FAQ #21

Common conditions and how yoga can help:

Stress: Do you ever notice how much you can de-stress just by taking one big breath in and letting a sigh come out. Just imagine 90 minutes of deep, conscious breathing. Back/knee pain: The heat in a hot yoga class relaxes the joints - much like a full body heating pad or hot water bottle. Also, our vinyasa classes focus on opening the hips where knee and back pain often originate. Headaches: Many yoga postures relieve tension and tightness in the neck and shoulder area. As this area relaxes, blood flow increases and headaches often decrease or go away entirely.Insomnia: Several postures focus on increasing blood flow through the pineal gland where melatonin, the hormone that induces deep sleep, is released. Depression: In addition to melatonin, the pineal gland also controls the release of serotonin, the "mood" hormone. As certain postures flush the pineal gland with oxygenated blood, its function improves and emotional highs and lows begin to even out. Arthritis: The 'hot' element of the hot yoga class is what has the most dramatic affect on arthritis sufferers.Scoliosis: The work on stretching and strengthening the spine has a dramatic effect on those working with a spinal curvature. Pain is eased and the strength in the internal muscle structure of the back starts to allow for great ease in movement and better posture.

When should you avoid doing hot yoga?

Pregnancy: Women in their first trimester of pregnancy, unless they have kept up a regular hot yoga practice for at least 6 months, are recommended to stay out of the heated room. We recommend taking Prenatal Yoga instead.Heart Disease: Those suffering from severe heart disease that limits cardiovascular activity should consult their doctor about being in a heated environment.