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 The Healing Journal Magazine

The Healing Journal

PO Box 371

5525 West Boulevard

Vancouver, BC

V6M 3W6

 

604-603-3840

 






  

 

Aug / Sept 2007

 

 

 

Be Your Own Herbal Expert (Part 8)
Healing Sweets: herbal honeys, syrups & cough drops

by Susun S Weed


The Twilight before a new Dawn

by Shelley Yates


Blueberries



Regular Columns:

Angel Guidance

with Judy LeBeau


Horoscopes for August and September (pdf file format)

by Laura


Marketing for Healing Professionals
Relationship: at the Heart of Marketing Your Healing Practice

by Juliet Austin, MA, Marketing Coach


<Nutrition
Food Security – What Do You Know About It?

by Lisa Marie Bhattacharya (Whitaker)


Yoga
YOGA WHILE PREGNANT

by Yoga Teacher Sheri Kauhausen


Inspirations - Magic Doorways
Point One Percent of Separation

by Devrah Laval



Advertorials:

ONE ANSWER TO CANCER

Struggling with a Serious Illness?
Battling Chronic Pain?

HOW REIKI TRAVELS!

 

 

Yoga

YOGA WHILE PREGNANT

by Yoga Teacher Sheri Kauhausen

 

I’ve seen so many beautiful round bellies lately that I thought I’d dedicate this article to doing Yoga while pregnant. I did Yoga with both my babies, while in my tummy and after they were born. I loved every minute of it. I found the breathing and meditative aspect so reassuring during my labour and the Yoga postures really helped to make me more comfortable. I was the pioneer in teaching Yoga to pregnant moms almost 20 years ago. I designed classes specifically tailored to mom and her babe within, and continue to do so today. There is truly a special bond that these women hold.

SQUATTING is one of the best postures you can do while pregnant. There are many ways to get into a squatting position. Squatting is also known as the Natural Posture because it is the “natural posture” adopted by many for giving birth. As the baby moves downward and has gravity helping it along, it can certainly make things go much smoother and quicker. But it’s not always as easy as it sounds.

Here are a few variations you can try to get the benefits of squatting. All variations of the Squat will help to open the pelvis. The first variation will also help to reduce pressure on the lower spine and aid in moving the bowels when constipated. Elasticity of the perineum is also a beneficial result.

If you find your balance faulty, hold onto something as you move downward. You can even try it with your back against a wall. Start with your feet away from the wall, and you may have to move them further away as you creep downward. Use your arms and hands to brace yourself as you lower your body.

  1. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder width apart. Inhale deeply.
  2. Exhaling, slowly bend your knees and lower your buttocks down toward the floor. You can have your feet flat or be up on your toes. The wider your feet are apart, the easier it is to keep the heels down. But whatever direction your toes are pointing, your knees should also. Try to line up your knees with your middle toes. Don’t let your feet roll inward. Press to the outer edges of the feet.
  3. Hands can rest on your knees, on the floor, or extend your arms out in front of the chest.Or push your elbows against the insides of your knees and bring your hands in front of your chest in prayer position. Keep your spine straight.
  4. Hold posture and breathe.
  5. Inhale. Exhaling, raise your body up to a standing position. An excellent way to strengthen your legs!

Another variation of Squatting is to do it on your back. I don’t recommend doing anything for too long, while flat on your back, but for a short duration it’s fine.

  1. Lay on your back and pull your knees up on either side of your belly. Place one hand on each knee.
  2. Exhaling, gently pull your knees toward the armpits.
  3. You can even gently rock from side to side if you find that comfortable.
  4. When you’ve had enough, lower your legs.

One more variation is to do the Squat while laying on your side. This is actually how I delivered my firstborn.

  1. Lay on one side, with both legs slightly bent. Position your head however you’re comfortable - on your arm, in your hand, or on a pillow.
  2. Exhale, and draw your top leg in toward your chest at the outside of your tummy.
  3. You can hold this as long as comfortable and remember to breathe deeply.
  4. When you’ve completed the first side, roll onto your other side and repeat the process.
  

 

 

 

 

KEGELS are probably the number one exercise to be doing, not only while pregnant, but all through your remaining years. Helping to prevent and relieve hemorrhoids, kegels will also help to combat constipation. Often during pregnancy and sometimes beyond, women will experience a slight loss of bladder control. Especially when laughing, coughing or sneezing. Any sudden downward pressure on the perineum can cause a small leakage of urine. Kegels are an excellent remedy. They are also the perfect exercise to begin immediately after giving birth. Moms always laugh when I tell them they should be doing at least 100 kegels a day. Really you should, I’m not joking. Ten sets of 10 throughout the day, everyday, is a good start.

Here are a few ideas on how to practice your kegels. One word of advice though... keep your face relaxed!

A. Tighten the pelvic floor muscles from front to back, any position (urethra to rectum); hold and then release, back to front.
B. Gradually tighten the pelvic floor muscles from bottom to top; hold and then release from top to bottom. Think of going up and down in an elevator.
C. Lay on your back or side with your knees bent.
D. Sitting in any position - try them while driving.
E. During intercourse - your partner will enjoy this one, too.
F. Find your own favorite position.

Remember to breathe while practicing Kegels. I know it’s hard to remember to do 10 sets a day, so try to have reminders. Say, every time the phone rings, do 10 kegels. Every time you come to a stop sign, do 10 kegels. Every time you get a kiss, do 10 kegels. You get the idea.

Enjoy the journey to your new beginning. There is no experience like the one of giving birth to a new life!

It is always wise to consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program, including Yoga. This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any ailments.

People who have undergone recent surgery, or have high blood pressure, heart problems, or any other major physical ailment, should obtain their doctor’s approval before engaging in these activities.

ENJOY your Yoga practice. ALWAYS move slowly. NEVER feel pain and NEVER move past your “edge”. Your edge is the farthest point to which you can take a posture without experiencing pain. Everyone’s edge is different. Pain is your body’s way of saying “STOP”. Respect it!

SHERI KAUHAUSEN, is a certified Yoga Instructor and Wellness Coach. She is the founder of INTO YOGA, a mobile studio bringing Yoga, Pilates, Body Rolling, Prenatal, Kids classes, Baby Sign Language and the importance of Nutritional Cleansing to your work place and community centers. She can be contacted at www.intoyoga and 604-421-9872.