Yoga FAQs
What does Namaste mean?
Namaste directly translates to, "the divine in me bows to the divine in you." It is a term of mutual respect, and acknowledgement that we one and the same.
What styles of Yoga are there and how will I know which one is right for me?
On the YOGA page I have listed the most common and recognised Yoga practices. The best thing to do when you are looking for a Yoga style to suit you, is try out a few different ones and see which one you like best.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga has many physical benefits, including:
What can I expect from one of your classes?
I do not believe that the practice of yoga can be categorized in to “beginners”, “intermediate”, or “advanced”. My classes are not designed or marketed in this way. I teach varying intensity levels of Hatha-flow (a combination of hatha and vinyasa flow), which means that some classes are gentler than others, and sometimes the use of props such as blocks and belts is required.
I recognise that every physical body is unique, and the ultimate aim of my classes is to encourage breath and movement in a way that feels right and good for the individual at that particular time. My classes are designed to get you out of your head and in to your body. Letting go of the ego is extremely important to the way I teach and practice yoga.
To me, turning up to the mat with a positive intention is yoga. Taking time for yourself to chill out, relax, listening to your intuition; being kind and compassionate to yourself and others; choosing to eat chocolate or drink a green juice; realising that we are all on our own unique paths in life, yet we are all connected as one, is yoga.
My journey is continuously unfolding and evolving, with something new always being discovered. I still therefore consider myself very much a life-long student of the practice and continue to attend workshops and classes at any given opportunity.
Do I need to book or can I just turn up?
What do I need to wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely and easily in.
What should I bring?
If you own a yoga mat, it is a good idea to bring it along with you. A block or strap may also come in handy, and a lavender eye-pillow is nice for your relaxation at the end of class. But don’t worry if you don’t have any of these things - I always provide mats, or any other props that we may need for that particular session.
How often should I attend classes?
You can attend classes as often as you would like. Obviously, the more yoga you are able to do the better, but even I know that our busy lifestyles can sometimes get in the way of our practice. If you are only attending one class a week, I would advise you try and do a little extra at home so that you can really reap the benefits of the practice. There are millions of videos you can watch on YouTube (try ‘Yoga with Adrienne’, ‘Do Yoga With Me’, ‘Lesley Fightmaster’, ‘Five Parks Yoga’, or just find something that works for you - maybe in line with what is happening with your body or current mental and emotional state - “yoga for stress” or “yoga for sciatica” for example). You can also subscribe to different Yoga websites such as ‘Movement for Modern Life’ and ‘Alo Moves’.
Will I lose weight doing yoga?
Can I eat/drink before class?
It is advisable to not eat a large meal within 2 hours of doing physical exercise. Some yoga teachers will advise that you do not drink water during the class as sometimes this can make you feel a little sick. However, I think that if you are feeling thirsty during one of my sessions, then little sips of water every now and again are fine.
What if I’m not very flexible?
This is probably the most common excuse I hear from people as to why they don’t do yoga! The whole point of practicing yoga is to increase your flexibility and strength, and therefore your mobility - to prepare the body for deep relaxation and meditation. I am not an overly flexible person myself. I am not a yoga teacher that has come from a dancing or gymnastic background - any flexibility I do have has come from practicing yoga, and after 16 years, I still cannot tie my legs behind my head!
Can I practice yoga if I have an illness or injury?
This depends on the type of illness or injury you have. It is important to let your body rest and recuperate if you have an illness or injury. As long as it is not severe, it is best to seek out a more restorative yoga session during your healing process. The most important thing is to listen to your own body, and if something does not feel quite right for you, then don’t do it.
Are your classes suitable for pregnancy?
I am now teaching specific pregnancy yoga classes, but I am also more than happy for pregnant ladies to join any of my classes; provided they are familiar with the practice and aware of how to modify some of the poses themselves (I do give a bit of guidance with this where needed).
Namaste directly translates to, "the divine in me bows to the divine in you." It is a term of mutual respect, and acknowledgement that we one and the same.
What styles of Yoga are there and how will I know which one is right for me?
On the YOGA page I have listed the most common and recognised Yoga practices. The best thing to do when you are looking for a Yoga style to suit you, is try out a few different ones and see which one you like best.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga has many physical benefits, including:
- Lessening chronic pain, such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing insomnia
- Increasing flexibility, muscle strength and tone
- Improving respiration, energy and vitality
- Improving cardio and circulatory health
- Improving athletic performance
- Protection from injury
- Increasing body awareness (proprioception)
- Stress management
- mental clarity and calmness
- centering attention
- sharpening concentration
What can I expect from one of your classes?
I do not believe that the practice of yoga can be categorized in to “beginners”, “intermediate”, or “advanced”. My classes are not designed or marketed in this way. I teach varying intensity levels of Hatha-flow (a combination of hatha and vinyasa flow), which means that some classes are gentler than others, and sometimes the use of props such as blocks and belts is required.
