Department of Veterans Affairs relays in its latest email newsletter about the Yoga Classes and Resources available to Veterans and families. Veterans Yoga Project Online and In-Person classes.
Permission granted by Dr. Timothy McCall to share this pdf.
117 Conditions Helped by Yoga. Permission granted to copy and share this information. Yoga as medicine. As found in scientific studies as of June 2019. Yoga with Gail
I teach weekly gentle yoga for low back care classes for the Veterans Yoga Project. Book my class on Wednesdays to get some sweet relief of easing back pain.
Had a bit of hip/back pain, but well worth the journey. Of course, going up was easier than coming down!
During spring break a few years back, we booked so late, we had to stay in Marfa, Texas. Which turned out to be delightful!
What journeys are you doing for self-discovery, and self-help? Why not try a yoga class? I teach an in-person class on Fridays at LakeSide Event Center in Beaumont Texas. Pretty nice price point too. Only $4 if you are a non-resident of Beaumont. I have several of my students follow me from Jefferson Mid-County come to this class.
A wonderful facility. Clean, and spacious, with a skate park, and a neat lake to stroll around.
Plus the beginners class I teach is an adaptive yoga class. If you need to stay seated, I give you all the poses seated on the chair or standing behind a chair. I also teach you how to get down to the floor with the chair, and get back up off the floor with the chair. This class is geared towards beginners.
I occasionally either at the beginning of class or afterward do an indoor walking short workout, that folks seem to like. And if you laugh at my jokes, we sometimes do a seated cardio dance fitness routine. Y’all just need to check it out!
Discover how to ease back pain with beginners gentle yoga with Veterans Yoga Project Teacher, Gail Pickens-Barger.
Low Back Care Yoga on Veterans Yoga Project Online Yoga Studio with Gail P-B. Wednesdays 12:30 PM CTBenefits of a Regular yoga practice. On the chair or using a floor mat!Yoga Benefits – Reasons to do Yoga!
Nidra sleep? Add these Yoga Nidra practices to your nightly routine!
Nidra Sleep? Add nightly Yoga Nidra Practices to your night routine!
Benefits of Yoga Nidra.
Great for Beginners to meditate, those of us needing guided rest for better sleep, easing of pain, and more.
So just to provide a little bit of context, and a little bit of predictability, our Yoga Nidra or our Guided Rest Practice is a form of guided meditation. Still, there is nothing for you to do, except to listen and follow the guidance of the teacher’s voice.
Aside from being relaxing, restorative, and restful, studies have shown that yoga Nidra can also:
ease insomnia
decrease anxiety
alleviate stress
reduce PTSD, chronic pain, and chemical dependency
heighten awareness and focus
transform negative habits, behaviors, and ways of thinking
foster feelings of peace, calm, and clarity
reduce stress
improve sleep
help heal trauma
reduce chronic pain
plant seeds for future growth
Create an account and book a class on Veterans Yoga Project Online Yoga Studio.
Playlists: Yoga Nidra Meditation Videos:
Yoga Nidra Practices from VYP Yoga Teacher Gail P-B.
Rain Sounds for Sleeping Videos:
Rain sounds to ease into slumber
Easing into sleep with Soothing Rain Videos and Yoga Nidra Meditation Practices:
Join Gail Pickens-Barger, on the 10th of November at 10AM to 11AM Central Time, LIVE on Zoom for this ONE-hour Chair Yoga Class to benefit Veterans Yoga Project Gratitude Week (8AM PT | 11AM ET).
20 minutes of seated chair yoga postures
20 minutes of seated cardio fitness routines
20 minutes of strength, balance, guided rest/relaxation & gratitude practice
Nina contacted me about an article for the Yoga for Healthy Aging Friday Q&A: Here is the article! Enjoy. Subscribe to Yoga for Healthy Aging. Great stuff on that yoga site! Gail
Friday Q&A: Facebook Group for Yoga Practitioners with Pacemakers
Yoga for Pacemaker/ICD Facebook Group Moderator, Gail Pickens-Barger
Yoga for Pacemaker/ICD Facebook Group Moderator, Gail Pickens-Barger
Q: One of your readers left a comment on Baxter’s post Friday Q&A: Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD) and Yoga about a Facebook group for people who do yoga with pacemakers or ICDs. Can you tell me more about it?
A: For the answer to this question, I turned to the founder of the Yoga for Pacemakers & ICDs Facebook Group, Gail Pickens-Barger. —Nina
A: My cardiologist and I had been watching my slow heart rate for a number of years, and once my numbers got to be more than three seconds between heart beats, I was a candidate for pacemaker insertion. I had my pacemaker implantation in May of 2013. I was taking a break for the summer from teaching my regular yoga class at the gym, but continued to teach my adaptive chair yoga class for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the church.
I went on the hunt to find other people who had this surgery and were yoga practitioners and/or teachers. After searching the internet, I came across a yoga therapist who works with the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease. She had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation (see LINK). After her surgery, she actually kept up her vigorous flow yoga practice, complete with weight-bearing arm balances. She went on to tell me that one day she was receiving little shocks as she was resting in Child’s pose. She knew that this wasn’t the normal thing to be happening and promptly went to the hospital. She found out then that she had pulled out the leads to her ICD with her continued flow practice and had to have the leads into her ICD replaced. Her advice to me was to avoid weight-bearing yoga poses where you take your arms behind your back (extension), such as Bow pose, Camel pose, Dancer’s pose, and Upward Plank pose.
She also took out the arm balances from her personal practice. Since that time, I did meet a very young lady at one of my recent yoga trainings, and due to her age, she had her ICD placed below her rib cage. Her challenges will be different due to the placement.
After my surgery, over the summer of 2013, I continued to teach the adaptive chair yoga classes. Prior to the surgery, in the adaptive chair yoga class, we’d do 20 minutes of yoga, then about 20-25 minutes of seated dance fitness, sometimes with light weights or not, and then additional balance poses, cool down, and meditative contemplation guided relaxation. After the surgery, I took the seated dance fitness and weights out of the adaptive chair yoga class. (It wasn’t until the fall, that I added those elements back in). And two two weeks after getting out of my arm sling, I went back to teaching my other classes. But I could not do my full range of motion on my left side for over a year.
Then in September of 2014 I created the Yoga for Pacemaker & ICDs Facebook group. I decided to this because I love to share what I learn—I give out handouts all the time in my chair yoga classes, and in the gentle beginning classes that I teach—and I figured that there would be people out there like me, who were looking for resources to help them on their path of continuing their physical practice of yoga. I had my daughter, Amber Barger (and she was a recent graduate of a 200 hour teacher training program) demonstrate the yoga poses with the modifications that I have found to be helpful in my practice and those photos are on the Facebook page.
Yoga teachers and practitioners alike are in the Facebook group, and we get into discussions about alternative ways to do poses. Lately there has been much discussion about Plough pose, Shoulderstand, Legs Up the Wall pose and just in general being inverted in poses.
For me, personally, I have rarely included Shoulderstand, Handstand, Forearm balances, or Plough pose in my practice, so giving those up as not been an issue for me. However, I do like to be inverted. I’ll do Legs on the Chair, Legs on the Resist-a-Ball, and Legs up the Wall. I more recently have purchased a Gravity Pal reclined bench, to allow me to rest in an inclined position. In that position, my pacemaker shifts a bit towards my collarbone, as it does in Downward-Facing Dog pose, but it doesn’t seem to affect it. However, for my beginner clients I have them do Half Downward-Facing Dog pose at the wall instead. And for my chair clients, I have them stand behind the chair and use the top of the chair for their hands in Downward-Facing Dog pose.
