Yoga for a Happy Menstrual Cycle with Heather Haxo Phillips

Are you in touch with your menstrual cycle? When it comes to menstruation, we tend to override our body and mind’s need for rest and rejuvenation which can lead to imbalances and issues such as PMS, cramps, headaches, heavy bleeding, to trouble conceiving and fibroids.

Taking time to understand how yoga can support menstruation can generate surprising benefits for the entire month – increased strength, vitality and confidence.  Iyengar Yoga offers specific sequences for pre-menstrual, menstrual, and post-menstrual phases.  These poses can support us now and well into the future.

In this workshop  we will learn which poses should be done during the phases of the menstrual cycle.  You will experience how yoga asana and pranayama can help relieve common issues and prevent future ones from emerging.   We will also explore the anatomy and physiology of the menstrual cycle.

Students will learn how to take care of themselves in class and how to develop a home practice that supports their monthly cycle. Teachers and Teachers in Training will learn how to effectively take care of those in class who are menstruating.

Due to “shelter in place” restrictions this workshop will be held via Zoom. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to take care of yourself at home. Heather will lead you through using common household items as props and help you develop a sequence you can practice daily. She will get to see you in your home setting and advise you on what to do.  You will have time to ask questions, and the class recording to support you afterwards.

This course is limited to 15 participants. This workshop is open to all – those who menstruate and those who do not.  You should have at least 1 year of experience practicing Iyengar Yoga or the permission of the instructor.  The weekend is particularly geared toward support teachers and teachers-in-training.  Questions?  Email heather@adelineyoga.com

April 3 – 5, 2020:

• Friday 5 – 7 pm
• Saturday 11 – 1 and 3 – 5 pm
• Sunday 2:30 – 4:30

Over the weekend we will:

• Do a menstrual sequence designed to calm and nourish the body
• Present alternatives for menses during a regular class
• Explore Pre-Menstrual Practices including working with PMS and Headaches
• Explore Post-Menstrual Practices

At the conclusion of this weekend course participants will be able to:

(1) Practice pre-menstrual, menstrual and post-menstrual sequences for healthy women including asana variations and modifications for menses.

(2) Learn how healthy menstruating women can and should practice in general classes.

(3) Identify contraindications for menstrual practice.

Special attention will be paid to how to bring incorporate healthy menstruating women in a regular class. Time permitting we will cover L-shapes, T-shapes, cross bolsters and the variations of supine poses that are so critical to women’s health.

Workstudy and Scholarships are available.  Please inquire by emailing info@adelineyoga.com

CIYT and Teachers-in-Training are assigned reading:

Yoga: A Gem for Women Iyengar, Geeta S. (1983), Allied Publishers Private LTD. Read the following chapters: “Chapter VI: Is Yoga Ideal for Women” “Chapter VII: Three Milestones in a Woman’s Life”  and the “Chapter X: Part II Special Hints”

Geeta S. Iyengar’s Guide to a Women’s Yoga Practice, Steinberg, Lois (2006) Read pp. 1 – 54 and pp. 119 – 181.

Note: We do have Lois Steinberg’s book in stock.  If you don’t already own it, drop by the studio to purchase your copy.  It is the main text we will reference during the course.

Recommended reading:

Yoga: A Gem for Women Iyengar, Geeta S. (1983), Allied Publishers Private LTD. Read the following chapters: Chapter IX and X in their entirety.

The Woman’s Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for All Phases of the Menstrual Cycle, Clennell, Bobby (2007)

Study the female reproductive system, including internal and external anatomy.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Heather Haxo Phillips is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor at the Junior Intermediate III level, among the highest certified Iyengar teachers in the East Bay. She is Director of Adeline Yoga and has been teaching for nearly 20 years.  Her additional certifications include:  Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor. She has specialized yoga therapy training which includes scoliosis, musculoskeletal injuries, pain management and women’s health including pre-natal yoga and menses. She is the director and lead instructor of the Adeline Sadhana Studies program.  Heather deepens her own practice by studying regularly with senior teachers including Carolyn Belko, Lois Steinberg and the Iyengar family in Pune. Heather is past President of the Board of Directors for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California and an active volunteer for the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States. She is also on the board of the Lorin Merchants Association (LBA).