bind or hold the pose. They shake their heads in disgust with themselves. Criticism follows with those famous words: I’ll never be able to do that.  When I remind them, it’s a practice, it’s a lifetime journey, yoga is measured in decades, have fun or don’t take it too seriously I usually get a sarcastic remark back and it’s all good. My thought process was the same when I started so I can totally relate. There’s not a pose that is worth hurting ourselves or over working areas of the body to get there. With time and patience we learn that the negative self talk and self doubt needs to stop.

But perhaps, we observe (without judgment) ourselves and others. Observe our reactions when things don’t go our way. Observe others reactions and struggles. All through the eyes of compassion. What about the guy who can hold his handstand for a full minute but has super tight hips? The lady who can get both feet behind her head but cannot do crow pose? The dedicated lady who never misses a class but still can’t touch her toes?  We learn from observation. Not by judging but by noticing that everyone has their struggles and limitations. We are ALL working on something. And we keep going, we keep trying. Moments of frustration will come of course and we must be kind to ourselves during this struggle. Compassion starts from within so we can radiate that outward. Are we a better person once we achieve our handstand? Are we more spiritually evolved once our feet are behind our head? Why are we concerned about touching our toes? Observe THAT—why and what’s the purpose? A teacher of mine once said, “I know a lot of jerks that have a rockin’ handstand. But their attitudes and ego could use some work. Achieving a pose will not make you a better person.”

Of course, set a healthy goal, work hard to achieve it but have patience with the body and the mind to get there. Even as a yoga teacher there are several poses I still struggle with. Body and mind limitations I struggle with daily. Yoga has a way to humble us and remind us that everything right now is how it should be. Why do we allow ourselves to struggle even further into self doubt, negative self talk and even criticize ourselves? It’s a lifetime practice. And if we continue our yoga journey beautiful things will happen. The body and mind will let us in, something starts to open, release, let go and then we might just have success in that super important pose we were attached to.  Practice with body and mind compassion.  Namaste.

Jennifer Moreland RYT500 Dallas, TX  Instagram: jennmyogabliss

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An Interview with Amanda Quintanilla from Just Be Well Yoga

By: Erica Mestyanek, Holistic Health Coach & Marketing Executive Dallas Yoga Magazine

Where did you learn about SUP Yoga?

I had just finished my 200hr teacher training in San Diego in 2011. The studio I was working at connected with a local company to offer a workshop for SUP Yoga training. Growing up on the Great Lakes in the Midwest, I’ve always loved the water and didn’t think twice about it. My first time on a paddleboard was at SUP Yoga teacher training.

How long have you been practicing and when did you start Just Be Well Yoga?

I have been practicing yoga for about 15 years. I came to yoga as a way to recover from a gymnastics injury in high school and it stayed with me. I discovered new ways to work with my body instead of doing things that were damaging it. I started my company in 2015 in Texas when I was not able to find a local SUP yoga community near Fort Worth.

What makes SUP yoga so different from other types besides the obvious?

Aside from bringing yoga to the water, SUP yoga connects yogis back to nature and pulls them out of their comfort zones by teaching them to slow down. I see time and time again, students who are apprehensive at the beginning of a class, completely transform by the end of our session. They are able to find their playful side and the courage to try new things. Most importantly, they grow confident in themselves and their bodies. All because we have changed the platform they practice on and give them a more freeing atmosphere.

Who is SUP yoga for?

Everyone! We have found that regardless of someone’s comfort or skill level, we are able to adapt the practice accordingly. Some classes can be more vigorous adding in arm balances and inversions, while others are as simple as meditating on the water by simply being in nature and tuning in to their surroundings. Practicing on the water doesn’t have to be something you aspire to after “reaching a specific level.” We all start at different places and being on the water can bring even the most experienced yogi back to a beginner again. It teaches us how our body moves on a whole new level and we experience even the smallest movements and shifts. Most of all, it’s about having fun, even in the hot Texas summers. When you are ready to join us on the water, you can find us at The Lake Worth Boat and Ski Club now through September or year round at The Keller Pointe and Farmers Branch Aquatic Center. www.justbewellyoga.com

I had the opportunity to attend a SUP yoga class in Fort Worth and it was incredible. Don’t worry if you fall in the water, I guarantee you will not be alone. The class was fun and challenging and I cannot wait to go again!

