What is Chronic Stress and why is it harmful?
Probably the most important function of every human being is survival. Stress arises within us when we perceive a threat to our survival. When some of the older parts of the brain, the brain stem and the limbic brain, get messages that danger is present, the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for fighting or fleeing from the danger. One of the hormones that gets released, Adrenaline, assists the body in gearing up to protect itself by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure along with mental alertness and muscle tension. As stores of energy become available on a cellular level, the body begins to sweat. Systems that are not considered of immediate help including digestion, elimination, growth, cellular repair and reproduction, shut down. These survival functions of the sympathetic / autonomic nervous system have kept human beings alive for centuries. However, in the times we live in, we can be stressed by bills we can’t pay, traffic jams, divorce, work or school deadlines, a change in interest rates, losing our job, or crimes and wars we watch on TV. These kinds of problems can keep us in a state of chronic stress that we adapt to, become familiar with, and often don’t even recognize. What we do recognize is that we aren’t sleeping well, aren’t eating well, lose our sex drive, find ourselves worrying a lot and feeling anxious, depressed and tired. If we are not aware of or don’t get control of our chronic stress we can end up with a wide array of serious emotional and physical disorders.

What is Restorative Yoga and why is it helpful?
Restorative Yoga is a form of Yoga practice which creates a state of deep relaxation and helps to relieve the effects of chronic stress. Relaxation is the antidote to stress. It is different from sleep. Even in sleep we often move our bodies and during some dream states, muscular tension is increased. The relaxation of Restorative Yoga is a state where there is hardly any physical movement, no effort and the brain is quiet. In this state we can observe and enhance our breathing. When the relaxation response is triggered in the body (parasympathetic nervous system) muscle tension is reduced, circulation is improved, the heart rate slows, and the fight or flight response is reversed bringing the body back to normal. With the use of props we can position ourselves in a number of Yoga poses that support deeper breathing and relaxation. By remaining in this state anywhere from two or three minutes to twenty or even thirty minutes the calming and beneficial parasympathetic relaxation response is nurtured. As an example, by resting the body in supported forward bends and then back bends, we are alternately stimulating and relaxing glandular systems, rinsing and soaking internal organs with fresh blood and fluids. By placing the legs and heart above the head, as in Supta Viparita Karani (supported legs-up-the -wall pose), we invert the body so we can release it from the continuous forces of gravity that cause blood and lymph to accumulate in the extremities. Restorative Yoga also stretches the spine in all directions with supported forward and backbends and poses that gently twist the spinal column from left to right, all done in an environment of restfulness and comfort. Supta Badha Konasana (supported cobbler’s pose) allows the belly and chest to open and the front of the spine to get a gentle, thorough stretch as deep relaxation is induced by abdominal breathing. Chronic stress can cause people to get stuck in shallow breathing, hunched shoulders, poor sleep and digestion. Naturally our bodies can reverse these unhealthy habits with improved daily routines. An investment of as little as five minutes a day of deep relaxation can make a difference.

What happens during a Restorative Yoga Workshop?
During a three hour workshop, you will be guided through various breathing techniques, and several Restorative Poses in sequence. With the architectural use of numerous props, each pose will be tailored to your unique body size and shape. Classes of 6 people or less guarantee you will have the attention and guidance you need. No previous Yoga experience is needed. Be prepared to lose track of time, shift your consciousness, let go of worries, breath deeply and relax!

For information on treating menopause and andropause with yoga, click here.

LETTERS FROM ONE PRIVATE CLASS...

“Before I started Restorative Yoga with Mary Faith I had poor posture and balance. I am 61 years old and my posture, balance and agility have improved greatly. My sense of well-being has also improved and I enjoy the class immensely. Now I can’t imagine not going to class weekly - something I imagined I never would do at my age."
Marlene, Vancouver

“I am 60 years old and diabetic. I began doing Yoga with Mary Faith approximately a year ago. Since then Yoga practice has brought me several health benefits I didn’t expect. My blood glucose level has come down and it is much easier to maintain control. My blood pressure has come down from 140/90 to 103/70. And my heart rate has been lowered. Yoga seems like fun and something I can do for the rest of my life. My doctor is thrilled!"
Alyce, Portland

“Yoga has really helped with my flexibility and we always have a good class. I have been doing Yoga for one year with Mary Faith and I have had great improvement for a 67 year old.”
Donna, Vancouver