Yoga Classes at Smith Center are designed for people with illness and caregivers. Science tells us that psychological stress can affect the immune system, the body’s defense against infection and disease, including cancer. Reducing stress benefits us physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Gentle Morning Yoga
With Corrin Bennett
Wednesdays | 10:45am
Learn various techniques to help reduce stress and balance mind, body and spirit. Enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing and enhanced energy. All levels welcome. Both classes: $10/session or $25/month. Register online
Gentle Evening Yoga
With Kymberly Sevilla
Wednesdays | 5:30-6:45pm
Learn various techniques to help reduce stress and balance mind, body and spirit. Enjoy a greater sense of wellbeing and enhanced energy. All levels welcome. Both classes: $10/session or $25/month. Register online
Benefits of Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Note that 'rest' is different than sleep. Rest provides the body an opportunity to renew and heal. Countless studies have proven the physical and emotional benefits of this.
Restorative yoga, as well as other forms of yoga, help to trigger the Parasympathetic Nervous System, also known as the PNS. The PNS is responsible for balancing the body and bringing its response system back into equilibrium. Stimulating the PNS helps to lower heart rate, blood pressure; it helps to healthily stimulate the immune system and keep the endocrine system operating healthily.
When this system gets out of whack, or when the Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) gets over-stimulated, the PNS helps to bring all back in balance. It is believed that is the PNS is tapped out or under-active, illness pervades. Thus, forms of relaxation, such as yoga and meditation, that help to stimulate the PNS are generally beneficial for overall body health.
David Spiegel, MD, author of Living Beyond Limits, reports, "In medicine, we are learning that physical problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, can be influenced by psychological interventions, such as relaxation training. Mind and body are connected and must work together, and this should be a powerful asset in treating medical illness."
“The most valuable experience was just being here—finding the courage to listen to myself and look at what was going on inside—what I haven’t been dealing with.” —Past workshop participant
