More on the Yoga Therapy....
The Yoga Therapy involves learning selected and highly adapted yoga practices that are very simple to access. No previous experience of yoga is needed and nor do clients require a particular level of fitness or flexibility to practice them safely. The poses are modified to suit and support the individual.
For severe stress, anxiety & PTSD :- The simple yoga poses and techniques that are taught are both grounding and relaxing. They are soothing to the nervous system as they enable tense muscles that are implicated in either fight and flight or shut down (aka the freeze state) to relax, thus calming down fight/flight/freeze mechanisms at least temporarily. The poses are usually performed sitting or lying on the ground if possible (although modifications for disabilities can be offered) and are taught in such a way to encourage clients to also practice them safey at home. Clients also learn facial expressions and postural practices that can quickly help calm emotions and reactions to stressful stimuli, as well as help stave off panic attacks, assist with sleep irregularities and counteract waves of anxiety and hypervigilence.
Also included within yoga therapy are breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as the use of targeted sound therapy (where advantageous and appropriate) as well as teaching on mindful attention. Clients may also request advice on Ayurvedic approaches to sleep, diet and lifestyle to provide a truly holistic approach to self care and self regulation.
A holistic and therapeutic care programme to help regulate the symptoms of GAD, Panic Disorder & PTSD
Suitable for both experienced yoga students and those with no prior knowledge of yoga, relaxation or mindfulness alike.
More on the therapeutic massage....
Massage / accupressure touch are used initally as a diagnostic and grounding treatment and generally form (where appropriate) an ongoing component of treatment alongside the yoga and lifestyle techniques.
I am trained in Ayurvedic massage and Thai Yoga massage and use a blend of both initially to assess both somatic distress and physcial discomfort, as well as stress related ailments / nervous system unrest. The body holds stress and tension patterns and also tells a number of stories regarding how one has coped with trauma and anxiety / grief, fear etc. , which is why the targeted touch therapy using both acupressure points and releasing stretches can reveal and release so much.
The principle form of Ayurvedic massage likely to be used is Marma Therapy, which is a little like Chinese Acupuncture without the needles. Marma points are acupressure points along the body that correlate to either lymph node sites or junctions between nerve pathways or veins & arteries. Specific marma points in the legs, head, face and arms are gently palpated to ease muscle tension, calm the nervous system and relax the body. Certain principles and stretches from Thai Yoga massage are then incorporated to bring the body into alignment or to assist in easing tension patterns that re-inforce fight/flight/freeze tendencies.
During this phase of treatment, fight and flight mechanisms may switch off sufficiently to allow any hormonal disregulation to ease, promoting a calmer, more relaxed state in mind and body. In many cases, the massage treatment also enables clients to process or express emotions and memories pertaining to their particular situations, calmly and effectively, without emotional overwhelm or distress.
During the treatment, the client remains clothed, may be covered with blankets and is given the option of using either the massage couch, or if comfortable, can lie on the floor on a padded mat. Massage therapy may be offered initially on its own in the beginning stages of treatment and laterly incorporated alongside the yoga therapy.
Other forms of Ayurvedic massage and stand alone Thai Yoga massage therapy are available for later stages of therapy or for the purposes of general wellbeing. Click here for more details.
A Note on Mindfulness.....
Mindfulness & Self awareness are implicitly taught / encouraged within the framework of the Lucia's Light approach in a sensitive and integrated manner to assist with emotional and behavioural regulation & grounding. Do note however that the inclusion of mindfulness or more accurately self awareness within the Lucia's Light Yoga Therapy for PTSD and severe anxiety / trauma does not always involve long-form mindfulness based meditation practices, as these aren't always useful or appropriate initially as starting points for treatment.
For stress & chronic pain management however, as well as for general interest, 1:1 Mindfulness based strategies, daily practices and meditation courses are available in person or on-line. Get in touch for a quote / more details.
The Venue
For 1:1 Treatment....
The Studio is in a private countryside garden in the Stour Valley (Boxted, Essex). It has underfloor heating, is fully equipped with mood lighting, massage couches, padded Thai Yoga futons and yoga equipment.
The Studio address is 5, Brook Cottages, Wet Lane, Boxted, Colchester, C04 5TW
Please note, it is not suitable for those with mobility impairment – however home visits or alternative venues can be organised for those with physical disability.
To arrange an appointment
call or email Louise using the contact details below.
Quick Contact
Please feel free to our online contact form and Louise will be in contact as soon as she can.