The post What SUP? appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

By: Veleisa Burrell

Step onto the WNBA Dallas Wings court during practice and you’ll experience various sights and sounds: squeaking shoe soles and the shouts of plays being called up and down the court as players run drills with focused intensity. The physicality and drama of basketball may seem like a diametrical opposite experience to the fluidity of yoga, where there is no jostling for position under a net and practitioners stay within the four corners of their mat. For Dallas Wings Assistant Coach Bridget Pettis, there is no separating the two worlds.

Pettis possesses a quiet intensity with bright eyes and a quick smile. The East Chicago native and Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame member carries herself with awareness learned both on the court and in the ashram. While attending college at the University of Florida in Gainesville in the early 1990s, Bridget played basketball under Coach Carol Ross. Within a few years of graduation, Pettis was selected by the Phoenix Mercury as the seventh pick in the first round of the WNBA’s inaugural 1997 draft.

“It was humbling to be part of the beginning stages of the WNBA,” Bridget said of her role in sports history. “[That] class of women…set a strong foundation of passion, hard work and commitment to making the WNBA the greatest stage for woman’s professional basketball.”

After playing for the Mercury until 2001, Pettis joined the Indiana Fever until 2003 before returning to the Mercury in 2006 and retiring after that season. In her career, Bridget enjoyed many successes but, in 2008, she experienced a “disconnection” within herself as she struggled to make sense of life. It was during this challenge that she discovered yoga as a way to translate her anxiety to calm. In the stillness of her practice, seated and rooted to the earth, Bridget found her peace.

“I felt like it was God that drew me to my first yoga training,” she explains of how she became a yoga teacher. She met her Ashtanga teacher, the late Dave Oliver, in a small studio housed in an office building. Upon hearing that his training was authentic to the style taught in India, Bridget was instantly eager to join.

The years spent in training, both as a WNBA player and an Ashtanga yogi, prepared Bridget for the next stage in her career: as an assistant coach in the league that shaped her life. The Dallas Wings hired her to work alongside legendary head coach Fred Williams in 2014. In her role, Pettis focuses on development of physical fundamentals, helping the women grow as athletes and leaders. Off the court, she found a home for her practice at Dallas Yoga Center, a “wonderful” community she calls a blessing. After the 2016 season in Dallas, Bridget spent part of her off-season in India at a semi-silent retreat where she recharged her energy and returned to the court more ready than ever.

Coach Pettis, leadership is not limited to basketball; she has opened her house to the Wings athletes and front office staff to participate in informal yoga classes. The same bodies that fly down the court flow through practice under Pettis’ guidance. When asked why she offers her teaching to the group, she simply states: “I don’t look at what I have to gain [by] offering to teach yoga. It is a service to share and I’m grateful to anyone that is wanting and willing to roll out their mat and allow the practice to transform their life in whatever way it is to be. I am not only a yoga teacher for the player; I am a servant to everyone.”

Assistant Coach Bridget Pettis welcomes all to experience the Dallas Wings at College Park Center in Arlington. For more information on the Dallas Wings, visit www.dallaswings.com.

ARLINGTON, TX – MAY 2: Assistant coach Bridget Pettis poses for portraits on May 2, 2017 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

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According to esoteric teachings, the day of the full moon is our highest energy day of the month.  However, each month also brings a seven day full moon cycle, and those other six days also bring high energy to us.

The seven day full moon cycle consists of three parts:

Days of Preparation to Receive the Full Moon Energy (Days before the full moon)

Day # 1 Physical Day – Tuesday, June 6, 2017

The cycle starts on the physical plane.  It’s the day to prepare our physical body to receive the full moon energy.

This is a good day for physical activity, such as yoga, as well as for body work (e.g., massage, reflexology, acupuncture).

It is also the day to pay attention to nutrition and healthy eating.  In fact, anything we can do to ensure our body is healthy and active is perfect for this day.