Yoga for Pacemaker/ICD Facebook Group Moderator, Gail Pickens-Barger
Gail Pickens-Barger, E-RYT 200, LVCYT, CRYT, YogaKiddos®, Get Fit Where You Sit® Fitness Teacher is a retired IT professional who started teaching yoga in 2001. A graduate of YogaFit International Training System, she currently teaches Beginners Yoga, Kids Yoga, and Adaptive Chair Yoga for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the Nederland, Texas area. She also has experience teaching prenatal yoga, and teaches yoga privately in people’s homes to help them with their issues of osteoporosis and osteopenia, using Dr. Loren Fishman’s YogaUOnline course, his books, and his DVD’s to assist folks in becoming stronger and more independent in their active older years. You can find her at yogawithgaileee.com or contact her at 409-727-3177.
Wednesday 12:30 PM CST on VYP-Classes. Sign up for a free account at least 1 hour prior, to book and verify your email the first time. Free – Gentle Yoga for Beginners and for Low Back Pain Fridays 10:30 AM at Lakeside Best Years Senior Citizen Center
Wednesday 12:30 PM CDT on Wellness Living Online. Sign up for a free account at least 1 hour prior, to book and verify your email the first time. Free – Gentle Yoga for Beginners and for Low Back Painhttps://veteransyogaproject.org/vyp-classes
Wednesdays andFridays at LakeSide Best Years Senior Citizen Center – 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAYS at 12:30 PM CDT – Join VYP yoga teacher, Gail Pickens-Barger, for 60-minute gentle yoga practice for easing back pain. Gail incorporates all five mind-body tools of VYP Mindful Resilience: Breathing, Meditation, Mindful Movement, Guided Rest, and Gratitude.
These tools help us breathe easily, focus clearly, move freely, rest deeply, and remember what is working in our lives. As a result, we become more resilient in the face of both ordinary and extraordinary challenges.
To help ease any regulars into classes, please invite them to A) create a Wellness Living account with us, B) visit the Classes page on our VYP website to see an integrated look at what we are offering online both daily and weekly, and/or C) stayed tuned online with us through social media for announcements.
Here is the direct link for the VYP page resource with our classes:
Wednesday at 6:15 PM | 45 Minute yoga class | Held at Wesley UMC/NederlandTX | 3515 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Tx 77627 | Bring $5 and food items for our Back Pack Food Ministry
$5 | 45 Minute Beginners Yoga Class | Back Pack Food Item | Wednesdays at Wesley UMC/Nederland, Tx.
Meats & Stews (pop tops)
Breakfast items
Packaged Noodles
Canned Vegetables (pop tops)
Canned Fruits (pop tops)
100% Juice Boxes
Staple Milk
Healthy Snacks
Look for the Pop-topped individual items
Questions? Complaints? Comments? Complements? Let me know.
If you carry stress in your neck and shoulders (not that any of us do…!)
If you wake up feeling listless and sore, wondering what is going on with your body anyway…
Discover the natural, safe, and enjoyable way to get relief from the above, as well as achieve the following benefits:
…cope better with stress, both daily annoyances and monumental life changes.
…feel happier and more energized.
…increase physical strength and flexibility, no matter what your age or physical condition.
…feel more creative – and like you have more time for your creative projects.
…feel relaxed and at-ease in your body and in your life.
People you know may be amazed at the transformation in you.
They’ll want to know the secret.
It’s not a pill…or a drink….
In fact, it’s not a gimmick at all.
It’s just that you’ve discovered the ancient secret that has relieved pain and stress for millions of people.
It’s yoga.
You may have a picture of yoga as a bunch of hyper-thin women doing crazy bendy pretzel poses in tight clothing.
Nope.
Physical yoga is instead a combination of physical stretching, strengthening and toning poses, breathing techniques, and deep relaxation practices that are accessible to everyone and every-body.
It’s a system of healing the body that has worked for thousands of years.
You’ll feel the benefits after just a few sessions. Sessions are available either in a class setting or privately in your own home, whichever is a better fit for your lifestyle.
For more information, contact Gail Pickens-Barger at Yoga with Gail, 409-727-3177 or visit us at www.yogawithgaileee.com
How to ease back pain with gentle yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
Wednesdays at 12:30 PM CT | Sundays at 7:00 PM CTOnce a month yoga on Zoom for Veterans Yoga Project. Second Monday/Tuesday of the month.Adaptive Yoga for Beginners at Lakeside Event Center in Beaumont Texas. FriYAY’s Yoga at 10:30 AM CT. Use of the chair is optional. We do 2-3 Chair Yoga Dance practices, prior to starting the 10:30 AM class. Then afterwards we do a 10 minute indoor walking workout to those who wish to participate.
Over the past several years, yoga has experienced an upsurge in popularity in the western world among medical professionals and celebrities alike. While many associate yoga with new age mysticism or the latest fad at the gym, yoga is actually an ancient practice that connects the mind, body, and spirit through body poses, controlled breathing, and meditation. The practice of yoga has many health benefits associated with it, so read below to discover 77 benefits of incorporating yoga in to your or your patient’s fitness program.
Health Benefits Within From lowering blood pressure to increasing pain tolerance, the following health benefits can all be discovered within the body.
Blood pressure. A consistent yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better circulation and oxygenation of the body.
Pulse rate. A slower pulse rate indicates that your heart is strong enough to pump more blood with fewer beats. Regularly practicing yoga provides a lower pulse rate.
Circulation. Yoga improves blood circulation. By transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, yoga practice provides healthier organs, skin, and brain.
Respiratory. Like the circulatory system, a lower respiratory rate indicates that the lungs are working more efficiently. Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of controlled breathing exercises and better fitness.
Cardiovascular endurance. A combination of lower heart rate and improved oxygenation to the body (both benefits of yoga) results in higher cardiovascular endurance.
Organs. Yoga practice massages internal organs, thus improving the ability of the body to prevent disease. Additionally, an experienced yoga practitioner becomes better attuned to her body to know at first sign if something isn’t functioning properly, thereby allowing for quicker response to head off disease.
Gastrointestinal. Gastrointestinal functions have been shown to improve in both men and women who practice yoga.
Immunity. Yoga practice has frequently been correlated with a stronger immune system.
Pain. Pain tolerance is much higher among those who practice yoga regularly. In addition to pain tolerance, some instances of chronic pain, such as back pain, are lessened or eliminated through yoga (see below for more on back pain).
Metabolism. Having a balanced metabolism results in maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger. Consistent yoga practice helps find the balance and creates a more efficient metabolism.
Health Benefits Without Just as many health benefits occur within the body, there are many benefits that can actually be experienced from without the body. From better sleep to more energy and strength, this list provides several benefits found on the outside of the body.
Aging. Yoga stimulates the detoxification process within the body. Detoxification has been shown to delay aging, among many other health benefits.
Posture. The very nature of yoga teaches the practitioner how to hold and control one’s body in a more healthful position. Through consistent practice, your posture will improve so that you look more confident and healthy.
Strength. One of the premises of yoga is that you are using the weight of your own body for overall strength.
Energy. Regular yoga practice provides consistent energy. In fact, most yogis state that when you perform your yoga correctly, you will feel energized after your yoga session rather than tired.
