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Yoga

Yoga for Osteoporosis

Holistic Nurses who teach Yoga to individuals who are diagnosed with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis take additional steps to not treat clients as if they need to be fixed but rather how to improve their human wholeness to find balance in their lives.  The rationale for saying this is not because I am a Nurse Yoga Instructor who also has osteopenia but because Nurses have had hands-on experience taking care of patients preventing injuries and educating them on life-style changes.

I recently discovered a physician doing research on Yoga for Osteoporosis by the name Loren Fishman, M.D.  He is an orthopedic surgeon who has been practicing Yoga since 1973.  The following link provides information about Dr. Fishman. His work has made a positive impact upon my Yoga practice as well as the classes that I teach within Retirement Communities.

Important information about Osteoporosis and pairing it with the practice of Yoga to prevent fractures. Think about people you may know who have fractured their hip or femur. The recovery is painful and takes a long time. A daily Yoga practice is essential in order to function on all realms of life.

The research is still on-going but there is enough evidence showing that Yoga may lead to stronger bones.  The 12 poses in Dr. Fishman’s study provided a positive result reversing bone loss of the spine and thigh bone (femur). I am providing the link to his classes below for easy access to register.

I will be incorporating these poses into my classes.  Included in Beaulieu Yoga classes are Yin and Restorative poses. The classes will be available to purchase and download in April and will appear here on my classes page. In the meantime, Dr. Fishman has a zoom webinar that shows you the poses with suggested modifications.  

Resource Links:
Webinar Registration – Zoom
The Practice: The Fishman Method—Yoga for Osteoporosis | The Art of Living Retreat Center

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Yoga

Modification for NAVASANA – BOAT POST Using Props

Boat Pose is not an easy pose to learn. It is an excellent core strengthener. The use of props to modify it are helpful for low back pain. If you are not used to doing this pose or if you frown upon it in Yoga class, take heed, help is here to achieve this pose.

Set up for the pose with a rectangular bolster, 2 blocks and a back support such as a sit-up and stretch pad. Go to https://www.yogadirect.com and search Sit-up and Stretch Pad to learn more about this prop.

Lay down on your back with the torso on the Sit-up and Stretch Pad. Place the head on a block or a blanket roll. The knees are bent with the feet on the bolster. Extend the arms at the sides with the palms facing the torso.

Gently tilt the pelvic girdle and press the small of the back into the mat. The press is felt on the lower end of the prop. Inhale and lift the arms, torso and head together. Lead with the heart toward the knees, gaze to the knees. Ground yourself with the feet on the bolster. Do not lift the legs. Hold this pose for 3 to 5 breaths when first learning this pose. The goal is to get to 10 breaths. Slowly bring down the head, torso and arms together while tilting the pelvic girdle to support the lower back. Once the torso is back down extend the arms out at shoulder level, extend the legs straight out on the bolster and relax.

Some modifications suggest using the arms to support the back of the legs to lift them. This is too stressful for neck, shoulder and/or arm issues within the 50 and older population. Additionally, the bolster anchors the pose to target the core while protecting the lower back.

Sign up for classes at https://beaulieuyoga.com/classes to experience using props for a safe and enjoyable Yoga practice.

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Yoga

Choosing a Yoga Mat for the 50 and Older Population

A Yoga Mat is the foundation tool for your Yoga practice.  It is an item that everyone uses to sit, stand and lay upon for the entire session.  It is important to consider the size and the material of which it is made in order to accommodate the type of practice for which it is used by older adults.

Many fitness and department stores as well as Yoga Studios sell Yoga mats.  The decision to purchase a mat rests upon intuition because neither of the aforementioned merchants tell you the important things to consider when you purchase.

I find the following information from these websites to be helpful when buying a Yoga mat.

 https://www.huggermugger.com/blog/2014/how-to-choose-the-best-yoga-mat/

This gives a brief history on the evolution of the Yoga mat.  The article discusses benefits to using each of the various types of mats and the material from which it is made.  Additionally, it mentions personal preferences which helps one consider a Holistic decision-making approach.  Most  impressive, Charlotte Bell.  Namaste!       

https://www.manduka.com/pages/collections-yoga-mats

Maduka’s Mat Quiz calculates physical needs and matches them to the type of mat that is right for you.  The quiz considers age, height, gender and type of yoga that you practice.  There is a section on the site about how to clean and disinfect each type of mat. Since these things are important to me I am buying a Prolite Yoga Mat for myself to teach Gentle Yoga – Yin Style.  

