Arthritis/Hip pain
I was introduced to Bikram Yoga before I was diagnosed with severe hip osteoarthritis. Within the first session I found my joints reduced their mysterious pains. During pregnancy I practiced Bikram's form for pregnancy and kept my strength and flexibility well throughout my term. After I gave birth I continued with the normal set of Bikram Yoga which helped my post baby figure! At this time I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis of the hips which meant that I needed both hips replaced at the age of 32.
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Before the operation my practice of yoga helped with pain management as well as sanity management! I returned to Bikram Yoga two months after the operation of the first hip and have continued to practice right up until the second operation which is imminent. This form of yoga is not only eminently suited to the restrictions of a hip prosthesis, but it is perfect for keeping up strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness when hard -impact exercise cannot be performed. My operated hip is now more flexible than ever before in my life (even as a young child), and I feel that the long-term practice of Bikram Yoga will help me prevent injury and keep me safely flexible and strong. My current arthritic hip has been kept strong with my yoga practice, and I am really looking forward to continuing my practice after my second operation.
Apart from the hip problems, Bikram Yoga has helped me lose weight, return to a more healthy lifestyle, and keep relaxed and sane when the stress of a hectic and sometimes emotionally draining life would otherwise have led to problems! The Yoga Tree teachers are empathetic, well qualified trainers and teachers and certainly know how to impart their love of this form of yoga to their students.
- Niqi
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Spondylitis/Back pain
Having suffered chronic aches in my body for over 10 years, I have been in search of therapy that I could obtain on a regular basis that could ease my emotional journey through pain and frustration. I have since been diagnosed with ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, a type of progressive arthritis which has largely limited the movements to my spine and neck.
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Having found heat a huge respite to the pain, I was so happy to find BIKRAM YOGA. The obvious warmth of the room and internal heat of my body instantly felt right. The way in which my body was able to move had been a long awaited reform. I go to yoga about 5 times a week now to keep my body moving in all directions. I look forward to experiencing the progressive shift in my flexibility which Bikram Yoga can bring me in each class.
I am also encouraged greatly by the wonderful women that teach the class. Without their enthusiasm to figure out and work through my weaknesses, I would have been too frustrated and discouraged to continue through the pain. I thank them kindly for their help.
- Kate
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Depression
Bikram Yoga saved my life.
After a major operation in February 2001, I sank into post operative blues, and could not physically, mentally and emotionally recover. When I started with Karen and Lisa in May 2002, I had been diagnosed with severe depression.
After months of counseling, Tai Chi, Gym, Swimming, Qigong, a stint at a health farm, I was stuck in a very bad place. My doctor prescribed anti-depressants, but I knew it was not the answer for me. I was searching for a way to continue living without medication. I wanted to feel balance, happiness, physical and mental strength, but most of all; I did not want to be depressed.
But I had not found a way to keep going. I was on the verge of starting Zoloft (anti-depressant), when I happened upon Bikram and Karen Matthews and Lisa Fry. The Bikram began to kick in, after 2 weeks of regular practice, and of course a lot of TLC from my wonderful teachers, I started my journey of wellness and happiness. The rest is history. Bikram yoga is my medication. I am physically and mentally the best I have ever been, and emotionally, I feel invincible. It has opened new doors to the self within and every time I practice, I am still amazed.
I feel I have been given a second chance at living, but this time I am focused, I live well, and I am HAPPY.
-Pat
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Shoulder pain
Two months before I started Bikram Yoga, I was seeing a physiotherapist twice a week for chronic shoulder pain. But it wasn't working - if
anything, the pain was escalating and I didn't have the power to change it. It was devastating. Then I met a massage therapist who thought
Bikram yoga might help. I was nervous about starting because I don't like being hot and I couldn't touch my toes. I came anyway. After the
first class, the pain in my shoulder was so much better I couldn't believe it. The postures and the heat are like total body therapy.
By
the end of the first week, I didn't think about my shoulder anymore and I have never been back to the physiotherapist. If Bikram only eliminated
pain, that would be more than enough. But it does much more than that. Physically, it builds amazing muscles exactly where you need them to
stand up straight and live your life. It gives form and strength to your posture, which for me is like a miracle. The world is a different place
when you can stand strongly and without pain.
Mentally, it cultivates your focus and pulls your mind down out its circles of worry, or
wherever it might be flying around. Bikram yoga literally lays your mind down into your body, because you must pay total attention to the
postures in order to hold them. You can't think about anything else. It teaches you to breathe, stretch, stand and balance. It makes you
physically strong, fit, focused and calm. And by stretching, strengthening and opening your body, you actually open up your point of
view and your life. I've done lots of different forms of exercise - swimming, pilates, running, gym - but now I just do Bikram Yoga, because it
gives you everything.