I recognise that every physical body is unique, and the ultimate aim of my classes is to encourage breath and movement in a way that feels right and good for the individual at that particular time. My classes are designed to get you out of your head and in to your body. Letting go of the ego is extremely important to the way I teach and practice yoga.
To me, turning up to the mat with a positive intention is yoga. Taking time for yourself to chill out, relax, listening to your intuition; being kind and compassionate to yourself and others; choosing to eat chocolate or drink a green juice; realising that we are all on our own unique paths in life, yet we are all connected as one, is yoga.
My journey is continuously unfolding and evolving, with something new always being discovered. I still therefore consider myself very much a life-long student of the practice and continue to attend workshops and classes at any given opportunity.
Do I need to book or can I just turn up?
What do I need to wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely and easily in.
What should I bring?
If you own a yoga mat, it is a good idea to bring it along with you. A block or strap may also come in handy, and a lavender eye-pillow is nice for your relaxation at the end of class. But don’t worry if you don’t have any of these things - I always provide mats, or any other props that we may need for that particular session.
How often should I attend classes?
You can attend classes as often as you would like. Obviously, the more yoga you are able to do the better, but even I know that our busy lifestyles can sometimes get in the way of our practice. If you are only attending one class a week, I would advise you try and do a little extra at home so that you can really reap the benefits of the practice. There are millions of videos you can watch on YouTube (try ‘Yoga with Adrienne’, ‘Do Yoga With Me’, ‘Lesley Fightmaster’, ‘Five Parks Yoga’, or just find something that works for you - maybe in line with what is happening with your body or current mental and emotional state - “yoga for stress” or “yoga for sciatica” for example). You can also subscribe to different Yoga websites such as ‘Movement for Modern Life’ and ‘Alo Moves’.
Will I lose weight doing yoga?
Can I eat/drink before class?
It is advisable to not eat a large meal within 2 hours of doing physical exercise. Some yoga teachers will advise that you do not drink water during the class as sometimes this can make you feel a little sick. However, I think that if you are feeling thirsty during one of my sessions, then little sips of water every now and again are fine.
What if I’m not very flexible?
This is probably the most common excuse I hear from people as to why they don’t do yoga! The whole point of practicing yoga is to increase your flexibility and strength, and therefore your mobility - to prepare the body for deep relaxation and meditation. I am not an overly flexible person myself. I am not a yoga teacher that has come from a dancing or gymnastic background - any flexibility I do have has come from practicing yoga, and after 16 years, I still cannot tie my legs behind my head!
Can I practice yoga if I have an illness or injury?
This depends on the type of illness or injury you have. It is important to let your body rest and recuperate if you have an illness or injury. As long as it is not severe, it is best to seek out a more restorative yoga session during your healing process. The most important thing is to listen to your own body, and if something does not feel quite right for you, then don’t do it.
Are your classes suitable for pregnancy?
I am now teaching specific pregnancy yoga classes, but I am also more than happy for pregnant ladies to join any of my classes; provided they are familiar with the practice and aware of how to modify some of the poses themselves (I do give a bit of guidance with this where needed).
Massage FAQs
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Studies have shown massage therapy to be an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
Other possible benefits include relief from:
When should I avoid massage therapy?
Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you have:
How much does it cost?
Click here to find a list of my prices.
How long will it take?
The initial consultation usually takes between 75-90 minutes (including the treatment itself). Most people choose to have either a 60 or 90-minute appointment, but I do offer 30 and 45 minute treatments for those that want a shorter massage.
What do I need to wear?
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing. We will discuss what areas I will be working on during your treatment, and I will place towels over parts of the body that are not being treated.
Is it OK to talk during a massage session?
I love a good chin-wag, and I feel that talking can be an essential part of the healing process. However, it is your treatment, so you can talk as little or as much as you like. Anything you say during your treatment is private and confidential.
What should I expect on my first treatment?
Your first appointment will consist of a consultation which could take between 10-20 minutes. I will ask you questions about your overall health and life-style (stress, diet, contraindications - illnesses and/or injuries) and what you would like to get out of your treatment. This is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little bit, and for you to feel comfortable with me as a therapist.
We will discuss which areas I will be working on, and this may include a short postural analysis.
Depending on what sort of massage you would like, I usually begin the treatment with "palpation" which consists of dry moves to assess the state of the muscles and tissues in the body. Once I have loosened as much as possible and worked out any areas of tension, I will then use oil (grape-seed and lavender) to complete the massage.
What can I expect after my treatment?
After your treatment you may feel cold (low blood-pressure), sleepy, hungry and in some cases, a little sore.
It is important to follow the aftercare advice:
1) Drink plenty of water - massage gets the blood circulating around the body and begins to release built-up toxins from the tissues. These waste products will start making their way toward the liver and other organs, so staying hydrated prior to and after a massage will help flush them out . Caffeine can be counterproductive to the muscles that were just worked on, so try to avoid coffee!
