Therapy Clinic
Yoga
History of Yoga:
Yoga is a holistic therapy that is thought to be over 5,000 years old. It originated in India but its origins are clouded in mystery as it was an oral tradition passed from master (“swami”) to student and only written down in the last 2000 years.
What the therapy involves:
Yoga involves the practice of exercises (“asanas”) with complete focus and with correct breathing. The exercises strengthen the body while the focus calms the mind. Breath control (“pranayama”) is a key part of the practice as is the relaxation at the end of each session.
Yoga may be learnt in one-to-one sessions or as part of a class. The practice is an individual practice, with each person doing what is suitable for them. It is non-competitive and this makes it perfectly safe as everyone.
There are many types of yoga. They use the same postures but vary in the length of time one stays in the posture, the type of breathing used and the speed with which one moves between postures. They all share the emphasis on "being in the now" - being completely focused on what one is doing. In this way one should not injure oneself in practising yoga. It is in cultivating this state that we learn to control our mind and reduce our stress levels.
The purpose:
The word yoga means union. In its first level this is the union of mind and body, bringing our concentration to what our body is doing. We use the breath to link the mind and body. The purpose is to calm the mind while exercising the body.
The benefits:
Yoga has multiple benefits, reaching far beyond the physical results of increased flexibility and body toning. Practitioners report feelings of well-being, increased energy levels and a calmer attitude to life’s problems. Breath control is an important tool in stress management, leading to a calmer mind and body.
Typical uses of this form of therapy:
Yoga is suitable for everyone, regardless of their age or fitness. GPs and physiotherapists recommend yoga for stress management as well as physical ailments, most notably back problems. Sports people, including Roy Keane, use yoga to improve their fitness and flexibility.
Our Therapists:
Helen Sherlock has over ten years experience as a yoga teacher, with qualifications in both Hatha (gentle) and Ashtanga (more dynamic) yoga. She also holds a Masters in Education. She has taught yoga to people from ages 5 to 75, from fit athletes to those with a physical disability. Her current clients include City of Dublin VEC and Na Fianna GAA club.
Helen is a person-focused teacher, encouraging each student to develop a yoga practice suitable for their needs and abilities. Regardless of age or fitness level she has seen wonderful benefits to all from the practice of yoga.
Restrictions:
People under medical supervision should get clearance from their doctor before commencing any exercise programme. It is important that the participants detail any injuries or weaknesses on the health screening form that is filled out at the beginning of their first class.
Advice:
Wear loose clothes with sweatshirt and socks that can be taken off during the practice but worn again during the relaxation. Yoga is usually performed in bare feet. Bring your own non-slip yoga mat.
Yoga is best performed on an empty stomach. Try to avoid eating for 2 hours before the class.
Cost of the therapy:
Individual tuition is €50 per hour.
Monday evening class is at 8:30pm and Thursday lunchtime at 12:45pm - both are run as six week courses and are suitable for beginner 7 improver level. Details with prices of the next courses can be found here.
Contact Details:
Helen Sherlock, 087-7911837
Email: yogahelens@gmail.com
