For November our blog focuses on our therapy of the month at the Centre, osteopathy.

In this article Osteopath Sharon Quilter gives us a brief introduction into this complementary therapy.

 

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is safe and natural. It’s a type of manual therapy that focuses on the framework of the body, namely bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. I observe and assess this musculoskeletal framework for weak areas, strains and imbalance as weak areas will determine how well the body functions. This in turn will have an influence on the general health of the whole person.

 

We have become well known for treating people with back and neck problems, but also treat a wide range of painful disorders, but in essence we treat people not ‘conditions’.   The aim of treatment is not only to relieve pain and get you going again as soon as possible, but also to find out what the cause of the problem is and how to stop it from recurring.

 

Osteopathy for Babies and Children

Some people are surprised to hear that osteopaths treat babies and children. Many times birth and other traumas create strains within the developing body, which, if left unresolved, become fixed. Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle type of treatment using subtle adjustments to relieve the strains throughout the body, including the head. It is similar to straightening a small twig in order for it to grow into a straight tree.

 

Is Osteopathy Safe?

The Osteopathic profession is regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Visit their website for more information regarding regulation and safety.

 

Who is Sharon Quilter, Registered Osteopath at the Woodbridge Complementary Health Centre

I have over twenty years of experience as an osteopath; first working in London then coming to Suffolk in 2000. I am a rather gentle osteopath using articulation and Cranial Osteopathy as well as Medical Acupuncture as my preferred treatment methods. I am also a Yoga Teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience, which helps me in prescribing appropriate stretching, exercises, breathing and other stress relieving advice if needed.

 

If you’d like to know more about Osteopathy at the Centre and the work that Sharon does then click on the links or call 01394 388234.

 

November Posture of the Month – Tree posture, Vrksasana

 

During the autumn months our attention is drawn to the trees as their leaves change colour and the orange, brown and red colours produce wonderful, ‘Old England in the Fall’ scenes. As the leaves begin to fall away we can see this as a process of letting go, conserving energy and preparing for the winter months ahead.

 

The Tree posture is a balance and can be done simply and developed as your confidence with performing balance increases. If you feel unsteady, you can stand with your back against a wall or within reach of something stable you can hold on to while you master the posture. A windowsill, worktop or solid piece of furniture make good sources of support.

 

Benefits

• Improves concentration and focus
• Strengthens the ankles and legs
• Increases focus on lengthening the spine
• Improves balance and core strength
• Strengthens and tones the feet

 

How to do it

• Begin in a standing position – Tadasana is best
• Settle your gaze ahead of you
• Breath gently and quietly
• Move your weight onto your right foot
• Slowly lift your left foot from the floor, turn your knee out to the left and place your left foot against the inside of your right calf or thigh
• When you feel steady, bring both hands in front of you, palms together
• Relax your shoulders and lengthen your neck
• Maintain your focus and steady breathing for as long as you are comfortable
• When you finish, replace your left foot on the ground
• Repeat the posture, balancing on your left foot
• Stand quietly before moving on to other postures

 

Things to watch

• Avoid locking the supporting knee back
• Slightly tighten the buttock muscles so that they support you fully
• Try not to push the hip of the supporting leg out to the side – keep it tucked in
• Keep your spine long and you may find it helpful to tuck your tail bone in – this will slightly lengthen your lower back
• As your balance improves you can try more advanced versions of the posture

 

Link for more info: http://www.bwy.org.uk/yoga-postures/ – it’s the 7th posture on the list

 

Izzy Ixer

British Wheel of Yoga Dip Yoga Tutor and Coach

You can find out more about Izzy here and about yoga at the Centre here

Twitter @IzzyIxer or @IzzyYoga