Weight. The benefits of a better metabolism along with the exercise of yoga work to keep your weight in check. Additionally, the stretching of muscles longwise helps to reduce the amount of cellulite that can build around muscles.
Sleep. Because of the many benefits to both body and mind that a yoga routine can provide, many find that their sleep is much better. Read here for more on sleep and yoga, as well as some positions for helping induce sleep.
Balance. An integral part of the yoga practice is balance and control over your body. With a consistent practice, you will find that your overall balance will improve outside the yoga class.
Integrated function of the body. Yoga is “to join together and direct one’s attention.” This is exactly what happens to your body after you start practicing yoga. Yogis find that their body works together much better, resulting in more graceful and efficient body movements.
Body Awareness: Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. You are often called upon to make small, subtle movements to improve your alignment. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body. This can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.
Core strength. With a strong body core, you receive better posture and overall body strength. A strong core helps heal and reduce injuries. This is why a lot of athletes do yoga as cross training (boxers, MMA fighters, etc).
Sexuality. Yoga can improve your sexuality through better control, more relaxation, and more self-confidence.
Emotional Health Benefits Due to the strong mind-body connection of yoga, there are many emotional benefits to be gained from a consistent yoga practice. Find out how yoga can help improve emotional health with this list.
Mood. Overall well-being improves with yoga practice. The combination of creating a strong mind-body connection, creating a healthy body, and focusing inward can all lead to improvement in your mood.
Stress Reduction. The concentration required during yoga practice tends to focus your attention on the matter at hand, thereby reducing the emphasis you may have been putting on the stress in your life.
Anxiety. One benefit to the controlled breathing used in yoga is a reduction in anxiety. Learn more about how you can use yoga breathing to reduce your anxiety.
Depression. Some believe the negative feelings that you may be repressing are brought to the surface during some types of yoga exercise. When this happens, the negative energy is no longer stuck within you, but released through exercise. Regularly releasing this negativity leads to a reduction of depression in many people.
Self-acceptance. Focusing inward and realizing through your yoga practice that perfection is not the goal, self-acceptance begins to take over.
Self-control. The controlled movements of yoga teach you how to translate that self-control to all aspects of your life.
Mind-body connection. Few other exercises offer the same mind-body connection that yoga does. As you match your controlled breathing with the movements of your body, you retrain your mind to find that place of calm and peace that long-time yogis know.
Positive outlook on life. Continued practice of yoga results in a balance of many hormones and nervous system, which brings about a more stable, positive approach to life.
Hostility. Most yogis report a huge reduction in the amount of hostility they feel as well as a sense of control when anger flares. This calm effect is likely from the relaxation and meditation that is incorporated into their yoga practice which leads to an overall calming of the nervous system. Less hostility means lower blood pressure and stress and a healthier approach to life.
Concentration. Researchers have shown that as little as eight weeks of yoga practice can result in better concentration and more motivation.
Memory. Improved blood circulation to the brain as well as the reduction in stress and improved focus results in a better memory.
Attention. The attention required in yoga to maintain structured breathing in conjunction with yoga poses sharpens the ability to keep a sharp focus on tasks.
Social skills. In yoga, you learn the interconnectedness of all of life. Your yoga practice soon evolves from a personal journey to one connecting to the community at large where your social skills improve along with your yoga practice.
Calmness. Concentrating so intently on what your body is doing has the effect of bringing calmness. Yoga also introduces you to meditation techniques, such as watching how you breathe and disengagement from your thoughts, which help calm the mind.
Body Chemistry Several aspects of body chemistry such as glucose levels and red blood cells are affected by yoga. Learn how you can improve your body chemistry through yoga.
Cholesterol. Yoga practice lowers cholesterol through increased blood circulation and burning fat. Yoga practice is a great tool to fight against harmful cholesterol levels.
Lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system boosts your immunity and reduces toxins in your body. The only way to get your lymphatic system flowing well is by movement. The specific movements involved in yoga are particularly well-suited for promoting a strong lymphatic system.
Glucose. There is evidence to suggest that yoga may lower blood glucose levels.
Sodium. As does any good exercise program, yoga reduces the sodium levels in your body. In today’s world of processed and fast foods that are full of sodium, lessening these levels is a great idea.
Endocrine functions. Practicing yoga helps to regulate and control hormone secretion. An improved endocrine system keeps hormones in balance and promotes better overall physical and emotional health.
Triglycerides. Triglycerides are the chemical form of fat in the blood, and elevated levels can indicate a risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. A recent study shows that yoga can lead to “significantly lower” levels of triglycerides. Read more about the results of that study here.
Red blood cells. Yoga has been shown to increase the level of red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen through the blood, and too few can result in anemia and low energy.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps boost immunity, helps produce collagen, and is a powerful antioxidant; and a yoga regimen can increase the vitamin C in your body.
Exercise Health Benefits As a form of exercise, yoga offers benefits that are sometimes not easily found among other exercise regimens. Check out these reasons to include yoga in your or your patient’s health program.
Low risk of injury. Due to the low impact of yoga and the controlled aspect of the motions, there is a very low risk of injury during yoga practice compared to other forms of exercise.
Parasympathetic Nervous System. In many forms of exercise, the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, providing you with that fight-or-flight sensation. Yoga does the opposite and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic system lowers blood pressure and slows the pace of your breathing, which allows relaxation and healing.
Muscle tone. Consistently practicing yoga leads to better muscle tone.
Subcortex. Subcortical regions of the brain are associated with well-being, and yoga is thought to dominate the subcortex rather than the cortex (where most exercise dominates).
Reduced oxygen consumption. Yoga consumes less oxygen than traditional exercise routines, thereby allowing the body to work more efficiently.
Breathing. With yoga, breathing is more natural and controlled during exercise. This type of breathing provides more oxygen-rich air for your body and also provides more energy with less fatigue.
Balanced workout of opposing muscle groups. As with all of yoga, balance is key. If a muscle group is worked in one direction, it will also be worked in the opposite direction to maintain balance. This balance results in a better overall workout for the body.
Non-competitive. The introspective and self-building nature of yoga removes any need for competition in the exercise regimen. With the lack of competition, the yogi is free to work slowly to avoid any undue injury as well as promote a more balanced and stress-free workout.
Joint range of motion. A study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine indicated that joint range of motion was improved by participants who practiced yoga.
Eye-hand coordination. Without practice, eye-hand coordination diminishes. Yoga maintains and improves eye-hand coordination.
Dexterity. The strong mind-body connection and flexibility gained from yoga leads to grace and skill.
Reaction time. Research done in India shows that reaction time can be improved with specific yoga breathing exercises in conjunction with an already established yoga practice. The improvement was attributed to the faster rate of processing and improved concentration gained from yoga.
Endurance. Working the entire body, yoga improves endurance and is frequently used by endurance athletes as a supplement to their sport-specific training.
Depth perception. Becoming aware of your body and how it moves, as one does in yoga practice, leads to increased depth perception.
Disease Prevention Doctors and nurses love yoga because studies indicate that it can help prevent the following diseases.
Heart disease. Yoga reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, keeps off weight, and improves cardiovascular health, all of which lead to reducing your risk of heart disease.
Osteoporosis. It is well documented that weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, yoga’s ability to lower levels of cortisol may help keep calcium in the bones.