Day # 2 (before full moon): Emotional Day.- Wednesday, June 7, 2017

The energy travels from the physical plane to the emotional plane.  Today we work on quieting our emotions and our relationships.

This is a day to calm our emotions and ensure that our relationships are harmonious.  To calm our emotions, tune into the energy of beauty, either by connecting to nature, the creative arts, or both.  It’s a good day to visit the Arboretum or the Dallas Museum of Art, or to simply listen to music.  Meditation is also appropriate on this day and indeed, any day.

Day # 3 (before full moon): Mental Day. –Thursday, June 8, 2017

Today the energy travels from the emotional to the mental plane.  It’s a day to cleanse our mind to enable us to receive the full moon energy.

Have positive and inspirational thoughts today.  Make it a day to avoid criticism of ourselves and others.  Quiet that negative “judge” in our head.  Also, avoid negative thoughts and if possible, minimize contact with toxic negative people.

Full Moon Day – Friday, June 9, 2017

Full moon day is the highest energy day of every month when we receive “messages” from our spirit guides through our intuition. Meditation is a great way to listen to our “inner voice.”

Surround yourself with beauty, either by being in nature or enjoying the creative arts, either as the artist or the appreciator.

Days of Distribution of the Full Moon Energy (Days after the full moon):

Day #1 after the full moon: Mental Day – Saturday, June 10, 2017

Today the full moon energy reaches the mental plane on its way down to Earth.

Again, as in the mental day of preparation, it’s a time to think high thoughts that inspire yourself and others.

Avoid negative thoughts and criticism which bring us down rather than lift us up.

Day #2 after full moon:  Emotional Day.- Sunday, June 11, 2017

On this day, the full moon energy reaches the emotional plane on its way to Earth.

Our emotions and relationships are priorities today.  As the British saying goes, “Keep calm and carry on.”  Aim for peace and harmony in relationships.

Day 3 after full moon:  Physical Day. – Monday, June 12, 2017

Today the full moon energy finally reaches us.  Yay!  Today we receive the full moon energy, the highest energy day of the month!

Today, as always, it is important to maintain our health and well being through good nutrition and physical activity (e.g., running, walking, yoga, tennis, etc.) and therapeutic body work.

More information: 

Rather than taking the above information on faith alone, maintain a healthy skepticism.  Observe what happens during the next few months to see whether this information proves true to you.  I hope you’ll find it resonates with you, as it does with me.

By the way, on the third day after the full moon, I make a special effort to drive defensively because on this day more kamikaze drivers seem to take to the roads.

Toby Bailin is a Life Purpose Coach in Dallas.  www.intutiveforyou.com

214-682-7317

The post Time of High Spiritual Energy: The Seven Day High Energy Full Moon Cycle appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

A few days a week, a friend and I get together to do our Ashtanga practice. Not too long ago she looked at me and asked, “Why aren’t more people here? Hasn’t everyone figured out yet that Ashtanga is the best thing ever?”

Oh, my friend is absolutely brilliant! She declared it with so much sincerity, it was priceless. And I couldn’t agree with her more. I love Ashtanga, and we are in it for the long haul. It started with some mild flirting, then we started dating, and now I feel like I’m married to Ashtanga. The weird thing is, I want everyone to sample my husband because as my friend says IT’S THE BEST THING EVER!

Ashtanga yoga is a pre-set sequence of postures grouped into six series developed by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Whether you’re in Richardson, Texas or Buenos Aires, the sequence is the same everywhere. We practice the Primary Series at Yoga Chikitsa, which includes a warm-up, standing and seated poses, and a series of inversions. The breath is the most important part; Ashtanga teachers actually count them.

Now, in some circles Ashtanga gets a slightly bad wrap, but I’m here to dispel the myths.

Myth #1: It’s not for beginners.

OK…your first Ashtanga class may seem intimidating, particularly a “led” class, where the teacher calls each pose at a steady clip. Don’t feel the need to keep up! We all start somewhere. It is extremely important to know your capabilities and limitations and practice accordingly. At Yoga Chikitsa we especially welcome beginners and take time to explain the poses.

