Hormonal Yoga

For the yoga class, you will need the following:

Have your consent form filled and give it to the concierge. It is a legal requirement.

Bring a towel to class (three feet long or more) - preferably a yoga mat of your own. 

Sign up at the concierge for each class - limit six (6) persons (size of the room).

Not have a heavy meal at least an hour before the class.

Wear loose comfortable clothing. 

Workshop 1

What shall we do?

First, we understand the basics of hormonal functions

Four principal physiological areas of hormonal function:

(1) growth and development of the body,

(2) regulation of electrolyte composition of bodily fluids,

(3) control of energy metabolism,

(4) control of reproduction.

Hormones are of three types: 

(1) amino acid (tyrosine) derivatives (from the adrenal medulla and thyroid gland) 

(2) steroids structurally related to cholesterol (from the sex glands and the adrenal cortex)

(3) proteins/polypeptides (from the pancreas and pituitary gland). 

What exactly is hormonal yoga?

It is a series of dynamic postures to stimulate hormones inside your body.

Hormones relay messages between cells  and organs.

Growth hormone: It is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is responsible for muscle growth, bone length and height.

Thyroid hormones: Often called T3 and T4. These are regulated by the pituitary gland. Thyroids are controlled by the pituitary gland like thermostats. It is kept within a certain range for them to function well. Keeping the basal metabolic rate of the body constant keeps the body alive without getting too hot or too cold.

Sex hormones: progestogens, androgens and estrogens.

Cortisol: It is produced in the adrenaline glands.

Testosterone: Male sex hormone (women produce it too).

Task: Understand where each source of hormone is

The key: Stimulate the hormonal growth centers to regulate the blood flow in that region.

An aside: In classical yoga, there is a concept called a "chakra" - literally - a wheel. We can think of hormonal origins as chakras.  [Strictly speaking, the locations of the seven chakras do not correspond to the endocrine system of modern biology.]

How is our approach different from the standard yoga classes at the gym?

First, it is not all about the postures. It is fundamentally about blood flows.

Second, we show how the dynamic positions alter the blood flow for the benefit of the hormonal system of the body.

Third, we connect that to your brain activity to reinforce the system.

Bottom Line: Knowing the theory helps but regular practice is of paramount importance.

Breathing

How to regulate breathing

What does the nostril breathing tell us about the well-being of the body