Little Bee Yoga

Kundalini Yoga I have never practiced yoga before. Is Kundalini Yoga for me? Kundalini Yoga is truly for everyone. As long as you can breathe and can sit on the floor or in a chair, you can practice and receive the benefits of Kundalini Yoga. How should I prepare for class? It is best to practice on an empty stomach so it is recommended to stop eating 2 hours prior to class. Wear comfortable, light-colored clothing. Have a yoga mat available. Why do we begin and end each class the same way? We tune in to each class by repeating the mantra “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” 3 times. Translated this means, “I bow to the divine teacher within.” This mantra centers us in the higher self and opens us up to our intuitive mind and our creative possibility. It links us to all the Kundalini masters that have come before so that we can draw on their wisdom. Each class ends with the “Long Time Sun” song that grounds you, allows you to integrate the benefits of the kriya, and prepares you to re-enter the “real” world. How does Kundalini yoga work? Kundalini Yoga is better experienced than described with words. The use of angles in yoga asanas (postures), in combination with pranayama (breathwork), mantras (sound current) and mudras (hand positions), is the reason that Kundalini Yoga works so effectively. Angles put pressure on the glands to secrete. When a posture is released and the body is still, glandular secretions circulate throughout the body. The result is a balanced glandular system that provides emotional stability and a relaxed nervous system that enables you to cope with daily stress. Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga Why can’t pregnant women just go to a regular yoga class? Yoga during pregnancy needs to be different from “regular” yoga for the safety and health of the mother and baby. A prenatal yoga class is designed to accommodate the physiology of a pregnant body. I have never practiced yoga before becoming pregnant. Is it OK for me to try now? Absolutely! One of the benefits of private instruction is that we can modify the session to your level of expertise. Whether a novice or a seasoned yoga practitioner, you will be able to access the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga. As always, consult with your doctor/midwife before beginning any exercise program. How long into my pregnancy can I practice yoga? Prenatal yoga may be done safely up until the time that you give birth. It has been my experience that students practice yoga until they deliver. Can prenatal yoga really benefit my labor and delivery? In prenatal yoga, we concentrate on preparing moms for the challenges of labor and birth. We strengthen essential muscles, we focus on the importance of the breath and most importantly, we connect your mind to your innate wisdom; that natural ability that you possess to give birth. See the “testimonials” page to read about other’s experiences with yoga and birth. How soon after my delivery can I start postnatal yoga? Exercise may be resumed after consulting with your doctor/midwife. It is common to begin exercising 4-6 weeks after a vaginal birth and 6-8 weeks after a cesarean section. Why can’t I just go back to my normal workout routine immediately after delivery? The hormone relaxin, which increases flexibility in the joints during pregnancy, remains in the body up to 5 months post-delivery. It is important to be mindful of this fact. In addition, it is important to strengthen stretched abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, to increase your energy, and get your body back into balance prior to beginning your “normal” workout routine. Infant Massage When can I start infant massage with my baby? It is recommended to begin infant massage immediately after birth and to continue daily for at least 6 months. Early on, it is easy to massage your newborn because he/she is not mobile. As your baby becomes more active, massage will become more of a challenge. Still, you should try to do a little bit even if you are not able to complete the entire routine. When and how often should I give my baby a massage? The best time to begin a massage is when your infant is in the Quiet Alert State. This is the time that your baby is awake, is not fussy or sleepy and is ready for interaction. Many parents like to massage before or after the bath and it is also preferable to massage between feedings. Massage can be given more than one time per day. Try to develop a consistent schedule for massage time. What type of oil should I use to massage my baby? Natural, cold-pressed or organic oils, such as sweet almond, apricot, or grapeseed oils are recommended because it will be safe even if your baby puts his/her hands in his/her mouth. It is not recommended to use fragrances because part of the parent/baby bonding process requires a baby to smell his/her parents’ natural scent. It is also not advisable to use products that contain mineral oil, which clogs pores and slows the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins. Do not use peanut oil due to concerns about allergic reactions. How long is a typical massage? A massage will last about 20-30 minutes. However, it could be longer or shorter depending on how your baby is reacting to the massage on any given day. Is massage helpful for a baby with colic? Research has shown that colic and constipation is greatly reduced by massage. Babies can benefit by having their tummies and legs rubbed. The colic massage routine follows the baby’s digestive tract in order to encourage elimination.