Katherine’s retort: if I may share a quote by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois himself: “Anyone can practice. Young man can practice. Old man can practice. Very old man can practice. Man who is sick, he can practice. Man who doesn’t have strength can practice. Except lazy people; lazy people can’t practice yoga.”

Myth #2: It’s for 14-year old boys

I’ve heard this numerous times but understand this claim may have stemmed simply from the demographic at the institute in Mysore, India, where Ashtanga was formalized. It’s also been implied certain poses aren’t accessible to women as structural differences in female anatomy preclude us from mastering this style of yoga. I’m here to tell you the number of female students in our classes at least equal if not surpass the number of men, and the width of our hips has not interfered.

Katherine’s retort: 14-year old boys, my ass.

Myth #3: Ashtanga is bad for Vata dosha.

Speaking personally as an Ayurvedic counselor with a vata constitution, I consider it an antidote to excessive vata.  More than half of the poses of the Primary Series are seated; practicing Ashtanga is actually grounding. The anxious vata types tend to find comfort in the predictability of the fixed sequence and its quality of a moving meditation. I actually believe Ashtanga to be tri-doshic, meaning good for all types.

Katherine’s retort: False. Kiss me in the ashtanga.

Ashtanga is special. It does require dedication and takes practice to gain proficiency, but I promise, if you’re the marrying kind, this is the yoga for you. So if I haven’t sold you yet, here’s a few more reasons to persuade you:

After one class, you’ll want to try another, which will lead to the next, and to the next, and soon you’ll sittin’ in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g….

Katherine Galligan is the Owner of Yoga Chikitsa, RYT500 & Ayurvedic Counselor. You can reach her at 214-282-4566. Yoga Chikitsa is located at 328 W Campbell Road in Richardson.  

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Cryotherapy. It’s something most of us have heard of, but few actually experience. I’ll admit, when the opportunity was first presented to me, I was reluctant. The idea of “freezing my naked body” sounded less than appealing. The more I spoke with Kelly from Cryo1one and I researched cryotherapy however, I learned about the amazing benefits it offered. High-profile athletes use cryotherapy as a method to both prevent and relieve various aches and pains. I decided to conquer that fear because I knew I would reap the benefits from experiencing this myself. I just prayed that I would not pee myself during any point in the process.

Before my session:

I planned my session for a day I was scheduled to increase my weights at the gym. Kelly explained to me that it would be more beneficial to have the session before I started aching rather than after. That morning I increased my weights between 5 and 15 pounds depending on the machine. Typically, days when I increase my weights, I feel the “burn” for 3-4 days.

Upon my arrival:

When I arrived to Cryo1one I was feeling quite nervous, but Ali put me at ease. She talked me through the process and helped me prepare for the session. She confirmed I signed the waiver online and explained she needed to take my blood pressure check it was not too low since the cryo process slows your blood circulation.

Prepping for the Cryo-chamber:

Once Ali confirmed my blood pressure was within range, we headed to the room with the cryo-chamber. I was given a bag with gloves, wipes, and socks. She instructed me to take off all my jewelry and undress to my underwear as long as they were completely dry, otherwise I would have to be naked. She also confirmed that I was not sweating anywhere since I had just worked out. It had been 2 hours, I was no longer sweating so I did not have to use the wipes. I put on the gloves and socks as well as a second pair of thick gloves and boots that were in the room. I stepped into the chamber that had previously adjusted to a temperature of -30°F.

My session:

Once I was inside the chamber, Kelly and Ali came in. They adjusted the temperature and my session began. Having been in Texas for the last 15+ years, cold to me was when the temperature outside was less than 50°F. This, was unlike any cold I have ever felt. (I later found out, I had experienced level 1, or -167°F.) Perhaps my face was showing fear, because Kelly spoke to me throughout the entire process to get my mind off my freezing body. She instructed me to rotate 90° every 30 seconds so no part of my body would get frost bite. All I could think was “oh boy, I hope I was positive my underwear was dry when I stepped in.” Before I knew it, 3 minutes had passed and I was done! I was shivering a bit, but when I exited the chamber, I immediately started warming up. For a brief moment, I had a sharp tingling sensation throughout my body. This lasted 5-10 seconds. I got dressed and headed out.