Alzheimer’s. A new study indicates that yoga can help elevate brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels. Low GABA levels are associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Meditation like that practiced in yoga has also been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Type II diabetes. In addition to the glucose reducing capabilities of yoga, it is also an excellent source of physical exercise and stress reduction that, along with the potential for yoga to encourage insulin production in the pancreas, can serve as an excellent preventative for type II diabetes.
Symptom Reduction or Alleviation Medical professionals have learned that the following diseases or disorders can all be helped by maintaining a yoga practice.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome who practiced yoga showed greater improvement than those who wore a splint or received no treatment at all. Researchers saw improved grip strength and reduction of pain in the study participants.
Asthma. There is some evidence to show that reducing symptoms of asthma and even reduction in asthma medication are the result of regular yoga.
Arthritis. The slow, deliberate movement of yoga poses coupled with the gentle pressure exerted on the joints provides an excellent exercise to relieve arthritis symptoms. Also, the stress relief associated with yoga loosens muscles that tighten joints.
Multiple sclerosis. Similarly, “yoga is now recognized as an excellent means of MS management.” Additionally, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding a clinical trial of yoga for treating multiple sclerosis.
Cancer. Those fighting or recovering from cancer frequently take advantage of the benefits that yoga provides. Cancer patients who practice yoga gain strength, raise red blood cells, experience less nausea during chemotherapy, and have better overall well-being.
Muscular dystrophy. Using yoga in the early stages of muscular dystrophy can help return some physical functions. The practice of Pranayam yoga helped one teen regain many of his abilities lost to muscular dystrophy. Learn more in this article.
Migraines. Regular yoga practice has been shown to reduce the number of migraines in chronic migraine sufferers.
Scoliosis. Yoga can straighten the curvature of the spine associated with scoliosis.
Chronic bronchitis. Exercise that does not elevate respiration, yet increase oxygen levels in the body is ideal for treating chronic bronchitis. Luckily, yoga can do this, as well as aerate the lungs and provide energy.
Epilepsy. Focusing on stress reduction, breathing, and restoring overall balance in the body are the focus of how yoga can help prevent epileptic seizures.
Sciatica. The intense pain associated with sciatica can be alleviated with specific yoga poses. Here are 10 great ones to help relieve pain.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Studies of people with OCD have shown that practicing yoga has lead to a reduction in symptoms–resulting in less medication or medication no longer needed.
Constipation. Due to the practice of yoga and overall better posture, the digestive and elimination systems work more efficiently. If the practitioner also has a healthy diet, any constipation will be eliminated through yoga.
Allergies. Using a neti pot to clear the sinuses is an ancient form of yoga to help reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms. Certain types of breathing can also help clear the nasal passages.
Menopause. Yoga practice can help control some of the side effects of menopause.
Back pain. Yoga reduces spinal compression and helps overall body alignment to reduce back pain. Find a yoga pose to help lessen back pain here.
Thanks Meredith for this great list! Yoga with Gail. Updated 12/2021
Yoga in Nederland, Port Neches, Port Arthur, Tx. Jefferson Mid-County
Got your yoga classes and locations listed here! My classes and schedule don’t fit everyone’s schedule, so I thought I’d list out all the yoga that I know of here in Mid-County. (Beaumont & Orange listings at the end of this post.) Summer 2023
Wednesdays: 12:30 PM CT. Free Yoga on Veterans Yoga Project Online Yoga Studio. Taught by local teacher, Gail Pickens-Barger. A Beginners’ Gentle Yoga for low back care class. Great for beginners and those with back challenges. Linke below for getting a free account, then book the class. https://veteransyogaproject.org/vyp-classes
Wednesays and Fridays: 10:30 AM at Lakeside Best Years Senior Citizen Center. Yoga. 60 minute class. Free for Beaumont residents, come a bit early if you are not a member of the center, to register. $4 fee for non-residents, and come a bit early to register. Please wear a mask into the facility and into the yoga room. Once you are stationed six feet apart, you have permission to take off your mask.
Nederland, Texas
YogaKiddos with Gail, at Wesley UMC in Nederland, Texas.
YogaKiddos with Gail, at Wesley UMC in Nederland, Texas.
YogaKiddos with Gail, at Wesley UMC in Nederland, Texas.
Yoga Private lessons available upon request 409-727-3177 yogawithgaileee@gmail.com https://yogawithgaileee.com
Exygon Health and Fitness 1001 Nederland Avenue, Ned. Tx 409-729-2592 Bring a yoga mat. $15 drop-in fee, included with monthly membership. http://exygon.com/
PowerHouse Gym in Port Neches Monday & Wednesday 6:30 PM $10 drop-in fee, comes with membership Hatha Yoga Class
YMCA of Port Arthur 6760 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, Tx 77642 409-962-6644 Yoga Tuesday/Thursday at 10:00 AM Friday – 10:00 AM – SilverSneakers YogaStretch $15 drop-in fee, included with monthly membership http://ymcasetx.org/health-well-being-fitness/
Benefits of Yoga for Kids – YogaKiddos with Gail Pickens-Barger
More benefits of Yoga for both kids and adults. Benefits of Yoga for Kids – YogaKiddos with Gail Pickens-Barger
Great infographic by Angela Moorad from OMazingKids Yoga
YogaKiddos doing the Snake Pose at Wesley UMC, with Kids Yoga Teacher, Gail Pickens-Barger
Kids Yoga in November 2019. Yoga with Gail
Over 20 years experience in teaching. Beginners, Low Back Care, Chair Yoga, Kids and private yoga at your place of business or home. 409-727-3177.
I was a presenter in a local health fair, and this was one of my poster sessions. Using the YogaFit Kids Cards, I am demonstrating the Salute to the Sun yoga sequence. Very common sequence that you will see in group yoga classes. Not all instructors teach the sequence in this manner. Available for demonstrations for clubs and organizations. Call Gail Pickens-Barger at 409-727-3177, leave voice message if I an unable to take your call.
International Kids Yoga Day. Yearly in April.
Noah’s Ark Yoga with Kids – Vacation Bible School – with Yogakiddos teacher, Gail Pickens-Barger
Free Beginners Yoga Class on Wednesday at 10:30AM PT | 12:30AM CT | 1:30PM ET
We invite you to VYP’s Gentle Yoga class every Wednesday at 10:30am PT | 12:30pm CT | 1:30pm ET with VYP Teacher, Gail P-B. The focus for this Gentle Yoga class is to help manage lower back pain.
Created a new #ChairYogaDance routine to #thatthat by #PSY #Suga of #BTS Get your cardio fitness in, even seated on the chair. Inspired by PSY & Suga’s song and music video. Thank you!
#thatthat #chairyogadance routine to PSY’s new song. Featuring & Producer #Suga of #BTS
I thought, maybe this routine could be done seated on the chair. That way my folks who are challenged with their cardio fitness, could also enjoy dancing to this great song! Thanks #PSY and #Suga of #BTS for creating this great song and music video.
Teaching yoga in Nederland and Beaumont Texas 2022. Online and In-Person Beginners Classes. Gentle Yoga for low back care classes, Yoga Nidra, and more.
Sunday 7:00 PM Online Yoga Nidra. Tuesday 6:00 PM $10 Beginners Yoga in Nederland, Texas. Wednesday 12:30 PM Online Gentle Yoga for low back care yoga. Friday 10:30 AM Beginners Yoga at Lakeside Event Center in Beaumont Texas. Over 21 years of teaching experience, come join Gail Pickens-Barger.Gentle Yoga does that? Yes, it does!Classes are available on my Youtube channel too! Search Yoga with Gaileee or #yogawithgaileee
Here are this past week’s Yoga Nidra Guided Rest and Relaxation Practices that I conducted for Veterans Yoga Project.
