Yoga for Mind-Body Health

I am pleased to announce that I will be opening Yoga for Mind-Body Health, September 12, 2011.  It will be located at 15840 FM 529, Suite 215, Houston, Texas  77095.  Classes will be Monday through Friday 7:00-8:00 AM and Noon-1:00 PM.

Through the years, A New Approach Counseling Services has developed a dynamic mind-body program that gives the client tools with which to make significant improvements in their lives.  Yoga is an integral and important part of this program.

Yoga is a peaceful healing art that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.  It is considered a holistic health practice, which means that it is beneficial for the person physically, mentally, emotionally and even spiritually. In other words, it addresses the whole person.  When practiced regularly, yoga can benefit every part of our lives, from our posture to our moods, our physical well-being and our sense of happiness and peace.  Yoga brings our lives into balance.  Specific benefits of yoga include:

• developing physical strength and stamina
• calming the anxious mind
• realigning the body
• gaining control over emotions
• developing focus
• ease of  joint and muscle pain
• improving concentration
• release of stress
• improving the immune system
• increased sense of well-being

Anyone can practice yoga.  No matter what level of fitness or ability you have, you can enjoy the benefits of this ancient discipline. Yoga is a good way of improving and maintaining good health, but it works on much more than just the body. Conceived as a form of spiritual training, the aim of yoga is to create harmony between the mind, body and spirit.  It is interesting to note that the word yoga is Sanskrit for union.

The yoga we will be practicing is a gentle form of stretching that gives the body a complete workout. Although drawing from several forms of yoga, the primary method that will be used is one that was formulated by B.K.S. Lyengar in the 1960’s. This method of yoga is focused primarily on correct alignment of the body, conscious breathing techniques and meditation.  This method is safe, methodical and precise and designed to relax the mind and strengthen the body.

Used for the treatment of addiction and for emotional health and wellness. 

The practice of yoga in the treatment of addictions and co-occurring emotional and mental disorders is shown to be effective in helping clients develop the skills necessary to bring balance into their lives.

Consistent practice improves physical stamina and boosts the immune system. The practice of yoga stabilizes brain wave activity, allowing individuals to more easily problem solve, focus longer, and improve sleep patterns.

As a person becomes more balanced in their thoughts and emotional responses, their social interactions improve, as does their relationship with the higher Self.

Yoga, as a lifestyle, has been shown to enhance our sense of well-being.