Afterwards:

Instantly, I had an adrenaline rush. I had more energy than I knew what to do with. Two hours later, I crashed; hard. I was completely exhausted and wanted nothing more than to take a nap. I decided to call it a night just after 9pm. That night, I slept beautifully. I had a solid and peaceful 9 hour sleep that night and woke up feeling rejuvenated the next morning. At this point, I still felt zero pain or aches from my workout. Two days later, I was craving another session. My body missed the cold which was strange for me because I am typically a cold natured person.

The Verdict:

Having been two weeks since my session, I can honestly say I have not experienced any aches, sore muscles, or pains since my work out that day. In fact, I would say it helped me recover from the next few workouts even quicker than normal. Although I had a temporary moment of exhaustion a couple hours after the session, all the other “side effects” were completely worth baring it all in negative temperatures for my first Cryotherapy experience. I highly recommend cryotherapy for anyone who is active. Whether you are lifting weights, cycling, running, practicing yoga, etc., you can definitely find relief at Cryo1one.

Go to www.cryo1one.com or just stop by to schedule your first session for $25 at Cryo1one today! 6025 Royal Lane, Suite 219-2, Dallas, TX 75230

The post My First Experience with Cryotherapy at Cryo1one appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), our day-to-day Qi gives our body the energy to function. Just as there are different types of energy in science – solar, nuclear, potential, kinetic, etc. – there are also different types of Qi in our bodies. Qi protects us from pathogens, holds our organs in place, and gives each organ the energy to do its job properly, among other things. Basically, Qi is very important!

So how do we make sure our body has enough Qi? In Eastern medicine diet is a primary source of energy for the body, just as it is in Western medicine. In TCM, though, Qi comes not only from the food we eat, but also from the air we breathe. When the Lungs pull in fresh, clean air and the Spleen – the major digestive organ in TCM – derives nutrients from whole, healthy foods, our Qi should be sufficient to get us through the day without having to tap into our reserves. Seems simple enough, right? Of course it’s simple, but with the busyness of work, family, and social obligations, simple tasks sometimes aren’t that easy.

Poor posture, stress, and even vanity (i.e. constantly sucking in your stomach) can produce shallow breathing, as can a host of other causes. Shallow breathing can become a person’s natural way of breathing over time, but with practice one can become more mindful of it and fix the issue. In TCM we especially love the healing benefits of Qi Gong – exercises that focus on breathing but also involve movements to stimulate circulation through the body’s meridians – but meditation, yoga, and other breath-centered activities can also help train the unconscious mind to tell the body to breathe more deeply.

If you’re new to the idea of breathing exercises, you have the option of jumping in the deep end or starting small and working your way up, depending on your personality and schedule. To go all in, I’d suggest finding a Qi Gong class, a guided meditation class that focuses on conscious breathing, or a yoga class that emphasizes breathing with each pose. If you have a personal yoga practice at home, research the correct breathing for the poses that you usually incorporate into your yoga sessions and be mindful of your inhales and exhales as you transition from one pose to the next. If you’re already pressed for time and can’t imagine fitting another class into your schedule, figure out how much spare time you do have and then find a breathing exercise that fits into that space. Hint: The internet is a great place to start!

Only have twenty minutes? Search Pinterest for a twenty-minute yoga routine. Only have ten minutes? Search Google for a ten-minute Qi Gong video. (Lee Holden has some great ones to fit any length of time.) Only have five minutes? Search YouTube for a five-minute guided meditation. (I love the meditation videos produced by TheHonestGuys.)

If you have even less time than that, don’t fret! Even a few minutes of deep breathing can help. Just find a space where you won’t be interrupted, and then start counting your breaths: Inhale for four counts, hold the breath for four counts, exhale for four counts, hold for four counts, repeat. Focus on expanding and contracting your lungs to their full extremes and eventually increasing the counts.

As with any type of exercise, you’re more likely to make deep breathing a habit if you really enjoy it, so try the different techniques in this article and stick with the one that feels most natural to you. Make it a point to practice some form of deep breathing each day – even if only for a few minutes – and get excited to see where the extra energy takes you!