Wednesdays is a 30-minute practice.
Sundays is a 49-minute practice including setting intentions, benefits of Yoga Nidra Practice, along with Richard Miller’s iRest poem.
After doing the practices, I’d appreciate a filling out the survey. The things I’m always interested in are if your pain level is less, and your anxiety or stress levels are lessened.
Thank you, and I hope this is helpful to have additional access to these practices.
30 minute Yoga Nidra Rest & Relaxation Meditation Practice with #VYPfamily Gail Pickens-Barger
48 Minute Practice of Yoga Nidra
48-minute Yoga Nidra Practice, including the benefits of regular practice, what is Yoga Nidra, Richard Miller’s iRest Poem. With #VYPYogateacher Gail Pickens-Barger
I am now teaching a weekly 45 minute Yoga Nidra Class for Veterans Yoga Project. Join me Sunday nights at 8 PM ET, 7 PM CT and 5 PM PT.
One of the Veterans who recently took this class with me told me that she had considerably less pain after taking this class. She thanked me for sharing this Yoga Nidra practice with her. That was so sweet of her to share!
There are a lot of yoga teachers and places to take yoga in Jefferson & Orange county Texas. I’m listing the ones that I know about. Please leave me a note if you know of others. Thank you. Sometimes my offerings do not match your schedule or yoga style. I teach yoga for beginners with an emphasis of easing back challenges. Gail Pickens-Barger 409-727-3177
Again, to start off this conversation, I only teach three public classes a week. So I try to keep in the know of what is also out there besides what I offer.
Mid-Jefferson County – Yoga
Port Neches: Several classes at both PowerHouse Gym and in the Gazebo at the Port Neches Park
Port Neches Library: Free chair yoga by one of my students, Ms. Carol. Wednesdays at 2 PM.
Carol Juneau teaching chair yoga at the Port Neches Library! Wednesdays at 2 PM!
Port Arthur: YMCA of SETX. Pam teaches three yoga classes during the day at the “Y”. Two are mat yoga classes, and the third one is the Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch class. There is a new young lady also teaching a meditation class on Saturdays. Check out their online schedule for details.
Yoga with Gail. Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Nederland: HotWorks: Behind the Schooner restaurant. Go check out their website for details.
Nederland/Port Neches: We have several new instructors, who have received their teacher training that lives in Mid-County. Be on the lookout for their classes at the CrossFit locations here in Mid-County
Nederland – Exygon Health and Wellness Center. Mike, Sarah and Doneene teach yoga on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Additionally, there is choreographed yoga, BodyFlow that Lori teaches Mondays & Wednesdays. Additionally, there are several BodyFlow classes during the day. BodyFlow is also offered at the Beaumont Exygon. Again, go to their website to find out class times. BRING a YOGA MAT!. You can also get a three-day guest pass, or go check out their classes during launch week.
Orangefield, Texas – YogaVibe Studio – Lauren Cowart has this great yoga studio offering a variety of yoga classes and varied instructors.
Yoga Near Me – Nederland Beaumont Texas with Experienced Yoga Teacher Gail Pickens-Barger
Beaumont: Wow lots of instructors and venues.
Events: Cattail Marsh in Beaumont, Texas. Saturday Yoga. Check the Facebook page for registration.
Events: Barefoot Yoga. A twice-three times a year yoga festival is held on the lawn at the Event Center, Downtown Beaumont. Look this one up on Facebook.
Events: 5 Under Golf Center Yoga. On Saturdays once a month, various yoga teachers teach on the driving range over on Hwy 90/College Street. Look at SETX Events for dates/times/prices
Events: Goat Yoga. Held as a fundraiser in the late fall. Put on by the Nederland Recreation Center.
Events: International Kids Yoga Day – with Gail Pickens-Barger. First Fridays in April.
Events: Veterans Gratitude Week during two weeks in November. Fundraiser yoga for the Veterans Yoga Project
Events: Yoga at the Port Neches Brewery.
Events: Country Club Yoga. Yoga at the Brentwood Country club in Beaumont. Again, look thoroughly at the Facebook page to find events.
The Co-op. Formerly the location of Love Yoga in Beaumont. Several new collaborations of yoga teachers are teaching, yoga, tai chi and other exercise modalities.
Beaumont Power Yoga – Nicole runs this studio with a lot of class times and teachers. Again, go check them out! When I first moved to the area it was American Power Yoga.
Exygon in Beaumont with their BodyFlow choreographed classes.
Fe-SIO Relax and Stretch Studio in Beaumont, Texas. Go check out Melissa and more with their yoga classes and events!
Health and Wellness Center in Beaumont, both pilates, body focus, and yoga.
LakeSide Event Center – Best Years Senior Citizen Center. Both Celeste, Trisha, and I teach yoga/stretching classes for the City of Beaumont. Plus there is Tai Chi here, in addition to Zumba Gold! You’ll find the activity schedule on the Facebook page.
Lamar University – Yoga classes are regularly held at the Shelia Umphrey Rec Center!
March 2022 News – Yoga in Beaumont & Nederland, Port Neches, Texas – Yoga Classes – 409-727-3177
Teaching three public beginners yoga classes a week during the month of March 2022.
NEW – In Person Tuesday Yoga . Starting Third Tuesday in March. Held at Wesley UMC, 3515 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Texas. $10
Every Wednesday – Free Beginners Yoga – gentle yoga for healthy backs class – sponsored by Veterans Yoga Project online. To gain access to this free class please visit Veterans Yoga Project website to create a free online studio account to take my Wednesday 12:30 PM Central Time yoga class. Have on hand a strap, block, yoga mat. Optional access to a chair or wall. You can use a long towel and a small pillow instead of a strap/block. Sign up HERE on Veterans Yoga Project.
Every Friday 10:30 AM – Beaumont Texas – In-Person beginners yoga class, held at the Best Years Lakeside Event Center in Beaumont. Free for Beaumont residents, non-residents pay $4 for this weekly class. Please come early first time to register at front desk and to fill out yoga registration form. If you have a yoga mat please bring it. There is yoga equipment, but it is first come, first served. Poses can also alternatively be done seated on the chair. Click on Lakeside Center and view the many activities provided!
This article bears worth repeating! Look at all these conditions that Yoga helps you with!
As I am getting deeper and deeper into one of the books that we are to read for the YogaTherapy course, I am amazed at all the benefits of a regular yoga practice can do for folks. And I’m a yoga teacher. (The more you teach yoga, it seems the more you want to know….and need to know!)
Please read on for more information about “Yoga as Medicine” book (excellent!)by Timothy McCall, M.D. http://www.drmccall.com/ ~Gail Pickens-Barger
Yoga appears to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of health conditions. In Timothy McCall, M.D. Book, “Yoga As Medicine”, he goes on to say: We’ll be reviewing the scientific evidence later but, for now, let’s see what people who’ve tried therapeutic yoga have to say. In 1983 – 84, the London-based Yoga Biomedical Trust, run by Robin Monro, PhD, surveyed twenty-seven hundred(2,700) people, most between the ages of thirty-one and sixty, who used yoga therapeutically. To be included, participants had to have practiced yoga for at least two hours a week for a year or longer. Though the number of people with some of the conditions in question was small, the results (see the table below, and in Dr. McCall’s book, Table 1.1) were impressive:
98 percent of back-pain sufferers found yoga helpful
90 percent of cancer patients
82 percent of people with insomnia
and 100 percent of alcoholics
The lowest success rate in the survey was for women with “menstrual problems,” two out of three of whom found that yoga helped.