This is a Yoga mat that I use for Warm Flow Yoga. It is heavy and thick enough to support my arthritic back.  It gives the support for standing poses with good grip for a Vinyasa practice.  Subsequently, it is a good mat for the 50 and older population who have a daily Yoga Practice.  The Artletica mat will last a long time and is worth the price!   

Remember to make time for self-care by signing up for classes at https://beaulieuyoga.com/classes .

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Yoga

YOGA PROPS – The What’s, Why’s, Where’s and How’s to using them.

What are Yoga Props?

Yoga Props are Blocks, Blankets, Straps, Bolsters, and pillows.

Yoga Props support the body’s alignment and create a comfortable position to stabilize a Yoga pose.

Yoga Blocks come in different sizes and are made from various materials such as foam, bamboo, wood and cork. Learn more about them.

BLANKETS provide a soft surface and refine a relaxation response. They are used in many ways. A Mexican blanket has a loose weave which makes it easy to create folds and blanket rolls and in my opinion is the preferred one to use for Yin Yoga in Beaulieu Yoga’s Gentle Yoga Classes.

Straps come in various lengths. They usually have buckles on them but it is not necessary to have a buckle. Gentle Yoga Yin Style classes on Tuesdays requires the use of a strap to release connective tissue. Read more.

Deluxe Microfiber Bolsters
BOLSTERS

Bolsters come in rectangular and round shapes. Both are used in the Gentle and Restorative Yoga Class on beaulieuyoga.com/classes/ . They benefit the body’s relaxation response as well as provide support for areas of the body resting upon them. I have found the most supportive ones come from www.yogadirect.com.

Meditation cushions are used to sit upon while in a crossed-legged position. They are soft and yet provide support enough to tilt the pelvic girdle to take the stress off of the Sacrum. This enhances a relaxed state of mind.

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BEAULIEU YOGA CLASSES COMING SOON

Start enrolling for the Beaulieu Yoga Classes which begin November 3d. Log into the Class Fit schedule on the Classes Page before they fill up.

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Wellness Programming at Tel Hai: Healing through Yoga Ministry

At Tel Hai, we don’t just have yoga. We have a “yoga ministry” that’s led by Judith Beaulieu. With more than 45 years of experience in clinical and pharmaceutical nursing, Judy leans on her medical expertise and faith to provide twice-weekly classes to Tel Hai residents and members of the greater community.

yoga class

A registered nurse by trade, Judy is also a Registered Yoga Instructor, Medical Information Specialist, Certified Health Coach, and Certified Healing Touch Practitioner. Teaching at Tel Hai since 2012, her journey to our community was unique.

“I started to serve at Tel Hai as a volunteer in 2009 when my mother was a resident. I felt that there was an opportunity to give back through yoga as a volunteer instructor. My class went from 5 residents to 30 residents, and I eventually developed coursework and instruc- tion techniques. My approach to yoga is as a ministry—a healing yoga ministry,” she shared.

“Our mutual connection is our Christian belief that Jesus is the greatest healer that’s ever been. We connect to God through our practice of yoga by connecting our bodies and minds together. God gave us this opportunity to make these years the best last chapter of our lives,” commented Judy. “We use this class as a time to center ourselves, talk to God, and even pray for each other with loving hearts.”

From individuals experiencing chronic pain to someone recovering from a surgery, there are no limitations to participating in yoga. “Yoga is for everyone at all ability levels. I’ve had students with cognitive challenges, physical limitations, and breathing issues. I always remind my class that ‘you aren’t your diagnosis.’ Your optimal level of health can be better than what you have right now,” she said.

For Tel Hai resident Joan Rumer, this “yoga ministry” has had a profound impact.

“My husband Ron and I have lived at Tel Hai for 8 years. I can’t tell you how she has kept me moving and feeling wonderful most of the time. She keeps us all moving and enhances my life every class she teaches,” shared Joan. “Personally, I was dealing with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), which is a musculoskeletal condition similar to fibromyalgia. After participating in her yoga class twice a week for years, I no longer need to take any medicine related to my PMR. She has been a lifesaver to me, and to many others in our group.”

“I’m being called to do something greater than myself. Here at Tel Hai, I want to use God’s gift of yoga
to help transform the lives of others. It’s facilitating the connection of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual energy in a way to heal the body.”

