Therapeutic Yoga in 2 words? 

It rocks!

Seriously now. If, a couple of years ago, you had asked me or any of my students what it is we do in a therapeutic yoga class, we all would have shrugged our shoulders, looked at each other, and probably made a few unidentifiable "UMM, WELL, UMMM" sounds.

Indeed, it is not easy to describe a practice that is so dynamic and evolving.

Let me try nonetheless.

The very basis of this class lies in developing awareness. What does that mean?
Did you tense your shoulders when you picked up your cup of coffee this morning? You probably didn't even notice...
Right now, as you are reading this, how aware are you of the way you sit? Is your posture always the same when you pay attention?  Do you hold your breath or squint your eyes when you focus?

Chronic tension has its way of hiding itself in your breath; in the silent hum of your organs, in your walk, the tilt of your head, the movement of your arms. You probably don't feel it, but it is there when you are relaxed, even asleep. Betraying your senses, chronic tension quietly whispers to your mind " you are stressed, you can't cope". Like a proverbial monkey on your back, it is with you day in, day out, affecting every movement, gesture or pose you take...

Read more here...

           Ayurveda on Colds:          One of the best remedies for cold is ginger - it will relieve your cold symptoms and hasten full recovery ( a word of caution - don't mix ginger and aspirin, both are blood thinners). Here is a handy ginger elixir recipe; if that sounds too complicated just add a slice of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water to make ginger tea. Drinking plain hot water several times a day also helps - it is an effective way to remove the toxins from your body. I use lots of turmeric tea during the cold and flu season - turmeric is anti-inflammatory as well as anti - bacterial and anti - viral; and it helps with that tickly irritation in the throat. It is super easy to make - just use 1 tsp of turmeric powder with 1 cup of boiling water.  In therapeutic yoga classes we've been using tapping and percussion to drain mucous from the lungs and improve energy & breathing. Stay warm and enjoy!