2) Eat something - the release of the ‘feel good’ endorphins will have you feeling a natural high. You may also feel a bit tired, and maybe a little light headed, so grab a snack to give yourself an added energy boost.
3)Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours - it is best to let your body enjoy how it feels by giving it a chance to rest. Sometime heading back to work our out to dinner with friends is unavoidable, but I highly recommend you give your body and mind some down time after a massage . Your muscles were just worked and loosened, to avoid risk of injury or overworking a muscle, it is important to avoid any physical activity for the remainder of the day.
4) The wonders of Epsom salts have been well-known for hundreds of years and, unlike other salts, it has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind, and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating colds and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salt. Some of the notable benefits of Epsom salt include: eases stress and relaxes the body, relieves pain and muscle cramps, helps muscles and nerves function properly, helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots, makes insulin more effective, relieves constipation, and eliminates toxins from the body.
Will the massage hurt?
Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, please say so. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage.
How many sessions will I need?
This is very much up to you and how you feel in your body. I usually advise every 4 weeks for a maintenance massage, or every two weeks for working on something more specific - an injury or problematic area.
Studies have shown massage therapy to be an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
Other possible benefits include relief from:
- Anxiety and depression
- Asthma and Emphysema
- Back, leg, and neck pain
- Cancer symptoms
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)
- Chronic Fatigue syndrome
- Dislocations
- Fibromyalgia
- Oedema
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Headaches
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
- Insomnia
- Kyphosis and Scoliosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Muscle tension and spasm
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Pregnancy and labour support
- Sports injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Stress and stress related conditions
- Stroke
- Tendinitis
- Whiplash
When should I avoid massage therapy?
Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you have:
- Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
- Burns or healing wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Severe thrombocytopenia
- Virus/Fever/Flu
How much does it cost?
Click here to find a list of my prices.
How long will it take?
The initial consultation usually takes between 75-90 minutes (including the treatment itself). Most people choose to have either a 60 or 90-minute appointment, but I do offer 30 and 45 minute treatments for those that want a shorter massage.
What do I need to wear?
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing. We will discuss what areas I will be working on during your treatment, and I will place towels over parts of the body that are not being treated.
Is it OK to talk during a massage session?
I love a good chin-wag, and I feel that talking can be an essential part of the healing process. However, it is your treatment, so you can talk as little or as much as you like. Anything you say during your treatment is private and confidential.
What should I expect on my first treatment?
Your first appointment will consist of a consultation which could take between 10-20 minutes. I will ask you questions about your overall health and life-style (stress, diet, contraindications - illnesses and/or injuries) and what you would like to get out of your treatment. This is also an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little bit, and for you to feel comfortable with me as a therapist.
We will discuss which areas I will be working on, and this may include a short postural analysis.
Depending on what sort of massage you would like, I usually begin the treatment with "palpation" which consists of dry moves to assess the state of the muscles and tissues in the body. Once I have loosened as much as possible and worked out any areas of tension, I will then use oil (grape-seed and lavender) to complete the massage.
What can I expect after my treatment?
After your treatment you may feel cold (low blood-pressure), sleepy, hungry and in some cases, a little sore.
It is important to follow the aftercare advice:
1) Drink plenty of water - massage gets the blood circulating around the body and begins to release built-up toxins from the tissues. These waste products will start making their way toward the liver and other organs, so staying hydrated prior to and after a massage will help flush them out . Caffeine can be counterproductive to the muscles that were just worked on, so try to avoid coffee!
2) Eat something - the release of the ‘feel good’ endorphins will have you feeling a natural high. You may also feel a bit tired, and maybe a little light headed, so grab a snack to give yourself an added energy boost.
3)Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours - it is best to let your body enjoy how it feels by giving it a chance to rest. Sometime heading back to work our out to dinner with friends is unavoidable, but I highly recommend you give your body and mind some down time after a massage . Your muscles were just worked and loosened, to avoid risk of injury or overworking a muscle, it is important to avoid any physical activity for the remainder of the day.
4) The wonders of Epsom salts have been well-known for hundreds of years and, unlike other salts, it has beneficial properties that can soothe the body, mind, and soul. Some of the countless health benefits include relaxing the nervous system, curing skin problems, soothing back pain and aching limbs, easing muscle strain, healing cuts, treating colds and congestion, and drawing toxins from the body. One of the simplest ways to ease stress and stress-related problems is to soak in a tub full of hot water with a few cups of Epsom salt. Some of the notable benefits of Epsom salt include: eases stress and relaxes the body, relieves pain and muscle cramps, helps muscles and nerves function properly, helps prevent hardening of arteries and blood clots, makes insulin more effective, relieves constipation, and eliminates toxins from the body.
Will the massage hurt?
Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, please say so. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage.
How many sessions will I need?
This is very much up to you and how you feel in your body. I usually advise every 4 weeks for a maintenance massage, or every two weeks for working on something more specific - an injury or problematic area.