GOT QUESTIONS? Contact Allyson Welsh, Director of Wellness and Resident Services, at (610) 273-9333, ext. 2756 or email wellness@telhai.org to chat about upcoming “Gentle Flow Yoga” classes and how to enroll. Tel Hai welcomes community members to attend select classes and wellness programming for a nominal fee.

woman with outstretched arms
three people stretching
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News

CELEBRATING NURSES

The “Blessing of the Hands” is a Holistic approach to self-care for nurses.  This prayer is posted on the AHNA website to honor all nurses on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, May 12th (www.ahna.org). 

2020 is the “Year of the Nurse”, however, National Nurses’ Week is celebrated every year.   The “Blessing of the Hands” is a tradition that began on May 12, 2000 through the endeavors of Holistic Nurses honoring the spirit of holistic nursing.  It is a beautiful way of heightening the awareness of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms of life that encompass the nursing profession.

NURSES’ HANDS

Blessed be these hands that have touched life. 

Blessed be these hands that have embraced with compassion.

Blessed be these hands that have been clinched with anger of withdrawn in fear.

Blessed be these hands that have drawn blood and administered medicine.

Blessed be these hands that have cleaned beds and disposed of wastes.

Blessed be these hands that have anointed the sick and offered blessings.

Blessed be these hands that have comforted the dying and held the dead.

Blessed be these hands, we hold the future in these hands.

Blessed be our hands for they are the work of Your hands, O Holy One. 

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Part 2 of Dr. Sara Gottfried’s Presentation on Depression

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POWER HEALING through P.O.W.E.R. GOALS

When a painter paints a landscape, he or she starts with a rough sketch of the background of sky and distant perspective.  This is a very important step because it will usually determine the emotional content and overall balance of the painting whether it is gloomy and cloudy or sunny and bright.  Similarly, the general manner of approach to working with a health coach starts with a rough sketch of identifying patterns, challenges and needs to achieving goals. Sometimes it takes a few attempts to connect with the right perspective for you and a Health Coach can tap into expanding that thought process.  It can take 30, 60 or 90 days to find the balance necessary to make things happen.      
Over the past several years, health-conscious individuals have engaged in my health coaching services to mentor them through and to their health goals.   Successful outcomes are documented and based upon specific feedback in order to keep track of what tools were used toward achievements.  Subsequently, the information is sent to the client to create a personal achievement record file.  The use of the  P.O.W.E.R. GOAL approach encompasses formulating the specific tasks needed for these successful outcomes.
The journey to heal using the P.O.W.E.R. GOAL contains the following:
P:  Present-time:  starting now in pursuing your goal.  Starting with who you are at this time
                                 And where it is you would like to take yourself.
O:  Opportunities:  that you can foresee as ways to get you to an achievable goal.
W:  Writing:  strategies that are specific to achieving your goal and writing in a journal about
                         them.
E:  Engaging:  in activities that provide positive changes for an optimal lifestyle.
R:  Recognizing:  roadblocks.  Predict and be aware of what they are and know what it
                               Takes to overcome them.
A Health Coach cannot do these things for you but they can empower you to formulate a plan and keep you on track.  A Coaching session should encompass a positive attitude, solutions-oriented thinking and compassion.  The P.O.W.E.R. Goal is a compass to finding your way toward Power Healing.
P.O.W.E.R. Goals are specific to Beaulieu Health and Wellness Associates and were created by Judith Beaulieu, RN, BSN, MIS,CHC, RYI, HTCP    

