| Welcome | Inspiration for Yoga Studios offers monthly ideas to nourish you and your students. From Aadil Palkhivala, world-renowned yoga master, yoga therapist, author, federally registered Doctor of Naturopathy, Ayurvedic Health Science Practitioner, certified Shiatsu and Swedish massage therapist, with degrees in law, physics, and mathematics. | | | | Weighty Problems | | | A teacher approached me with the question regarding a student who is very overweight and breathes loudly and erratically during deep relaxation in Savasana (Corpse Pose). He was also quite fidgety, disturbing other students, falling asleep, and snoring. This teacher has tried to discourage sleeping during Savasana, but even his regular breathing is disruptive. She had also considered props, but didn't feel this would stop him from falling asleep and snoring. She is certain that his weight is the main reason for his loud and erratic breathing. How could this teacher be diplomatic and helpful to this student? There are two issues here. One is the method you must use in class to ease the burden of his weight on his diaphragm and sinuses, thus reducing the noise of his breathing. The second are his fidgets, which I understand to be a problem during class instruction, not in Savasana. To help him in class, make sure that he is propped up in  Savasana, doing pranayama posture rather than Svasana itself. Raise the props under his back and head and much as necessary to make him stop snoring and to ease his breathing. Adjust the heights for him individually, checking th results as you go along. For his fidgets, it seems that he needs to release pent-up frustration. Gentle but flowing classical Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations), without the jumping common to Ashtanga and Iyengar, will help. Please make sure that you place heavy bricks under his hands when he finds it difficult to reach the floor. If he wants you to help him weight-wise, I would suggest a three pronged approach. Assuming his weight is not thyroid-related, please suggest; 1) that he walk for 20 minutes three to four times a week, starting slowly and gradually speeding up the walk as his body allows, but never getting out of breath (this exercise will also help with the problem of pent up frustration); 2) that he practice Sarvanasana (Shoulderstand) during his daily practice, placing his shoulders on thick, hard foam blocks or on three or four folded blankets, so that he does not have trouble breathing. He should do this for two minutes daily for a week, then for three minutes dialy for the next week, then for four minutes and so on, building by a minute per week until, after 20 weeks, he has built up to 20 minutes daily. He should remain at the 20-minute duration for a year; and 3) that he eliminate all fried foods; all foods with artificial chemicals, such as preservatives, colors, flavors, FD or C numbers; and also all wheat and dairy. I personally would suggest that he start a program of eating very healthy foods (organic fruit, seeds, vegetables, grains, nuts, flax and olive oils, etc.) to strengthen his metabolism. Most important, be grateful that he shows up in class. Be kind to him. He is trying. Your gratitude for his presence will send loving vibrations to him, and that will help him as much as anything else! -Aadil Palkhivala | | For Your Inspiration | | Our work is not merely to discover the expansiveness of  hamstrings, but also to discover the expansiveness of the heart. It is not merely to do a handstand without support, but also to do work such that, when the time comes, we are strong enough to stand up for ourselves, even when unsupported. It is not to hold a headstand alone in the center of the room, but to joyously uphold what we believe, even when we stand alone. | | Compassion | | Excerpt from Fire of Love  "The body always feels refreshed after laughter, and laughter, bringing with it light and joy, makes us feel present." Fire of Love, by Aadil Palkhivala, offers inspiration when your work load leaves your spirit fatigued and drained. (Available at Yoga Centers Online Bookstore) Remember, if you are a yoga teacher, your purchase is tax deductible as continuing education. Follow Aadil on Facebook and Twitter | | Yoga Therapy Monthly | | It's here! You may also be interested in Aadil Palkhivala's other newsletter, Yoga Therapy Monthly which focuses on how to use yoga in dealing with health issues. | | | |
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