Meet Gemma from Yoga Therapy Dublin
Meet Gemma from Yoga Therapy Dublin
My own experience
I took my first yoga class at 18 years old during my leaving Cert year, and I will never forget how light I felt going home. I was hooked! I took classes casually for a few years but at 21 I suffered chronic whiplash from a car crash and took yoga more seriously as it was the only thing I was able to do and it gave me such release, physically and emotionally in my recovery. Now at 33 and having had a baby, I have experienced yoga in many different forms and have a different appreciation of it. I have used it as rehabilitation, to reduce anxiety, to meditate and to nurture my body through pregnancy and motherhood.
Teaching
I have an advanced ashtanga practice myself, something which I am looking forward to getting back to soon. I keep my classes on the smaller side as I wish to give a more individualised instruction approach to my teaching. I focus strongly on correct alignment and giving students the appropriate instruction for their needs. My classes in general are challenging but not beyond people’s level of ability. I focus strongly on the present which brings a strong meditative quality to my classes and enables my students to practice mindfulness.
As requested I have scheduled a class dedicated to athletes to sequence asanas targeting hips, legs and core. However this class is of course suitable for everyone.
My pregnancy yoga class is dedicated to those amazing woman undertaking this powerful journey. This class will not just ease away those aches and pains, but will prepare your body for delivery. This class will also nurture you emotionally to prepare you for the type of delivery you will have and empower you to make informed choices. You will meet other Mums in the area which can be a great support not just now, but post partum.
My post natal yoga is to again nurture the body after delivery. In particular this class will focus on rehabilitating the pelvic floor. The body is an amazing thing and has been through so much. During pregnancy and delivery, the weight of your growing baby has put a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor as well as some organs. Hormones have further relaxed ligaments and muscles in this area. Not strengthening this area post natally can lead to serious problems now and down the road. This class will give you the opportunity to heal with the added bonus of being able to bring along your baby so no need to worry about feeding, changing etc., anything goes here 😉
You can book on www.yogatherapydublin.ie/timetable
Namaste <3
Gemma
10 Reasons to incorporate more massage in your life
10 reasons to incorporate massage in your life.
When you think of massage, odds are you think of an hour of relaxation – a little “me” time. Massage certainly offers a great way to escape from the stresses of our everyday lives, but more and more studies are showing that regular massage gives you so much more: a range of emotional and physical benefits. Here are the top 10 reasons to incorporate more massage in your life.
- Massage reduces stress – A single massage can lower your heart rate, cortisol and insulin levels, all of which are tied to how stressed you feel.
- Massage helps you relax – Long after your massage is over, you will still benefit from a host of brain chemistry responses that encourage feelings of relaxation, lowered stress and improved mood.
- Massage improves posture – Massage helps your body to reinforce healthy and natural movements, which will help correct any posture problems you may have.
- Massage improves circulation – The pressure from massage moves oxygen-rich blood through the body to damaged, tense muscles so they can heal, while removing lactic acid and other metabolic waste.
- Massage lowers blood pressure – Studies have shown that massage can lower both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
- Massage relaxes muscles – Sitting causes a lot of chronic back pain and massage can help with persistent pain by relaxing those tense muscles.
- Massage improves flexibility – Sedimentary lifestyles and age can make joints less flexible. Massage helps improve fluidity and range of motion in your joints and connective tissues.
- Massage helps you breathe better – Massage can relax muscles in the upper body, which, if they become too tight, can constrict breathing.
- Massage relieves headaches – Regular massage reduces your chance of developing a headache in the first place by relaxing muscle spasms and trigger points. Already have a headache? It can decrease the pain.
- Massage strengthens the immune system – Studies have shown that regular massage can improve your body’s overall immune functioning.
With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder today’s client is beginning to see massage as an integral part of their well-being journey. As we all re-examine our wellness choices, massage therapy is shedding the stereotype of being an occasional indulgence. Instead, it’s become a highly integral body maintenance experience that offers any number of health benefits when consistently incorporated with other total body care actions.
