Share our Piece of Paradise!

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Do It Better on Paros!  Perhaps that is a better slogan than Something for Everyone on Paros.

Yoga is popular here because the island ambiance is already attuned to relaxation and harmony.  You have probably heard of the famous Parian marble.  Its existence means we are sitting on one huge crystal with all its healing and psychic benefits.

Our village of Aliki is fortunate to be the home of Oona Giesen's Yoga Studio.  She has lived on Paros many years and has had extensive training in the instruction of yoga.  Learn more on her web site then contact us about arranging a personalized package of classes, accommodation, transportation and more. We can give you the best of Paros, of Aliki and of the Greek island atmosphere.

Yoga holiday on a Greek island                           

Practicing Yoga Safely while Pregnant

Editors Note:  Although many photos of Oona show her instructing yoga while pregnant, she did not write this article.

Yoga students who find out that they are pregnant may still be able to do these exercises. Contrary to what many people think, Yoga is good for both you and your unborn child. You will not hurt the baby, but you will be able to create a healthy environment for the baby if you learn to do the yoga poses correctly. You can also begin to do yoga when you are pregnant. There are a few poses that you will want to avoid, but you can learn to avoid the harmful poses and master the poses that are suggested as prenatal yoga.  

Yoga is beneficial because it is a mental exercise as well as a physical one. Those who try to learn and use yoga as a meditation tool are able to relax and control their breathing. This will help during labor, especially if you are opting to give birth without the use of drugs. You will also learn how to stay calm during your later stages of pregnancy as well as the stressful days of adjusting to a new baby.  

Here are rules that you will need to follow when practicing yoga when you are pregnant. First, stay hydrated, stopping often for water breaks. If you get too overheated, your core body temperature rises even more, which can harm the baby. For this reason, “hot” yoga is dangerous and should be avoided while you are pregnant.  You will also want to eat some extra calories since you are eating for two.  Yoga exercise will burn the extra calories from yourself and the baby.

Now for some poses to avoid which can be harmful towards the baby. Lying flat on your back, for example, can reduce blood flow to your brain and to the uterus, making you dizzy and causing developmental problems for your baby. Also skip positions that are inverted, or those that require great amounts of balance. Remember that your stomach is growing every day, so you will never be able to fully get used to your new shape and stay balanced. Keep in mind that you don’t fall because it can hurt yourself or the baby. If the position includes major twisting or stretching in the abdominal region, they may also not be best for you and your baby. Finally, avoid transitions in which you must stand quickly from a laying or sitting position, since this can be uncomfortable and cause you to be dizzy, as well as restrict blood flow to your uterus.

There are a lot of positions that you will find to be helpful, however, most pregnant women will either practice yoga or they will do things to stretch their body. You will want to talk to your yoga instructor on what they recommend for your and your unborn child. You may also want to speak with your medical practitioner and ask them if yoga will help you and your baby to stay healthy.

Relax and enjoy your new position in life.

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Last modified: 01/30/10