MINDING EACH MOMENT 

YOGA FOR THE MENOPAUSE

Doing yoga during the menopause, and specifically doing Menopause Yoga can be a part of a holistic approach to managing menopausal symptoms associated with the peri-menopause and post-menopause stages of life. Even if you're in your mid-life stage and having no adverse menopause  affects and feeling great, joining in with a menopause yoga group is a wonderful way of connecting with other women during this life stage. 

Yoga for Menopause is a therapeutic style of yoga to help manage some of the symptoms of the menopause through the use of movement, breathwork, mindfulness  and relaxation. It draws on different styles of yoga such as Hatha, Restorative and Yin, along with breathing practices and meditations which are especially adapted and sequenced to address and improve not only physical symptoms, but also some of the  emotional and mental symptoms associated with the menopause.

The style of Menopause Yoga that I teach is as developed by Menopause Yoga specialist Petra Coveney (who currently delivers the only menopause yoga training to be accredited by both the Yoga Alliance Professionals and the British Wheel of Yoga; Petra is also the only yoga teacher with membership in the British Menopause Society); which blends Western Science and Eastern wellbeing practices to support you to feel more knowledgeable about the menopause, and gain a deeper understanding of what works for you and your symptoms - allowing you to feel empowered and to embrace this time of change as a positive opportunity for self-growth and personal fulfilment.

The physical practices of Menopause Yoga aim to bring fluidity and strength to the body; easing your body of stiffness and discomfort, and helping you to maintain proper alignment by building strength through your core. The practices and poses are also adapted and sequenced to help the body maintain bone strength, elevate mood, and soothe both the body and the mind. The kinesis of the body extending, stretching, contracting and flexing will help keep your body toned, supple and flexible; nourishing the vitality of your body (no matter your age or ability) to sustain its optimal potential. 

Breathing practices a short mindfulness practice, and a relaxation will also form part of the Menopause sessions. Such yoga practices can help to reduce your stress, calm the mind, and manage symptoms associated with the Menopause - restoring and replenishing your reserves so that you feel refreshed with a healthy mindset. With regular practice, the yoga can leave you feeling able to respond decisively to everyday pressures, and feeling empowered to manage menopausal symptoms. 

As a space that welcomes women and encourages coming together, the sessions will be held in a circle to build a sense of inclusiveness and belonging within the group. 

If you have experienced early menopause,  are in the mid-stages of life, are peri-menopausal, post-menopausal, experiencing symptoms or not, and identify as female, then you are more than welcome to attend the Menopause Yoga sessions.