Description

If you have any queries about this training day, please contact the organiser, Judith Gibbons, on north.durhamrep@bwyregions.org.uk

This is an in-person event taking place on Sunday 26th October. If you would like to go and would like to car share, please contact the organiser with your details.

Introduction - Yoga for Menopause - Understanding the needs of menopausal women in yoga classes 

Yoga for menopause incorporates elements of Hatha yoga, yin yoga, restorative yoga, Qi Gong and Ayurveda. Yoga can be a wonderful way of supporting a woman through menopause. Asana practices may help maintain strength and flexibility. Pranayama and relaxation techniques learnt in class can be used in daily life whenever necessary to soothe the mind and body. A group of women sharing experiences in a yoga class can be a life changing experience, giving women the opportunity to realise they are not alone. 

MORNING

Aims

During the day learners will be provided with information about the different stages of menopause, average ages and exceptions to the average, the key symptoms of menopause (including brain fog, anxiety, hot flushes, anger, insomnia) and lesser known symptoms (itchy skin, dry eyes, numbness, palpitations, joint pain to name a few). To impart information about the hormonal changes that occur, and also to cover the medical controversy over how best for women to cope with these changes in hormonal levels. To guide the learners through an asana and pranayama practice that may help women cope with hot flushes.

Objectives

1. Practice ocean breath, with the different stages of the practice explored and modifications.
2. Practice sitali or sitkari breathing techniques and consider how these may benefit women experiencing hot flushes.
3. Reflect on the effect the asana and pranayama practice has had, and feedback to the teacher.

AFTERNOON

Aims

Lead an asana and pranayama sequence to help women cope with anxiety and sleep disturbances. The asana practice will focus on restorative yoga poses, using props as necessary to optimise comfort levels for participants. The practice will include mudras (heart-womb river, hridaya and yoni) to nurture and support women.

Lead the practice of pranayama techniques that may help women cope with feelings of anxiety and overwhelm (Extended exhalation, Chandra bheda and First Triangles breathing). Lead the practice of techniques to help women who are feeling tired to re-energise (Breath of Joy).

Consider the use of affirmations and sankalpa that women may find useful. Poetry will be used to support the learners while they rest in the restorative poses. Lead the group in a yoga nidra practice.

Objectives

1. Recall five symptoms of menopause
2. Describe three pranayama practices that can be used in a mixed ability class (including beginners) which may be of help to menopausal women, from those explored in class today.
3. Identify a sequence of three restorative poses that participants would practice regularly themselves, and also use for teaching their students

Other information

This day will suit all yoga practioners, including student teachers and qualified diploma course holders. It will mainly be practical. Male teachers are welcome to join this CPD event, in order to gain a greater understanding of what some of their students may be experiencing. There will be the opportunity at the start of the day to give the tutor an idea of the attendees' personal learning objectives.

Please bring the usual equipment needed for a practical yoga class, and any props that help you to sit comfortably, along with two pillows, two cushions, a scarf and two blankets. Access to wall space would be beneficial too, but is not essential.

Summary

Menopause is often regarded as a taboo subject, or as the source for jokes and ridicule. Unfortunately, this means that many women are unaware of the multitude of menopausal symptoms, and frequently feel alone, embarrassed and scared about the way they are feeling. A greater understanding of the menopause will help ease the way through this transitional time for women. As yoga teachers, we are well placed to support and nurture women during the menopausal years. The knowledge and understanding gained on this CPD day will assist teachers in supporting menopausal women in general yoga classes. The day will also be of value to female yoga teachers who may be in any of the stages of menopause. It is recommended that female teachers who would like to run specialist classes for menopausal women should undertake additional training following this CPD event.

The day will also be of interest to male teachers, helping them to understand what the women in their classes and family may be experiencing. During the day we will cover some of the symptoms that may occur during menopause, many of which are not obvious, such as dry skin, numbness, joint pain and brain fog. We will cover the changes in hormonal levels that occur during the stages of menopause, peri-menopause and post-menopause. We will also look at the possible longer term implications of reduced hormonal levels such as osteoporosis, heart disease and dementia.

Asana, relaxation, affirmations, mudras and pranayama practices will be introduced, along with the ways that they may help a woman to cope with her symptoms, such as hot flushes, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Yoga is only one element of the many ways in which a woman can support herself during menopause, so we will consider other options too including nutrition, exercise and medication. The good news is that many women report feeling at their happiest and most confident in the post-menopause years - their second spring! 

If you are a member of the BWY and wish to attend this event, please click on 'Register' to reveal the ticket selections. 

If you are not a member of the BWY and wish to attend this event, please click on 'Join us' and take out a temporary free membership in order to book a place. When you have done that, navigate back to this page and you will be able to book a non-member ticket

Additional Information

What to Bring

Belt, Blocks, Bolsters, Mat, 2 pillows, 2 cushions, a scarf and two blankets.