Kathleen Ellerie, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M.

Beachside Community Acupuncture

14330 Midway Road, Suite 205, Dallas, TX 75244

(214) 417-2260

BeachsideAcupuncture.com ~ @beachcomacu

The post The Importance of Breathing Exercises in Chinese Medicine appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

It’s the perfect time of year to take your yoga practice outside.  Especially with the early morning cooler temperatures and the nice breezes we have been experiencing.  But you also have to be careful with the intense Texas sun, heat and bugs. So here are a few pointers that will help keep you safe while you are outside connecting with nature.

Uneven Outdoor Surfaces

When you are practicing outside the surfaces are going to be very different from practicing inside on hard floors. Outside you most likely will experience uncertain and uneven ground wherever you are. Be careful of your joints, especially your wrists and ankles which tend to bend and twist easily. Uneven surfaces can cause serious injuries so take the time to clear the area of any rocks, sticks or anything that’s in the way. Try to find a spot where the ground is as smooth and flat as possible before beginning your practice.

Seek Shade

Let’s be safe with our practice.  You may not be living in a place where the sun is as intense as it is during the summer in Texas.  But we must be careful not to get sun burned.  Trust me, as you get older you will understand how laying in the sun affects your skin. Wear a healthy sun screen for protection and seek shade.  You also don’t want to get dehydrated from the direct sunlight when doing your practice.  Make sure you are drinking plenty of water.  You’ll be sweating so replenish yourself system.

Choose a Great View & Listen

You may be outside but that doesn’t guarantee you a great view.  Try to find a secluded spot where you can enjoy yourself.  Seek a place where you can face trees or plants and really connect with nature. Ditch the music and listen for the birds and how the trees sound rustling in the breeze. Listen to your breath. Create your own space.

Connect to the Earth…without Your Mat

This may sound like I’m a girly girl…and I am…I never want to bring my favorite mat outside because I don’t want it to get dirty. But even if you don’t mind a little dirt, mats are made to cushion and not to slip on a hard surface.  Often, if you put a mat down on the grass it will slide around and wrinkle making it impossible to hold a pose. Utilize blankets or big towels these will form to the ground better and if you get these dirty it’s not a problem…they are washable.

Another option…GO MAT FREE! Enjoy the feel of the best mat in the world…the grass!  Your outside so ground yourself to Mother Earth. Take a moment and feel the healing energy flow and be connected…just be.

Future’s So Bright

If you need to wear sunglasses in the brightness (even when you are in the shade) then wear them!  You may have to remove them depending on what poses you are practicing but you also don’t want to be squinting the entire time. That’s not very relaxing.  It’s a great idea to bring an extra t-shirt or towel to cover your eyes during your savasana. I have found it’s easy to stare up at the sky and the clouds during savasana and I have to keep my focus on where I am at the present moment so I have learned to close my eyes during this time.  After, is when I take the time to relax and find my cloud animals.

One of the best parts of practicing outside is that I can take my time.  I’m on my own time table, not the teachers, not the classes, not the studios…just mine.  So, I can linger, listen, read and enjoy the moment in nature.

Take advantage of the great outdoors, even if you are a city dweller like I am, you can find that special spot and carve it out just for you.

You can reach AJ Crowell at 214-624-9896 X700 or aj@..

The post Take Your Practice to Nature – 5 Tips for Outdoor Yoga appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Stress affects people differently.  Migraines, digestive trouble, chest tightness, anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia and jaw clenching, are a few symptoms of stress. If left untreated, these symptoms may progress, happening more often and reducing one’s enjoyment of life. Acupuncture can help!

According to Chinese medicine, each living being has qi, which is the energy that allows the body to function. Just as there are channels in the body for blood to flow, there are channels for qi to flow as well.  The concept of qi exists in many cultures.  It is similar to what is known as Prana in Ayurveda, and the Force in Star Wars!

