Yoga with Geraldine Norris British Wheel of Yoga Diploma, British Wheel of Yoga Pregnancy Yoga Module. British Wheel of Yoga Children's Yoga Module. Teaching Practice Observation Training Registered.

The extracts and links below are items or sources which I feel help describe some of the many benefits of practising Yoga:

Extract from "Teach Yourself Yoga" by James Hewitt "There has been striking scientific proof of the authenticity of the claim that Yoga-type meditation can act as an effective antidote to stress. Laboratory studies by Dr Herbert Benson at Harvard Medical School show that Yogic meditation produces what Dr Benson calls the 'relaxation response'. In physiological terms the Relaxation Response shows as a marked decrease in the breathing rate and in oxygen consumption (to levels below that in deep sleep), a lowering of the heart rate (on average by about 3 beats per minute), a decrease in blood pressure in meditators whose levels had been higher than normal, a fall in lactate in the blood (lactate is linked with attacks of anxiety), and the production during meditation of Alpha waves in the brain which are associated with mental relaxation."

According to Yoga & Health Magazine September 2003 "Yoga is fast becoming one of the most sought after exercise and training methods. It is the basis of many stress-reduction and health promotion programmes, as well as of many childbirth preparation classes. It is also used as adjunctive therapy for a number of health disorders, including respiratory ailments such as asthma." www.yogaandhealthmag.co.uk

From the Daily Mail "Striking new evidence of the benefits of yoga has been found by scientists. They have discovered that even one session can dramatically reduce levels of a potentially damaging stress hormone in the body - Cortisol. Cortisol is known to suppress the immune system, constrict blood vessels and interfere with energy supply to brain cells involved in memory."

"Everytime a woman gives birth with the help of yoga, she unites all the resources of body, mind and soul in a total involvement with primary forces of life and consciousness that are both individual and universal. Birth is the primary initiation for the child, and a chance for spiritual renewal for the mother, for the natural heightening of one's faculties during such a crucial event opens the doors to cosmic communion." Swami Satyandanda Saraswati states in "Nawa Yogini Tantra"

Useful links:
Active Birth Centre
Birthlight
Yoga Therapy Centre