Krishnamacharya, a classic Indian yoga teacher, used to say, “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.” So basically, as long as one is alive and breathing, a yoga practice is possible. Of course, it depends on the style and intensity of yoga, but the fact is that anyone can practice some type of yoga, as long as they can breathe.
Carol Dickman, a professional yoga teacher who holds several certifications, and who has shared her expertise on the TODAY Show, CNN, Fox News, and in places like the NBC corporate headquarters, has developed a video series to address and teach yoga to those with physical limitations that would otherwise be seemingly viewed as too disabling to do yoga.
Bed Top Yoga, Chair/Seated Yoga, and Balance Basics and Beyond are three of Dickman’s DVDs designed to bring relief to those with issues ranging from mild to severe. Recommended as resources for healthy living by Arthritis Today Magazine, Weight Watchers Magazine, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The National Amputee Coalition, The National Fibromyalgia Association, Dr. Andrew Weil, and hospice workers, these DVDs are built to suit those needing extreme modifications and gentle care.
In Bed Top Yoga, one can practice simple yet effective stretches and yoga poses on the bed, or on the floor. Bed Top Yoga is an ideal 33 minutes in length and closes with a sleep enhancing relaxation. It is more than appropriate for seniors, the physically challenged, or those with a visual impairment.
Yoga Journal calls Bed Top Yoga an intelligent and useful presentation with, “a cult following of former insomniacs,” also quoting that, “Dickman has a reassuring style, appropriate for an audience that might be reluctant to exercise because of injury, disability, or age.”
And so it goes, yoga’s health benefits can touch just about anyone. All someone needs is the ability to bring fresh air into their lungs and a willingness to give yoga a try.
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Yoga for a Great Night’s Sleep