- Nina
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Arthritis
It has been nine months since I started doing Bikram Yoga in September 2004. When I first came to Yoga Tree, I could hardly walk or stretch my arms due to arthritis. My swollen knees hindered me from squatting therefore I could not do the floor series. After a few lessons, I was getting a little bit better.
About three weeks later, I consulted a rheumatologist and started receiving cortisone treatment. My pain reduced gradually as I kept practising yoga and taking medicine. The teachers at Yoga Tree were very delighted for the great improvement I made in my postures. In November 2004, I consulted another rheumatologist when I was abroad hoping to get a second opinion. This doctor wrongly prescribed a medicine for me and I had taken it for 4-1/2 months until I came back to Melbourne and consulted the first rheumatologist I met. The local rheumatologist was so concerned that this medicine could have suppressed my immune system and at the same time harm my liver. He immediately asked me to have a blood test and luckily the report showed that I still had a healthy liver. I am confident this must be the magic of yoga. I stopped cortisone treatment in March 2005 and I am doing yoga four times a week. My pain has settled down even without any medication now.
Yoga incredibly improved my digestive system, my flexibility and I can do Tai Chi better.
From the first time I stepped into Yoga Tree, the enthusiasm of the teachers and the support and care they gave were indeed fundamental throughout my journey in fighting the pain. I hereby take this opportunity to express my earnest appreciation to everyone in Yoga Tree.
- Yolanda, June 2005
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Insomnia
Aside from the numerous benefits that consistant yoga practice facilitate, including improved health & vitality, I've found that the most profound benefit of my practice has been a sustained ability to have a quality nights sleep! Before I began Bikram yoga I was unable to have a single night's uninterupted sleep which meant I was constantly tired and struggled to consentrate for prolonged periods of time. Like most people, the rigors of modern day life left me stressed and anxious at night time - Bikram yoga has allowed me to channel my energies positively rather than manifesting the negativity internally. The meditative philosophy that focuses on both the physical and emotional has had a cerebral effect on me...... I now wake up refreshed every morning and look forward to my nightly practice.
- Joe, September 2005
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Menopause
I have been practising Bikram yoga at Yoga Tree for 15 months. As a 52 year old woman who is beginning to experience menopause I have found regular practice to have improved every aspect of my well being.
I have experienced the 'usual' symptoms and I believe yoga has helped balance my moods and temperament. I feel happier and more content than I have for many years. I work full time and did not have one sick day in 2005. I no longer feel bloated or experience fluid retention. I enjoy eating a healthy diet, indulge in drinking wine but have still managed to lose some weight. The greatest medical benefit is my radically improved cholesterol level, much to my G.P.'s joy! People and friends comment on my appearance as having clear eyes, improved complexion, increased energy and overall looking and feeling great. I am absolutely convinced that practising Bikram Yoga at least 4 times a week has transformed my life. The teachers are so inspiring, caring and encouraging. I love it!
- Sylvia, January 2006
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Any Age
I wish I had done more yoga in the past. It really suits me. At the age of 57 I started Bikram yoga, in winter last year. 90 minutes, balancing, bending and stretching in a very hot room can be so pleasant. I've always been a fan of saunas and heat dosen't daunt me either,...Well...in the winter that is, (fortunately one can alternate with another style of yoga there without the extreme heat).
But it's not the physical benefits of better sleep, muscle trenght and tone, balance and poise it's also being in a class of quiet focused people which makes it a relaxing environment and escape from a hectic life for me.
And I don't know wether it's a stage of life I'm going through - but 'focus' has become a big thing, and perhaps yoga gives me this. I feel more productive in business, more discerning about my every day choices and integrating them into life's big picture. I highly recommend it to anyone, young and old.
- John C, Febuary 2006
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Pregnancy
"I love my Bikram yoga and I continued it as long as I could during my pregnancy.
Under the expert guidance of the instructors who were able to show me various modified poses, I was still able to enjoy all the wonderful benefits.
I believe my yoga played a definate part in preparing my body for the relatively easy and natural birth I had".
- Karen K, March 2006
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Balance
I have neen doing Brikram for
approximately 9 months , mainly for a bad back , aches and pains and togenerally to stay fit. But just recently a went to have a new suit fitted ,
which i always have to have altered ,as my left arm is about 5 mill shorter
, to my surprise the suit fitted perfectly i couldn't believe it so i had to
try another suit same result !!! so all the bending and stretching has
balanced out my body , thanks to brikram
Peter Miller - Mar 2007
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Yoga Tree
5 Horne Street Elsternwick VIC 3185
p 03 9532 7418
e info@yogatree.com.au
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