Thursday, March 9th, 3-4:30 PM PST
Location: Zoom
Cost: $25 – $70, Sliding Scale
Register: tracy@fulllifeyogastudio.com
Description: In this workshop we will dive into practices and techniques that support the endocrine system. We will learn about the endocrine system while we practice.
First, we will look at diagrams of the endocrine system and discuss the roles various glands play in releasing hormones into our bloodstream. We will create a roadmap for our understanding. We will then discuss a few of the hormones, cortisol, adrenalin, oxytocin, melatonin, human growth hormone (HGH) and the roles they in our human bodies and how these hormones can be thrown out of– and brought back into– balance.
For example, when chronically stressed, humans release more cortisol into the bloodstream. If we are on our phones or other bright screens late at night, again, more cortisol is released into the bloodstream. This hormone in-turn suppresses the release of melatonin, an essential hormone for quieting the system for sleep. If we are awake during the night, we may feel even more stress the next day, as we may not be functioning at full capacity. Then if we go do a vigorous cardio workout,which we hope will reduce stress, we again raise cortisol levels. We can learn more about, and interrupt these, and other, cycles.
Hormones get out of balance due to so many factors: environmental toxins, food habits, exercise habits, etc. We will take a look at what causes imbalance and how to make choices that promote optimal health.
Specific yoga practices, breathing techniques, postures, mindfulness and concentration practices can help us to rebalance the hormones circulating in our bodies. An awareness of daily cycles and our yoga doshas can help us to bring our bodies back to homeostasis, balance.
We will practice pranayama and asanas supportive of individual glands and the whole system. While engaging in the practices, you will learn how relaxing the nervous system can change the messaging from the hypothalamus to the pituitary to rebalance the endocrine system- and how this can then also boost immune function.
I hope you can join me and learn more about your body and the many reasons your yoga practice is healthy for you!