IMPROVING YOUR BALANCE THROUGH YOGA

When we were toddlers, we made a momentous discovery: hold on to things to stand up. Before long, we were moving our little legs and walking, even though we experienced some falls in the process. As our legs took on momentum, it was time to hop, skip and jump, and we perfected these triumphs with games such as hopscotch, jump rope, tag, etc. All the while we were enjoying these playful ventures, our skeleton was growing, our muscles were developing, and equally significant, the vestibular system was maturing, immensely aiding our ability to balance.

What is balance? Balance is an even distribution of body weight, enabling someone to stand still or to move around without falling. Loss of balance is not always the result of an accident, injury or disorder. In fact, the body’s ability to distribute weight evenly while remaining upright can begin to deteriorate as early as age 20, according to a study posted on the National Library of Medicine. (“Changes in the Equilibrium of Standing on One Leg at Various Life Stages,” Shu Morioka, Takahiko Fukumoto, Makoto Hiyamizu, Atsushi Matsuo, Hideaki Takebayashi, Kenzo Miyamoto, July 2012.)

How does Yoga help us maintain good balance at any age? Through the use of breath, alignment, visualization and movement, Yoga impacts our ability to improve balance throughout our lifetime. Whether you are in a sitting or a standing pose, use your mind to connect to the earth like the roots of a tree. This is the foundation for enriching balance. Hold a pose for 5 breaths, focus intently on the rhythm of your respiration and note any feelings being generated. These feelings are bringing awareness to areas of your body that need attention: whether to adjust alignment, to strengthen areas of weakness, or to relax restrictive tightness, any of which can interfere with healthy balance. When each part of the body is fully engaged with Yoga’s isometric movements and deep breathing, we successfully connect to this valuable method of improving balance.

How important are toes and ankles in balance? Building strength in toes and ankles contributes significantly to a steady balance. Practicing Yoga regularly strengthens muscles, improves circulation, and clears blockages within the energy channels. By keeping your toes and ankles active through Yoga, you will enjoy steady mobility and overall improvement in balance. (Improve Ankle Mobility)

Nursing Note: If you are experiencing dizziness, (aka Vertigo) Yoga does not replace necessary professional healthcare intervention. It is important to find out if there is an underlying condition causing the vertigo, especially if you are tripping or falling. Prior to visiting your Primary Healthcare Professional, take the time to assess recent changes to your healthcare such as:

• Recent eye surgery such as laser for glaucoma or cataracts
• Sinus Infections or allergies
• Sleep apnea
• Newly acquired hearing aides
• New medications or changes in dosage
• Dental work

It is important to note there may be other reasons which warrant further examination and/or referral to a specialist.

Employ the assistance of a qualified instructor, who is trained in the realms of energy work as it is integrated with the practice of Yoga.

Beaulieu Yoga classes are conducted by a Nurse Yoga Instructor with many years of experience. Judith Beaulieu teaches people how to apply Yoga as a power to improve self-healing. Contact Judith Beaulieu, Holistic Nurse, for methods to improve and maintain balance specific to your physical needs.