I recently sat down with Joann, a long-time yoga student (13 years), to discuss her journey of healing through yoga. We met back in 2012 in my group classes at Whole Foods in Johns Creek, Georgia. She attended those classes for the next eight years, until the pandemic struck. Then, she, like many people during that time, went into a downturn.
She experienced isolation, lost her yoga practice, experienced a bad fall, breaking her wrist, developed frozen shoulder, was diagnosed with diabetes, and became “stuck” in life and unable to function in a meaningful way.
We reconnected at the end of 2023 and started her new journey in January of 2024. Through therapeutic, somatic, and restorative yoga (with whole-body vibration and far-infrared light therapy infused into her practice) and a dedication to staying the course, her results have been astounding.
Multiple studies show that yoga and similar mind-body techniques suppress genes tied to inflammation. The result: reduced inflammatory protein production, hinting at potential lower risks of stress-related diseases.
In the general adult population NIH overviews note benefits for stress, sleep, balance and certain pain conditions, especially when yoga is part of a broader healthy lifestyle.
In the older adult population yoga can improve balance, mobility, and fall-related physical functions. Chair-based and gentle forms of yoga are often used when mobility is limited.
Listen to this short and engaging video to hear Joan’s story in her own words on how yoga has helped her work through a broken wrist, frozen shoulder, a diabetes diagnosis, weight gain, and depression and see how she is living her best life at 70!
Contact Hope for more information or to start your healing journey!
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