Benefits of yoga

I joined a yoga class many years ago, I found it was a great way to unwind and relax as well as keeping fit. Although it's not a strenuous sport, you can feel your muscles stretching.

I practiced right through my second pregnancy - avoiding some postures of course -, it helped me to prepare for the birth using breathing and relaxation techniques. Combined with self-help reflexology, I had an "easy" two hour labour, much better than the 15 hour labour I endured for my first child.

Actually if you are interested in running a class or practicing at home, you can also download a set of yoga gesture drawings here
108 yoga pose drawings

Fitness and health

I've got to share this new "keep fit" program with you.
Every year, I enroll in a local fitness class to have at least 1 hour a week for myself. I live in the countryside in France so the choice is fairly limited, and I don't want to travel for 30 minutes to get to a class.

So a few years ago, we had a yoga teacher. That was great, it worked wonders on my breathing and agility. I was pregnant at the time and I think it was very beneficial for the pregnancy and birth.

Then the yoga teacher retired. The following year, the only local class was run by a young "keep fit" adept. The pace and style were very different; it was all about press-ups and other strenuous exercises to the rhythm of hip-hop music. It certainly toned my stomach muscles but it was not soft enough for me. In France we use the term "gym douce" but I don't think this new teacher know the meaning of soft... or maybe I 'm getting older and can't take it!

Anyway, this year we have an alternative class, and when I say alternative, it really is a different approach. I've only been to one session but it's a welcome shock to the system!
The teacher is used to working with disabled people and workers at risk to help them improve their safety and become aware of their movements. His class is called "fitness and health", he is really passionate about his work but spends too much time talking about the theory. So in an hour, I did not feel like we exercised very much, just played a few games to improve our memory and dexterity. For example, in pairs, we had to run whilst throwing the ball to the partner , then clapping, then catching the ball with one hand and so on... Not as easy at it seems.

I like this approach where every automatic behaviour is broken down to make you conscious of your movement and breathing, getting rid of bad habits to relearn. It's a bit like the Alexander technique, it's educational.

I'm not sure the other ladies are ready for his new approach as it is so different from what we had last year. Anyway, I'll give it a go and let you know how I get on.

Reflexology and Cellulite

Summer is already here and I hear many women cursing their thights and buttocks: That horrible cellulite is still here!!! How can I get rid of it?

Well, I don't think there are any miracle cure to get rid of cellulite within 24 hours but it is worth trying reflexology to flush out the toxin and help the body eliminate faster.

First some facts:

Cellulite usually depends on both genetic and hormonal factors. It’s said to worsen with such things as altered blood circulation, incorrect eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol, high heels and tight garments. 90% of women have been said to confront cellulite, which increases as women age and their skin thins. So we are pretty doomed unless extremely lucky!
Cellulite is not a medical term, but is the name given by the French. Not my fault, I can assure you! For those 10% of women that have never seen cellulite, it describes a skin condition with dimply, orange-peel look above the fat on hips, thighs and buttocks. It results from compressed and stagnant plasma and lymph accumulating in surface adipose (fatty) tissues. In other words,

So how can reflexology help?

Reflexology can assist in reducing cellulite by working on the lymphatic system and digestive system. The session will activate the blood and lymphatic flow hence flushing out accumulated toxins. In the same way, by stimulating the digestive system, it will help get rid of unwanted fats.

Have a look at this short video to see some of the moves for the lympathic system. The digestive system is quite complicated for the untrained person, so it would be better to look at a book if you want to try it out at home.
Reflexology therapy is useful for thousands of problems or illnesses so if you have not undergone training yet, you should do so and treat yourself to a relaxing time!

Foot reflexology and Pregnancy

This is a message for pregnant women who want to try reflexology to ease the strain and pain of pregnancy.

Despite what you might read in papers, pregnant women can benefit from reflexology treatment. You can start the treatment from the end of the third month right until the birth. Once or twice a month is the recommended rate of visits but if you love it, you can have weekly sessions.

Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for the future mum, surrounded by loved ones, pampered by the future dad, blessed with childbearing wish, delighted to become a mum. However, pregnancy can also be a source of stress, discomforts and health problems: how to become a perfect mother, adjusting to body and hormonal changes, sleep disorders, heartburns, backaches, heavy legs, etc...

Foot reflexology brings many benefits for the future mum and can be of enormous support, in particular, it gets rid of stress and tensions, brings about deep relaxation, can regulate and improve blood circulation, eases backaches, provides a state of well-being during pregnancy and helps the mum to be more attentive to her baby. Reflexology can also be helpful in labour and delivery, some midwifes are using the treatment for pain relief during labour.

Foot reflexology is a natural holistic therapy which has been around for a long time, in various forms. It is mainly a preventive therapy which also helps chronic disorders. With foot reflexology, you can restore mental and physical equilibrium, eliminate toxins and disperse negative energies such as stress. 

It should be made clear that reflexology is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions, and is not a replacement for conventional medical practice. In particular, you should consult your GP if you are at risk of pre-eclampsia or diabetism.

Reflexology therapists will often specialise or do extra training to deal with pregnant women. If in doubt, you should ask the therapist if he/she has received advanced training in this field, or has experience in treating pregnant women.