When there is free flow of the qi circulating through the body, one remains healthy and free of symptoms.  When the qi stops flowing, however, then people can experience an array of symptoms.  This is known as qi stagnation.  The reasons for qi stagnation vary from person to person. According to Chinese medicine, qi stagnation is a primary sign that a person is stressed.

A headache, or an upset stomach here and there may not be a problem.  In fact, we may expect “the butterflies” before a job interview or a first date.  Ideally, the stress is short term and the body readjusts when the stress is over.  Recurring symptoms, however, could be your body’s response to a long term stress.

People don’t always associate their symptoms with stress.  Often people think their symptoms are a sign they are getting older. They may notice one symptom like pain, but not other symptoms like high blood pressure; or they may justify the stress in their life and ignore the symptom all together. The truth is that what we hear in yoga class “Listen to your body”, applies all the time.

If you need help interpreting your body, call your acupuncturist.  Did you know that licensed acupuncturists are trained in the ancient Chinese medical art of diagnosing people by looking at the tongue and taking the wrists pulses?

People can experience stress to their system in a variety of ways, and from a variety of causes.  Sometimes it happens because of a physical stress, like a fall or car accident; or an emotional stress, like the death of a loved one or a breakup.  For many Americans, stress seems to happen gradually over time, as they feel constrained by the obligations of life.

To feel better, try acupuncture! During an acupuncture treatment, stagnant qi starts to flow.  This is the primary reason people say they feel relaxed during acupuncture.  When qi flows, the body experiences less stress, and symptoms disappear.   Joy, energy, and connection to the moment are all benefits of reducing stress.

So what can we do to reduce stress in our lives?  Besides acupuncture, regular exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep are a great start.  Relaxation like meditation and breathing exercises, yoga, spending time in nature, or a massage are helpful too.  The best cure for stress is to enjoy your life! Laugh! Be Happy!

You can contact Nina Watkins, Licensed Acupuncturist, 208 S Madison Avenue, Dallas in the Bishop Arts District. Call 214-840-3445.

The post Reducing Stress appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

If you are like me, when you first heard of a Health Coach you might have envisioned a fabulously healthy, fit and outgoing person who walks you through what to eat every day and scolds you when you eat unhealthy food. It turns out, as you can probably imagine, that is not what a health coach does. Truth be told, only about 15% of what I cover with clients is specifically about nutrition.

A Health Coach digs deep. We uncover the root of your so called “bad habits”. What is driving you to eat that Snickers and drink Dr. Pepper every day in your office at 3pm? Why do you wake up in the middle of the night and crave a bag of potato chips? How is it that you manage to go to the grocery store hungry every time and purchase a cart full of junk food? We look at a variety of categories in your life from career, finances, health, home, relationships and more. What are the internal messages that you are telling yourself that are causing you to live a life where you are “just getting by”? We give you the information to help you continue on your life path even long after you’ve completed your program. A Health Coach empowers you to make the best decisions, not only for yourself, but also for your family. What good will it do if you are the only person in your house making positive and healthy changes if you are leaving everyone in your dust?

Research is showing for the first time ever; parents may outlive their children due to the effects of the Standard American Diet. I often hear people say, “I would rather die eating the unhealthy food that I love than living a longer life eating flavorless health food.” I’ll admit, I have said that too back in my fast food junkie days. Once you experience the incredible amount of increased energy that quite frankly you’ve probably never experienced before, you’ll be asking yourself “why in the world did I wait so long to start living?”

Also, from a former “fast food junkie” to another, eating healthy does NOT have to taste bad. I provide my clients with delicious recipes that will make you forget about the junk food you were once eating. I also provide an “eating out cheat sheet”! The great thing about living in Dallas is there are a surplus of healthy restaurants throughout the metroplex so you can still enjoy eating out! Stop waiting for the perfect time to make positive changes. Stop voicing the lame excuses that you know deep down inside are “bologna”….pun intended. Today is your day. Let me help you unlock the potential to your inner strength, confidence and beauty. Whether you are looking to lose weight, increase your energy, improve your self-confidence and relationships or simply just start eating healthier, call me to schedule your free 30-minute consultation to see if we would be a good fit for each other.

Contact Erica at [email protected] or call 469-766-7125.

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