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Linking Pharma to Dharma

Energy Therapy with Sandra Egli, Th.D., Ph.D.  
Dr. Egli is an Ordained Minister, Practitioner of Integrated Kabbalistic Healing and Brennan Healing Science.  I was intuitively led to her when planning a trip to Arizona with my husband.
Before leaving for our trip, I secured an appointment to see Sandra Egli on January 4th, 2019. The intention was set for a session of energy therapy while on vacation.  The goal of my visit encompassed Sacral Chakra issues.  It led me to seek intervention from an experienced healer with a perspective toward spiritual truths and intuition using philosophies that resonate with me to get to the “root” cause of my physical pain and emotional trauma.  
The day arrived for my appointment.  Her office,  known as “The Center of Intention for Healing”, is located in a Medical Professional Building on the campus of Shae Hospital.   I was early for the session so my husband and I waited outside in an area situated between parking lots.   We sat under a huge statue of an Angel with a plaque at its base that read Psalm 91:11 “For He orders His Angels to protect you wherever you go.”  A sense of wellbeing came over me at that moment and I felt a loving energy surrounding the space that hubby and I shared.
When the time came to meet Dr. Egli, I entered her office and was met by her glowing auric fields with this smiling face coming out from them.  I attuned to her energy immediately.  
Dr. Egli led me through a long hallway to her “Sacred Space.”   It was a small room set up with 2 comfortable chairs, a small table next to each chair and bottled water placed on each table.  A huge credenza stood against the wall on the opposite side of the room from where we sat.  There was one large window on the west wall of the room where the afternoon sunlight radiated through it.  
The session began with me sharing what was on my mind at the present moment.  Starting with growing up as an only child, raised by a mother who had an anxiety disorder and was physically and emotionally abusive to me; and an alocoholic father who suffered from PTSD after WWII.    I told her about how my mother’s mother and father migrated to American in the early 1900’s.   I talked about my need for back surgery and addressed my reproductive issues that left me unable to have children.  I spoke about recently having to take care of 3 family members  through to their recent death.  Mental tapes from my past have continued to road block me from moving forward and I have not found any self-healing or energy modalities that help to clear them.  
Concluding the intake of my information, Dr. Egli recommended Family Constellation Therapy and It energetically felt that is was the right intervention based upon her quick feedback.  She proceeded to gather a square tray with several figurines that were magnetized. She placed the figurines onto the tray in order of my family lineage from my mother’s side of the family with both my mother and father next to each other heading the tribe of ancestors dating back 11,000 years ago.  She did not place that many figurines but we imagined all of them being represented by the few that were aligned behind figurines of my grandparents.  She verbalized that it took all of these people to bring forth my life.  
She instructed me to call upon all of my ancestors to enter the room and to let her know when I felt their presence.  It did not take more than a few minutes to attune to the energy of their spirits in the room.  We both stood up and faced them at the back of the room.  She told me to repeat her words beginning with addressing my mother.  She began “I am not you, I am me.  You are you and I am me.”  I cannot remember all of the exact words spoken from this segment of the healing session.  The gist of it was to define our separateness and giving back to my mother all of things that are not mine.  Dr. Egli told me to give back to my mother all that is not of me at this moment in my life.  At that moment an “Angel” stood in front of me holding a crystal ball.  I intuitively knew to place all of these thoughts and feelings into this crystal ball by gazing into it and releasing my memories and thoughts that did not serve me.   A healing event occurred when the Angel turned away from me still holding on to the crystal ball.   The energy in the room shifted my awareness level of knowing I was able to go beyond the parental fears and limitations that were put upon me earlier in this life. 
After a few moments,  I lovingly addressed my father, grandparents, and all of my grandparent ancestors that have brought me this life.  I spoke of my gratitude toward them realizing the empowerment they have given me to live their lives that brought me into existence on this planet.  After expressing my love for them, we bowed with our hands opened towards them.  
Transitioning to an upright position and turning our backs to my ancestor spirits, Dr. Egli placed her left hand on my back between my shoulder blades.  She spoke on behalf of my ancestor spirits.  They wanted me to know they are there for me to fulfill my purpose in life as a healer.  I was informed that my life will be long and healthy and that this life fulfills my journey as a healer and my healing endeavors go beyond this lifetime. 
Dr. Egli advised me to ground myself every day.  She said she will keep me in her prayers and asked me to text her with the date of my upcoming surgery and that she will send long distance healing.  Grounding for me is rooting to the earth, being in the present moment,  aligning and connecting with the “roots” of my ancestors who walked this earth.  The grounding transitions me to become more and more of the truth of my self. 
It has been over a month since my energy work with Dr. Egli.  I have not experienced any flashbacks or negative feelings.    I have received additional Healing Touch Sessions and started a medication for the nerve pain in my back which provided relief from the sciatica.    A follow-up appointment with the doctor revealed that I hold off on the surgery since I do not have the pain.
Recently, I met a friend for lunch that I had not seen for several months.  She commented that my composure was different and that I had a softer appearance.  She said that she used to sense a tension coming from my field and now it was gone. Tears of joy filled her,  accompanied by goosebumps up and down her arms after she relayed her observations to me.   I was so glad she was able to tell me and thanked her for it.    
Each day brings improved health.  It is amazing how much better I feel this week compared to last as I continue with self-care and gratitude for everything and everyone in my life – especially my husband, friends and a few family members that have been there for me in this life – and all of my ancestors that have made it possible for me to exist in order to live this life in healing service to humanity.
    
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