What is Seniors Chair Yoga? 03/15/2012
 Yoga has become quite mainstream these days. You may have heard your daughter, neighbor or friend talk about it or seen an advertisement somewhere. You have wondered maybe this is something I could try, but don't feel you have the strength, balance or flexibility. Yoga for Seniors is a specialized class geared towards helping those who are interested in benefiting their mental and physical health with confidence! Taking part in a Seniors Yoga class has more to do with ability level than your age. This is not limited to those over 55, and is geared towards those who have trouble getting on or up from the floor. In a Seniors class, seated poses are done in a chair and chairs are used as support for balancing poses. Inversions are avoided due to high blood pressure concerns. More attention is given to warming up the body and postures are held for a shorter period of time. Studies have shown that the practice of yoga (asana), including breath work (pranayama) and meditation (dhyana) offer numerous physiological and psychological benefits. How Yoga Can Help
Daytime classes are coming to Lindsay and Dunsford beginning in April. Contact me today to reserve your place as space is limited. Call: 705-340-8991 or email nancy@balancedlivingyoga.com. Add Comment Transitions getting you down? 02/10/2012
 A woman can usually tell that she is approaching the “change of life” because her menstrual cycle starts to change. The medical term used to describe this transition period is referred as “peri-menopause” while menopause is defined as the cessation of a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. As a holistic nutritional practitioner, I am seeing younger women each year who report symptoms of fatigue, forgetfulness, insomnia, night sweats, depression, mood swings, weight gain, migraines and low libido. Peri-menopause can begin as early as 6-10 years before natural menopause. Yes, ladies 6 years! Factors that influence symptoms relating to peri-menopause include smoking, heredity, lifestyle and diet. By incorporating certain foods and avoiding others along with supplementation symptoms can often be managed or alleviated altogether. A recent study (Sept. 2011), by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in India concluded that after 90 days yoga (asana, pranayama and meditation) was shown to be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms and should be considered as alternative therapy for the management of menopausal symptoms. Learn how you can manage hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia and other menopausal symptoms – naturally. Register here. New Year, New Beginning 01/09/2012
New Year's Eve marks the end of one year and the beginning of the next year. We celebrate this transition with hopes of what the future may bring. We are filled with optimism as we celebrate with friends and family. Its also a time for reflection and goal setting. We look back on the year leaving us, and resolve to make the next year a better one. Making a resolution on New Years Day is a time honored tradition as we close the door on the past and look ahead to peace and prosperity. Some cultures include using fireworks, cymbols, bonfires, processions or parades with masks that resembled the dead. It was thought by some that this would ward off the demons of the past releasing us from our sins and bad habits. While many of us make resolutions with great intentions they are often abandoned or forgotten quickly. TOP 10 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2012 1. Clear debts and save money. 2 Lose weight and stay fit. 3. Learn to let go of the past. 4. Spend more time with family. 5. Stop being lazy and take control of life. 6. Read more books. 7. Learn to forgive. 8. Fall in love or get married. 9. Enjoy life more. 10. Go on a roadtrip without a predetermined destination. My most memorable New Year's resolution was to quit smoking...yes, I actually smoked...yuck! I had attempted and failed on 3 separate occassions. But, on January 1st, 1995, I was determined to quit and tossed away my full pack of smokes and have never looked back! Have you chosen your New Year's resolution for 2012? If so, how are you making out so far? Home Yoga Practice 12/21/2011
Happy Winter Solstice! With the holidays quickly approaching only days away, its easy to get side tracked and away from our practice. A home yoga practice can be an excellent way to stay grounded and relaxed when we are not able to get to the studio or our regular class. While a class runs anywhere from 60 - 90 minutes, its not always feasible or necessary to do so in your home practice. With only 15 minutes to spare, you can still achieve the benefits of long healthy muscles and a quiet mind. Begin with a warm up including stretches for the hamstrings, quads, adductors, abductors and external rotators (check back for video). Breathe deeply into the belly to release any tensions, then move into this Warrior Flow repeating the sequence with both right and left legs to complete one full round. Complete 3 to 5 rounds. Finish with 3 to 5 minutes of relaxation, either seated, lying down or standing in mountain pose. Draw your attention inward to observe any sensations from your practice and allow the body and mind to integrate....and breathe! Super Spirulina 12/01/2011
