When dystonia dares to once again rear its twisted head after an extended remission of all but the most benign symptoms, it can sometimes feel like a personal failing on my healing journey. I chastise myself for the lapses in judgment that led to making unwise choices. I berate myself for knowing better than to behave in such foolish ways: I shouldn’t have had a cheat day (or three) of so many … [Read more...]
Even when it can seem like the vast majority of my dystonia symptoms are in a strong remission, there is no guarantee that that they will stay that way. Just because I am able to do a two-hour intermediate yoga practice one day does not mean I will be at all steady on my feet the next day—or even later that night. While this reality can be disappointing for friends and family who are counting on … [Read more...]
If you are a student of yoga who has always dreamed of attending a yoga conference but lacked the time or finances to spend days learning from your favorite teachers, YOGA IS brings the action directly to you. This weekend, virtually attend the largest online yoga conference from the convenience of your own home. YOGA IS kicks off Thursday, April 30, and continues through May 3. Participate in the … [Read more...]
Folks across the globe are "getting air" to bring attention to the little-known movement disorder called dystonia. The Jump For Dystonia campaign is a social-media driven movement to bring attention to this painful, often disabling condition that affects an estimated 300,000 people across the United States and more than 500,000 people across Europe. Dystonia Europe, a nonprofit organization that … [Read more...]
Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m barely treading a rising tide of roiling waters. I’m just emerging from almost two months of being shut in due to a nasty respiratory infection that wouldn’t quit and to relentless storms leaving several feet of snow that refused to melt in persistently freezing temperatures. Yet the cloudiness of sinus pressure and brain fog lingers, and dystonic episodes … [Read more...]
As winter rapidly approaches, those of us up north are seeing fewer days of sunlight and feeling the health consequences. As the sun is the body’s leading source of vitamin D, many folks living above the Sunshine Belt of the United States find themselves deficient in this nutrient and require supplementation for optimal health. Vitamin D deficiency not only affects bone health and immune function, … [Read more...]
As a fitness professional for more 20 years, Lisa Druxman has helped thousands of women transform their bodies. Now, with the release of her new, body-positive video campaign, Passion Project, Druxman is looking to help women transform their minds as well. “For so many women, no matter how we change their bodies, they are still not comfortable being in their own bodies,” she said in a recent … [Read more...]
The yoga community has been increasingly abuzz about body image ever since Lulemon, a darling of the yoga fashion world, was singled out for scrutiny in 2013 for not offering yoga attire beyond size 12. The criticism struck a nerve within a community that more than a few feel is more exclusive than inclusive—at least in mainstream culture. Vocal critics looking across clothing lines and media … [Read more...]
An increasing number of athletes are recognizing that yoga can not only improve their game, but also help them more quickly recover from injuries and prevent future ones. A comprehensive yoga practice helps to build core stabilization, strength, flexibility and balance required in a variety of sports. By adding yoga to their workout regimen, athletes can loosen up tight areas of the body that … [Read more...]
I was born with what one physician noted in his doctor notes as “grossly flat feet.” While they aren’t the prettiest feet in the world, I believe what my doctor meant by “grossly” was that I had completely flat footsies, with no hint of an arch at all. What this really meant for me was years of shin splints, as well as foot, knee and, sometimes, even lower back pain, when standing or running … [Read more...]