Table 1.1 Conditions Improved by Yoga, Self-Reported
Medical Condition Number of Percentage Helped
People Reporting By Yoga
Alcoholism 24 100%
Anxiety 838 94%
Arthritis &
Rheumatic Disorders 589 90%
Asthma or Bronchitis 226 88%
Back Disorders 1,142 98%
Cancer 29 90%
Diabetes 10 80%
Duodenal Ulcers 40 90%
Heart Disease 50 94%
Hemorrhoids 391 88%
High Blood Pressure 150 84%
Insomnia 542 82%
Menopausal Disorders 247 83%
Menstrual Problems 317 68%
Migraine 464 80%
Neurological &
Neuromuscular Diseases 112 96%
Obesity 240 74%
Premenstrual Syndrome 848 77%
Smoking 219 74%
Source: The Yoga Biomedical Trust, London
Imagine how much you’d be hearing about a new drug that could accomplish even a fraction of this. Nevertheless, (it is Dr. Timothy McCall’s)it’s my experience that few in the medical community or the general public have any conception of what yoga has to offer. Part of the problem, (Dr. McCall) I’m convinced, is that many people who could benefit from yoga shy away due to misconceptions about what it is and isn’t, or who can do it and who shouldn’t.
Those subjects to be addressed in a different post.
Starting second week of March 2022, Wednesdays mid-week yoga class on Veterans Yoga Projects, shifts to a half hour later. 10:30 AM PT, 12:30 PM CST, 1:30 ET
Gentle Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger. Yoga to help ease back pain, lessen stress, increase flexibility, build bones, better balance, and have higher quality sleep. Next class sign up. https://tinyurl.com/TueYogaGail
Tuesday Yoga for Easing Back Pain with Gentle Beginners Yoga with Gail
Interesting Study: New Study Adds Growing Evidence that Yoga and Meditation Can Reduce Chronic Pain. I can attest to that study, as it has helped me with my chronic back pain!
The study echoes previous findings on the benefits of yoga and meditation for chronic pain published in 2016 in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association.
“The bottom line is that patients are seeking new ways to cope with chronic pain and effective non-pharmaceutical treatments are available,” says Dr. Marske. “Our findings show meditation and yoga can be a viable option for people seeking relief from chronic pain.”
Gentle Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger. Yoga helps ease back pain, lessen stress, increase flexibility, build bones, better balance, and have higher quality sleep. Next class sign up. https://tinyurl.com/TueYogaGail
Stretch Out Strap for better grip in yoga postures that use a strap
Gifts for under $50 for the person who does yoga in your life. Stretch Out Strap, Resistance Fit Bands and the Lavender Essential Oil Roll-On Bottle are everyone’s favorite new yoga gear!
Gail demonstrating “Snake” or Cobra Pose in the YogaKiddos Class at WesleyActive “Flamingo” balance pose in the YogaKiddos class. Photography by David C. TurnleyGrace and Gail demonstrating the “big breathing” technique in our YogaKiddos Class – Photography by David C. TurnleyMiss Rachel and Gail demonstrating “Giraffe” Pose in our YogaKiddos Class – Photography by David C. Turnley
Yoga is gaining popularity. The number of American yoga practitioners has increased to over 36 million in 2016, up from 20.4 million in 2012. 28% of all Americans have participated in a yoga class at some point in their lives.
Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance Study in 2016
Yoga is for everybody. There are more male and older practitioners than ever before (approximately 10 million male practitioners and almost 14 million practitioners over the age of 50 – up from about 4 million men and 4 million 55+ year olds in 2012).
Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance Study in 2016
Yoga supports the economy. Yoga practitioners report spending over $16 billion on yoga clothing, equipment, classes and accessories in the last year, up from $10 billion in 2012.
Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance Study in 2016
Yoga is appealing. 34% of Americans say they are somewhat or very likely to practice yoga in the next 12 months – equal to more than 80 million Americans. Reasons cited include flexibility, stress relief and fitness.
Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance Study in 2016
Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care – for Beginners and those of us with back challenges.
Top Two Reasons People Come To Yoga? To Increase Flexibility and Reduce Stress.
Top Two Reasons People Come To Yoga – From the Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal 2016 Study – Yoga in America
Come try a free yoga class with me. I teach this class live on Wednesdays at 1 PM Central Time. Click on the above button to claim a free Mindbody online account, then “book” the class that I teach on Wednesdays.
Don’t worry, if you cannot make the live class, you can get a link to our current recorded yoga classes. I have about 10 yoga for healthy back classes in the studio!
Questions? Complaints? Comments? Complements? I want to know!
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David Turnley is considered by many to be one of the best documentary photographers working today. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, two World Press Photos of the Year, and the Robert Capa Award for Courage, he has photographed the human condition in some 75 countries around the world.
Turnley was a Detroit Free Press staff photographer from 1980 to 1998. He was based in South Africa from 1985 to 1987, where he documented the country under Apartheid rule. He has been a dear friend of the Mandela family for the last thirty years and photographed Nelson Mandela and the South African struggle over these last three decades. He was based in Paris from 1987 to 1997, covering such events as the Persian Gulf War, revolutions in Eastern Europe, student uprisings in China, and the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
He has published seven books of his photographic work including his last, Mandela: In Times of Struggle and Triumph, from his extensive time over the last twenty-five years photographing the evolution of South Africa, and Nelson Mandela and his family.
David has Directed and Produced three feature-length Documentaries. The Dalai Lama: At Home and in Exile, for CNN; La Tropical, called by Albert Maysles “the most sensual film ever shot in Cuba”; and his recently released, four years in the making, epic story of Shenandoah, located in the tough coal region of Pennsylvania. Shenandoah, which is available to view on Netflix, was named by The New Filmmakers Los Angeles as “Best Documentary Film” and David was named “Best Director” for the year 2013.
David is an Associate Professor at his alma mater, the University of Michigan School of Art and Design, and Residential College. He studied filmmaking at Harvard on a Nieman Fellowship and has Honorary Doctorates from the New School of Social Research in New York and from the University of St. Francis in Indiana. He received a B.A. in French Literature from The University of Michigan and has also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris.
The proud father of two children, David lives with his wife Rachel and family, in Paris France.
I subscribe to Experience Life Magazine. One of the better overall health and fitness magazines out there. I posted about this article a bit back on my Facebook Newstream.
Exercise: A Promising Factor for Protecting Against COVID A regular fitness routine may help protect those diagnosed with COVID against hospitalization and even death.
Great Yoga Mat Bag Tutorial. It is like a large long tote bag! Scroll down a bit, since it is on the Archive website.
You can catch these patterns on sale from various places, JoAnns, Hancocks, Hobby Lobby. Sign up for the newsletters, or read the weekly ads online.
So here are the Yoga Clothing/Props patterns that I have…there may be more…
Simplicity Sewing Pattern 3583 – Make your own yoga gear – Yoga with Gail
McCall’s MP260 or M4606- including yoga mat bag & Blanket. Two tops, two length jackets, and yoga pant. Still for sale on Ebay.
McCall’s M5664 – Halter Yoga Top, Cap, Sleeveless Shell, Yoga Jacket, Crop and Long Yoga Pant. On McCall’s website, out of print, but you probably can find it in the stores still.