Have you ever wondered why dogs (and cats) eat grass? Our four legged friends instinctively recognize the healing benefits of the chlorophyll found in the grass. Chlorophyll is not only in grass but is found in leaves, most foliage and blue green algae. A great source of chlorophyll is Spirulina a blue green algae and amazing super food. It is loaded with nutrients including: Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, Beta Carotene, all B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), Potassium, Zinc, Phosophorus, Calcium, Iron, Iodine, Inositol, Choline, Manganese, Copper, Biotin, SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase), Selenium, Essential Fats - Omega 3, GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid), enzymes and contains all essential and non-essential amino acids. WOW! That is amazing. Personally, I have been using Spirulina for the last 10 years and have found it especially helpful in boosting energy levels, balancing blood sugar, aiding in elimination, clears acne, brightens complexion and eyes, boosts immunity, and aids in weight management. It is also a potent blood purifier and blood builder. It is available in tablets, capsules and powder. I often recommend powder added to apple juice or a smoothie. This form is most economical and easily absorbed. As Spirulina is also a potent detoxifier it is important to start slowly and gradually work up to the recommended dose. Add to apple juice or your favorite smoothie. This smoothie is one of my favorites, I hope you enjoy it. Mango Banana Smoothie 1 cup unsweetened Almond Milk 1 tbsp ground flax seed 1 tbsp wheat germ 1 ripe banana 1 cup frozen mangos 1 scoop whey protein powder 1 tsp Spirulina powder Add unsweetened almond milk to blender first, then add remaining ingredients. Blend well and drink immediately. Serves two. Peace & love, Nancy Welcome! 10/29/2011
Welcome to my new blog! I am pretty excited to be able to share with you interesting topics on women's health, holistic cooking, hatha yoga, lifestyle, and well just about anything related to living a balanced life! A bit about me....well, over the last 17 years I have been drawn into the althernative health field, looking for information relating to treating my many health issues. When I was in my early 20's (OK, so now you can do the math) I considered myself pretty healthy. I worked as a Martial Arts instructor and worked out regularly. However, I neglected to consider what I was really doing to my body and my mind while I pumped back a burger and fries with a coke! It was crazy, I don't even remember thinking or considering eating a fresh piece of fruit and well the vegetables were the ones on my burger. Water was non existent and not even considered as I thought it tasted bad. Crazy! After living like this for over 20 years, my body started to rebel. I began to feel more fatigued each passing week, suffered with headaches, aches and pains and what seemed like an endless cold. After 2 years of doctors appointments and repeated antibiotics, I thought to myself, I just don't feel well. Luckily, my family doctor recognized that my voice had changed on a usual trip to her office. Upon examination she noticed a lump in my throat the size of a golf ball. I never even noticed it! A quick referral to an endocrinologist for a biopsy and I ended up on the surgeons table. I had a full thyroidectomay completed (took out my whole thyroid gland) to discover that I had a malignant tumor on my vital gland. It was explained to me that I would need to be on medication for the rest of my life and that it really wasn't a big deal. Hardly the case. Long story short, I got sicker and sicker with each passing year following a reluctant 3 day course of radiation. My hair fell out, my face was puffy, I was irritable, depressed, lethargic, numb in both arms & hands, weak, constipated, and not myself at all. What happened to the happy go lucky girl I used to be? Was this it? Was this the life I was to lead? No way not this girl! This is how my journey began with my quest for information and answers to why my body was fighting me at the early age of 24. This led me down the holistic health path with no turning back. I sought out treatment from Naturopaths, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapy, and Chiropractic to name a few. After taking tincture after tincture, I thought what about my diet? No one has ever addressed my diet or my lifestyle habits. So after some research I discovered the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto where I immediately applied and was enroled into their full time program. A life changing event! Some 11 years later, I am here to share with you all that I have experienced and learned through private Consultation in my practice as a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. But more than ever, as a woman and cyber friend. Think of me as your go to person for health tips, supplementation recommendations, healthy and delicious recipes and food for thought. I hope you enjoy my blog and please join in the discussion at any time. I would love to know the thoughts that are occupying your mind. peace & love, Nancy | AuthorNancy Este is a Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Nutritional Practitioner. She is here to share with you over 17 years of experience in the Alternative Health field. It is her hope to help save you time, money and stress when it comes to regaining your balance in life. ArchivesMarch 2012 Categories |
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