by Sue Staropoli, M.A.

Featured Healing Modality: Yoga
Featured practitioner: Aimee Brooks

When you hear the word “yoga,” what comes to your mind? Stretching postures? Eastern religion? Breathing? Meditation?

It’s understandable if you have different views of Yoga, since there are at least 60 styles of yoga now being taught in the U.S. Therefore, some background about this multi-dimensional practice may be helpful.

“The meaning of the word ‘yoga’ is ‘union’: the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual energies that enhance health and well-being. First systematically set down in writing… in the 2nd century B.C.…, yoga teaches a basic principle of mind/body unity: If the mind is chronically restless and agitated, the health of the body will be compromised, and if the body is in poor health, mental strength and clarity will be adversely affected. The practice of yoga can counter these ill effects, restoring mental and physical health. Today, yoga is commonly practiced throughout the world and holds a prominent place in the emerging field of mind/body medicine.” (From “Alternative Medicine – The Definitive Guide,” compiled by The Burton Goldberg Group, Future Medicine Publishing Co. 1994)

Many yoga classes in the U.S. are variations of “hatha yoga,” a term that refers broadly to the use of posture, breathing exercises and meditation, and at least some form of stretching. But these variations differ in emphasis, with some styles more meditative and others more physical. Today, people are turning to yoga for a variety of reasons: stress reduction, pain reduction, meditation, flexibility, strength, spiritual growth and fitness.

Aimee Brooks is a massage therapist and registered yoga teacher, who describes yoga as “moving of the body through various poses - called asanas- in order to create connection, vitality, strength, and flexibility within the body. There is an emphasis on the spiritual purpose of hatha yoga: to reconnect with our innate goodness, power, and beauty, and expressing ourselves from that divine place.”

Aimee was led to yoga 11 years ago to calm her anxiety and mental disquiet. She found that the practice not only helped her become more relaxed and at ease, but also showed she had an aptitude for the more advanced, physical side of yoga. Aimee’s client, Barbara*, a 45 year old professional, was introduced to yoga through Aimee’s “Back Care Basics” Yoga class. Barbara had been suffering for 15 years with sciatic pain that greatly affected her daily life. She was unable to work, sit, drive and enjoy other simple daily activities. She found little relief from anti-inflammatory medication, ice packs, heat, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic and physical therapy. Then she took Aimee’s class.

When Barbara began the yoga class she had very limited flexibility and much pain in her back. But her desire to heal – and her positive attitude - enabled Barbara to engage in the process. Every week at Back Care yoga class Barbara practiced breathing and meditation, while learning gentle stretches and exercises. Aimee chose positions for Barbara that would create more movement, muscle tone, and neural connections to Barbara’s areas of pain. Barbara noted that - within a few weeks - the stretching helped her sciatic area, because the poses were tailored to her issues. Aimee adds, “An important aspect of yoga therapy is follow-through practice at home.”

Barbara began to practice at home for 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week. She practiced some of the resting poses that took the pressure off her spine and this began to improve her overall function. With Aimee’s guidance and support, Barbara began to “listen” to her own body and adjusted her poses to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort. Barbara states: “It was gratifying to know that I had more control over my situation and what to do for myself.”

After 6 months of Yoga, Barbara was able to go off the anti-inflammatory medications, and after one year she had almost no pain. As Aimee describes Barbara now. “Her yoga is now to the point where she was able to overcome her initial pain, and is now looking to build health and strength.” Barbara agrees. “I’m convinced that toning, strength, flexibility and balance will serve me well, especially as I have a family history of osteoporosis and arthritis.” Barbara continued with group classes for another 9 months, and then changed to individual sessions with Aimee, meeting twice a month. Yoga practice has become a way of living for Barbara, and is part of her daily life.

Aimee speaks about her work: “I know how amazing life can be when we live it whole-heartedly, with freedom from hurt and distress. The more I can bring vitality and wellness back to people who thought they had lost it, the better I feel about getting out there to meet my next Barbara!”

*Barbara is not her real name.

Aimee Brooks, LMT may be reached through her website www.aimeebrooks.com

To learn more about anusara yoga (the style Aimee uses) visit www.anusara.com

Reprinted with permission from Nature's Wisdom Magazine.
(July/September 2005)