McCall’s 4261 – Sports Bra Top, Long Sleeved Top, Long Skirt (?), Mat Bag, Crop and Long Yoga Pant and Yoga Jacket. (Girl standing in Tree pose.)
Simplicity 3583 – Yoga Accessories: Strap, Eyebag, Mat Bag, Meditation pillow, Zafu, Neck/knee roll and Bolster.
Kwik Sew – Known for a lot of dancer type clothing, and now Yoga/Pilates patterns.
Kwik Sew 3497 – Variations on yoga tops.
Kwik Sew 3498 – “Girls” yoga pants!
Kwik Sew 3115 – Spaghetti Strap Yoga Top, Shell Top, Capri, and Long Yoga Pant.
Kwik Sew 2723 – Racer Back Yoga Top, Boy Shorts, Runners Shorts and Jazzy Yoga Pants.
Kwik Sew 2632 – Long-Sleeved Tied Top (dancer inspired), Leotard & Long Jazzy Yoga Pant.
Kwik Sew 2722 – Unitard with either spaghetti straps or keyhole back. Short or Pant Length.
Oh, yeah, the only thing I’ve made is a large and small bolster, yoga mat bag, eye pillow, blanket and lots of zafu’s!!!
Using my Singer Featherweight to make a Zafu Meditation Yoga Cushion. Yoga Mat, Bolsters and more! Yoga with Gaileee
I’ve got a short list of the Top 5 things you can do – to ease back pain – It’s Yoga.
This is just a short list. Work with me to find your easing of back pain solution with a gentle yoga class for healthy back’s class! Gail Pickens-Barger, ERYT200, RYT500, NACYT, Get Fit Where You Sit Chair Yoga Fitness Instructor 409-727-3177
Contact Me to help you find a solution to easing your back pain. It’s Yoga! Gail Pickens-Barger 409-727-3177.
Sign up for a Free Yoga Class for Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care on Mindbody Online through the Veterans Yoga Project. It’s Free!
Our generously-sized bag will hold your mat, towel, yoga chimes and more. We recommend choosing a heavier-weight fabric for the bag so it’s sturdier and wears well. Amy Butler’s Love collection has several home decor weights from which to choose. Your lining can be regular weight. I used upholstery fabric, and I didn’t have to use a liner fabric when I made this bag.
The Yoga Mat Bag Sewing Instructions. Brought to you by Yoga with Gail
Contributors Project Design: Alicia Thommas and Sample Creation: Jacqueline Smerek
Love this pattern. Had to find it off of Archive.org to get the instructions!
Like my little Singer Featherweight 221? Go on over to my Featherweight Site at:
Restoraflow Yoga Sequence for Easing back pain. Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care with Gail.
Sara Varona, of BuildYourYogaBusiness.com created this sequence to assist in easing your lower and upper back pain. She gave me permission to post it on my display at my recent Yoga Booth at a Health Fair.
She also shows on her website, the different things that she does in helping a client in their private yoga practice. Here is her video listed at the end of this specific ezine going through the poses pictured on the right.
I took lots of notes, taught these sequences to my various yoga classes, and people noticed how much better their backs felt after going through the sequences. It is a 40 minute google video, to get your pen an pencil ready, take notes, practice and come back and back to this wonderful sequence of yoga poses.
The model in the photos is one of my daughters. She is in the process of training to be a yoga teacher. She is already a wonderful Ballet teacher. She has also taught tap, modern, jazz and creative dance.
Count on Yoga. Looking for a reason to start practicing (or restart your practice)?
1. Flex Time.
Improved flexibility is one of the most obvious benefits of yoga. During your first class, you probably won’t be able to touch your toes, never mind do a back bend. But if you stick with it, you’ll notice a gradual loosening, and eventually, seemingly impossible poses will become possible. You’ll probably notice that aches and pains start to disappear. That’s no coincidence. Tight hips can strain the knee joint due to improper alignment of the thigh and shinbones. Tight hamstrings can lead to a flattening of the lumbar spine, which can cause back pain. And inflexibility in muscles and connective tissues, such as fascia and ligaments, can cause poor posture.
2. Bone Zone.
It’s well documented that weight-bearing exercise strengthens bones and helps ward off osteoporosis. Many postures in yoga require that you lift your own weight. And some, like Downward- and Upward-Facing Dog, help strengthen the arm bones, which are particularly vulnerable to osteoporosis fractures. In an unpublished study conducted at California State University, Los Angeles, yoga practice increased bone density in the vertrebrae. Yoga’s ability to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol may help keep calcium in the bones.
3. Worry Thwarts.
Yoga lowers cortisol levels. If that doesn’t sound like much, consider these facts. Normally, the adrenal glands secrete cortisol in response to an acute crisis, which temporarily boosts immune function. If your cortisol levels stay high even after the crisis, they can compromise the immune system. Temporary boosts of cortisol help with long-term memory, but chronically high levels undermine memory and may lead to permanent changes in the brain. Plus, excessive cortisol has been linked with major depression, osteoporosis (it extracts calcium and other minerals from bones and interferes with the laying down of new bone), high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. In rats, high cortisol levels lead to what researchers call “food-seeking behavior” (the kind that drives you to eat when you’re upset, angry, or stressed). The body takes those extra calories and distributes them as fat in the abdomen, contributing to weight gain and the risk of diabetes and heart attack.
4. Breathing Room.
Yogis tend to take fewer breaths of greater volume, which is both calming and more efficient. A 1998 study published in The Lancet taught a yogic technique known as “complete breathing” to people with lung problems due to congestive heart failure. After one month, their average respiratory rate decreased from 13.4 breaths per minute to 7.6. Meanwhile, their exercise capacity increased significantly, as did the oxygen saturation of their blood. In addition, yoga has been shown to improve various measures of lung function, including the maximum volume of the breath and the efficiency of the exhalation.
5. Pain Drain.
Yoga can ease your pain. According to several studies, yoga postures (asana), meditiation, or a combination of the two, reduced pain in people with arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other chronic conditions. When you relieve your pain, your mood improves, you’re more inclined to be active, and you don’t need as much medication.
6. Connective Tissue.
As you read all the ways yoga improves your health, you probably notice a lot of overlap. That’s because they are intensely interwoven. Change your posture and you change the way you breathe. Change your breathing and you change you nervous system. This is one of the great lessons of yoga: Everything is connected – your hipbone to your anklebone, you to your community, your community to the world. Such interconnection is vital to yoga. This holistic system simultaneously taps into many mechanisms that have self-perpetuating and even multiplicative effects. Synergy may be the most important way of all that yoga heals.
7. Joint Account.
Each time you practice yoga, you take your joints through their full range of motion. This can help prevent degenerative arthritis or mitigate disability by “squeezing and soaking” areas of cartilage that normally aren’t used. Joint cartilage is like sponge; it receives fresh nutrients only when its fluid is squeezed out and a new supply can be soaked up. Without proper sustenance, neglected cartilage can eventually wear out like worn-out brake pads, exposing the underlying bone.
8. Flow Chart.
Yoga gets your blood flowing. More specifically, the relaxation exercises you learn in yoga can help your circulation, especially in your hands and feet. Yoga also gets more oxygen to your cells, which function better as a result. Twisting poses are thought to wring out venous blood from internal organs and allow oxygenated blood to flow in once the twist is released. Inverted poses, such as Down Ward Facing Dog, Standing Straddle Splits, Headstand, Handstand and Shoulderstand, encourages venous blood from the legs and pelvis to flow back to the heart, where it can be pumped to the lungs to be freshly oxygenated. Yoga also boosts levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues. And it thins the blood by making platelets less sticky and by cutting the level of clot-promoting proteins in the blood. This can lead to a decrease in heart attacks and strokes since blood clots are often the cause of these killers.
