Westmead, NSW - Integrative Medical Centre
Yoga is a wholistic system of health and wellbeing. Yoga practices include a combination of breath-centred movements and postures, breathing exercises, deep relaxation, meditation and more.
Next Practice care of Western Sydney Integrative Health takes an individualised and personal approach to yoga, offering different types of classes for different people, according to the needs, capacity and goals of each person in the class. Our classes are small and personalised. This allows the yoga teacher to develop an understanding of each person’s unique needs. The classes are then tailored to the needs of the students present. We encourage and teach people a common-sense and practical approach to yoga.
Yoga works best when each person develops their own knowledge and experience of how different approaches and techniques of yoga can help him or her the most, at that time. In our classes, we aim to educate, rather than just instruct. This is not a “style” of yoga, nor an “eclectic” approach. It is based on ancient wisdom and classical teachings, and informed by a modern evidence-based approach. As well as group classes, we also offer one-on-one personalised yoga sessions.
You do not have to be athletic or flexible to practise yoga, as your teacher will modify the practice for you as an individual and according to your ability. Yoga can even be practised while lying down or sitting in a chair.
Mindfulness Meditation is a method of paying attention to one’s experiences of the present moment with acceptance, and without judgement. Mindfulness meditation can involve paying attention to body sensations, experiences of the senses, breathing, mental imagery, emotions, thoughts, and muscle and body relaxation. Mindfulness meditation is a western, secular, research-based form of meditation derived from ancient Eastern teachings and practices, including yoga. It is a form of meditation designed to develop the skill of paying attention to our inner and outer experiences with acceptance, patience, and compassion. You do not need to “empty your mind” to meditate. Instead, mindfulness is a practice of noticing your thoughts as they arise from moment to moment, and letting go of any judgement of whether the thoughts are “good” or “bad”.
Tai Chi originated in China towards the end of Ming Dynasty (17th Century). Each style has its own variations in movements and characteristics, but the core theories and principles are similar, such as balance, breathing, coordination, relaxation and concentration.
An increasing body of scientific evidence suggests that Tai Chi may have potential benefits to physical health and psychological wellbeing, such as improvements in balance, musculoskeletal strength and flexibility, cardiovascular-respiratory function, appetite and digestive function, cognitive function, and immune function. Tai Chi can also reduce stress, anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality and duration, and enhance quality of life.
Westmead, NSW - Integrative Medical Centre