9. Heart Start.
When you regularly get your heart rate into the aerobic range, you can lower your risk of heart attack and relieve depression. While not all yoga is aerobic, if you do it vigorously or take flow or Ashtanga classes, it can boost your heart rate into the aerobic range. But even yoga exercises that don’t get your heart rate up that high can improve cardiovascular conditioning. Studies have found that yoga practice lowers the resting heart rate, increases endurance, and can improve your maximum uptake of oxygen during exercise – all reflections of improving aerobic conditioning.
10. Strength Test.
Strong muscles do more than look good. They also protect us from such conditions as arthritis and back pain, and help prevent falls. And when you build strength through yoga, you balance it with flexibility. If you just lifted weights, you might build strength at the expense of flexibility.
11. Spinal Rap.
Spinal disks – the shock absorbers between the vertebrae that can herniate and compress nerves – crave movement. That’s the only way they get their nutrients. If you’ve got a well-balanced asana practice with plently of backbends, forward bends, and twists, you’ll help keep your disks supple.
12. Standing Orders.
Your head is like a bowling ball – big, round, and heavy. When it’s balanced directly over an erect spine, it take much less work for your neck and back muscles to support it. Move it several inches forward, however, and you start to strain those muscles. Hold up that forward-leaning bowling ball for 8 or 12 hours a day and it’s no wonder you’re tired. And fatigue might not be your only problem. Poor posture can cause back, neck, and other muscle and joint problems. As you slump, your body may compensate by flattening the normal inward curves in your neck and lower back. This can cause pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine.
13. Sugar Show.
Yoga lowers blood sugar and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and boosts HDL (“good”) cholesterol. In people wit diabetes, yoga has been found to lower blood sugar in several ways: by lowering cortisol and adrenaline levels, encouraging weight loss, and improving sensitivity to the effects of insulin. Get your blood sugar levels down, and you decrease your risk of diabetic complications such as heart attack, kidney failure and blindness.
14. Space Place.
Regularly practicing yoga increases proprioception (the ability to feel what your body is doing and where it is in space) and improves balance. People with bad posture or dysfunctional movement patterns usually have poor proprioception, which has been linked to knee problems and back pain. Better balance could mean fewer falls. For the elderly, this translates into more independence and delayed admission to a nursing home or never entering one at all.
15. Loose Limbs.
Do you ever notice yourself holding the telephone or a steering wheel with a death grip or scrunching your face when staring at a computer screen? These unconscious habits can lead to chronic tension, muscle fatigue, and soreness in the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck, and face, which can increase stress and worsen your mood. As you practice yoga, you begin to notice where you hold tension: It might be in your tongue, your eyes, or the muscles of your face and neck. If you simple tune in and pay more attention to these areas, you may be able to relieve some tension.
Try a Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care Class with Gail. Currently, I teach four public classes
Wednesdays at 12:30 PM CST – Wellness Living. Get an account, download the app, if using a smart device, and sign in and book a class at https://veteransyogaproject.org/vyp-classes
Wednesdays at 6:15 PM CST – In-person yoga class 45 minute beginners at Wesley UMC/Ned. Tx $5 with food ministry items or $10.
Fridays at 10:30 AM CST – Yoga at Lakeside at the Best Years Seniors Citizen Center in Beaumont Texas. $4 for non-residents for “vintage” persons.
Yoga for Veterans – Veterans Yoga Project – Nederland, Texas
PTS(D) AND YOGA? WE CAN EXPLAIN.
IN THE U.S. ESTIMATES OF PTS(D) AMONG VETERANS ARE:
PTSD Infographic. Yoga for Veterans. Yoga with Gail
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You have questions? We’ll do our best to answer them.
WHAT IS VETERANS YOGA PROJECT?
Veterans Yoga Project is an educational and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of military veterans through yoga and meditation practice. Working in partnership with veterans, active-duty military personnel, student veteran organizations, and other non-profit organizations, Veterans Yoga Project supports recovery and promotes resilience among veterans who are living with post-traumatic stress or other trauma issues.
WHAT IS VETERANS GRATITUDE WEEK?
Each year, VYP hosts two annual fundraisers, VYP Gratitude Week and Light-A-Candle Memorial Day, supported by donations from yoga classes, individuals and organizations. Held the three weeks surrounding Veterans Day, VYP Gratitude Week encourages yoga studios to host donation-based classes to support veterans in a tangible way. In many cases, these classes have brought together veterans and civilians in an environment where veterans can share their military experience with their community.
HOW DOES YOGA HELP VETERANS?
While magnified by media reporting, only 30% of veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma-related issues. Practicing yoga can undo the nervous system dysfunction that underlies PTSD symptoms.
WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED WITH VYP GRATITUDE WEEK?
Less than 1% of Americans have ever served their country, however, veterans experience a disproportionately high suicide rate. VYP Gratitude Week is a way for those who have not served to both give back to veterans in a tangible way and to better understand the challenges of military service.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO HOST A DONATION-BASED CLASS?
Our goal for 2019 is to host 500+ classes in all 50 states. We can use all the help we can get to raise awareness and encourage participation.
How is the money raised from VYP Gratitude Week used?
Veterans Yoga Project is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization and depends upon the support of donors to take care of veterans in need. 100% of the proceeds will go to VYP’s mission to support recovery and resilience to our veterans, families and our communities.
VYP AMBASSADOR
Gail Pickens-Barger, Yoga for Veterans Project Ambassador #vypfamily
GAIL PICKENS-BARGER | NEDERLAND, TX
Gail Pickens-Barger is a yoga teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience.
She first used yoga during the birth and pregnancy of her first child. Fifteen years later, became a yoga teacher. Gail’s 200 hours was through YogaFit International Training Systems, and more recently her 500-hour certificate was through Lex Gillan’s The Yoga Institute. Gail recently finished a Yoga Nidra course through Wise Owl Yoga and the Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery through the Veterans Yoga Project. Currently, Gail is studying to become a Low Back Care Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Vista Academy.
In addition to teaching a weekly beginner yoga class and a chair yoga class, Gail teaches a free Kids Yoga class to the Pre K class at her church and teaches Adaptive Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Gail originally came into contact with the Veterans Yoga Project, after reading an article on Baxter Bell’s Yoga for Healthy Aging Website. In the article, it talked specifically about volunteering to provide a free yoga class for veterans and to raise funds to support the Veterans Yoga Project during Veterans Gratitude Week. Gail likes to do karma yoga for raising funds for local food missions, raised funds for church playground equipment, Girl Scouts and such, and the providing free class for veterans and raising funds seemed like a worthwhile effort.
So for the past five years, Gail has hosted several classes to benefit the Veterans Gratitude Week for VYP.
More recently Gail was contacted by the local VA to present chair yoga to the vets in the Beaumont/Orange Texas area. In doing so, Gail came into contact with Brianna Renner, who assisted her tremendously in providing a class format, that would present the 5 tools that VYP uses in providing classes.
Gail has gone onto doing the Mindful Resilience training provided by Veterans Yoga Project and hopes to in the near future provide a weekly class to area veterans.
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