Deals

Win a Lifetime Membership to Yogi Surprise!

Win a Lifetime Membership to Yogi Surprise!

Attention all yogis and yoginis! A new company called ‘Yogi Surprise‘ is set to launch very soon. It’s a monthly care package designed to complement the active yogi’s lifestyle! Think of it as a mini yoga retreat delivered to your doorstep. Each month, Yogi Surprise will send its members 6-8 full size products ranging from items like unique yoga accessories and natural beauty items to herbal tonics, organic snacks, super food essentials and more! Sounds fabulous doesn’t it? And best of all, here’s your chance to win a lifetime membership: http://invite.yogisurprise.com/

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Free Yoga & Coconut Water at Bikram Yoga Vancouver!

Free Yoga & Coconut Water at Bikram Yoga Vancouver!

Bikram Yoga Vancouver is celebrating its first anniversary this Saturday (September 29) and is holding a big birthday bash to celebrate the occasion. It’s been a year since the opening of their Cambie street location at City Square Mall, so they are offering FREE yoga classes all day for anyone and everyone. If you didn’t think that was great enough, Cocos Pure is also giving away FREE coconut water, and Zenzation is holding draws for free yoga mats and hot yoga towels! Serious discounts on retail and yoga packages will also be made available for anyone looking for a great deal. See you there!

Where: Unit #22-555 West 12th Avenue, City Square Mall, Vancouver | Phone: 604-568-068 | www.bikramyogavancouver.com

When: Saturday, September 29th

Who: Everyone!

Starbucks App of the Week: Pocket Yoga – Practice Builder

Starbucks App of the Week: Pocket Yoga – Practice Builder

Starbucks’ free app of the week is currently Pocket Yoga – Practice Builder, by the developer Rainfrog LLC. This app is a yoga instructor in your pocket, everywhere you go!

Pocket Yoga is the premier yoga app available for iPhone/iPod/iPad.

The practice of yoga becomes beneficial when done on a regular basis. With Pocket Yoga you can keep up with your practice at your own pace and schedule in the comforts of your own home. Simply set your iPhone/iPod/iPad in front of your mat, start a practice, and Pocket Yoga will guide you through your entire session.

Choose between 3 different practices, 3 different difficulty levels and 3 different durations. A total of 27 different sessions!

Practices in Pocket Yoga are the unique and original creative design of the world-renowned school of Gaia Flow Yoga.

Features:

– Detailed voice and visual instruction guides you through every pose, including each inhalation and exhalation.
– Over 145 beautifully illustrated pose images with correct posture and positioning.
– Dictionary of poses containing descriptions and benefits of each pose.
– Maintains an ongoing log of all your yoga practices to track your progress and promote consistency.
– Practices designed by experienced yoga instructors.
– Ability to play music from your iPod library in place of the default music.
– All images are compatible with the new Retina display.
– TV out support! See your practice in your television.

Pick it up today at your nearest Starbucks location!

“TMJ” YOGA & YOUR TEETH

“TMJ” YOGA & YOUR TEETH

Temporomandibular joint disorder, TMJD (in the medical literature TMD), or TMJ syndrome, is an umbrella term covering acute or chronic pain and inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible to the skull. The primary cause is muscular hyper- or parafunction with secondary effects on the oral musculoskeletal system and are seen quite often in individuals who suffer from high stress, poor sleeping (clenching of the teeth) and poor posture.

The temporomandibular joint is susceptible to many of the conditions that affect other joints in the body, and in our clinical field of corrective movement management, we see a lot of this common disorder. However, TMJ is what seems to develop after a long period of time where the client goes untreated or neglects to acknowledge the breakdown signs.  Over time, our bodies adapt to our everyday movements to make it easier for us to function and get through the day; however, in time, these adaptations come at a cost and slowly change and pull our bodies out of alignment.

This specific disorder transcends the boundaries between several health-care disciplines — in particular, dentistry and neurology, corrective movement and pathology — there are a variety of treatment approaches and bridging the gap between your dentist and movement coach may be the key towards living pain free.

Yoga isn’t just for your muscles, it can also help protect your teeth and limit your trips to the dentist and need for oral corrective care.  But, if you do have to go to the dentist then we have the team for you.

The teeth have it! Oral Care is a great place to start

Dr. Melissa Skinner, Dentist and local athlete, has graciously offered to lend her experience and expertise on oral care, relaxation and TMJ so that we can understand this specific disorder that plagues so many and often goes mis diagnosed. In addition to the exceptional team and the great office location;  your dental experience is more like a spa. You have your own private booth, TV and head set and blanket. Yes, I said your own TV! All one would need is a green juice and a mani/pedi and you have a day at the spa.

Graduating top of her class from UBC School of Dentistry, Dr. Skinner is committed to lifelong learning, and is a member at the Kois Centre in Seattle, Washington. After finding numerous clients with TMJ related concerns, I took the liberty to ask an expert. Here are a few questions I posed to Dr. Skinner:

Q.  Hw often do you see TMJ (or even the initial signs) in your patients? And how does this affect their oral care?

A.  Temporomandibular disorders are very common and seen daily in the dental office. Those with jaw joint pain have difficulty opening their jaw, and commonly have limited opening. This affects oral care because it is more difficult for these patients to brush and floss their teeth.

Q.  Sleep clenching seems to be a contributor to TMJ pain. Since this is more of an unconscious act many perform due to disruptive sleep and stress. What are your thoughts on this and how can it be prevented?

A.  Clenching and grinding of the teeth are common habits that present themselves by chipping or wearing teeth, tired facial muscles, sore jaw joints and sensitive teeth. It can be caused by a poor bite and stress. Treatment is a removable appliance worn nightly that protects the teeth from further damage. Prevention is through bite correction, relaxation therapy, counselling to manage stress, yoga, and physiotherapy.

Q.   Most of this blog piece centers around the muscles and poor posture being the major cause, but in many cases it’s the teeth that can be the initiator. Correcting the way the teeth fit together seems to be where practitioners should start when confronted with TMJ. How does one check to see if their teeth are contributing to stress and pain?

A.   A bad bite can lead to clenching and grinding of the teeth. It’s a good idea to have a dentist check the bite to see if there are unhealthy tooth positions. If one tooth hits before the others, the chewing muscles become protective. Rather than bumping into that spot each time, the teeth close and the chewing muscles maneuver around the interference. This places extra strain on the muscles and they eventually become tired and painful. Interestingly enough, to reduce the pain, we clench our teeth harder! Babies do this by biting against a teething ring to decrease the pain of erupting teeth.

Q.  We know that such tightness and compression in the jaw and neck can lead to arthritis, cause nerve pressure, an increase in neck muscle injuries and in oral care does this affect the necessary salvation and inner workings needed to protect our teeth and oral cavity?

A.   As we mentioned, the teeth take the abuse from  clenching and grinding. Our teeth are not meant to take forces all the time. So they wear down, crack, get receding gums and become sensitive. But, the rest of the oral cavity and saliva flow are not affected. So long as the patient isn’t on medications, that can commonly cause dry mouth.

Q.  Are there specific treatments that you suggest in your profession to help treat TMJ related pain?

A.   Any TMJ pain is worrisome.  I know this is a sign that something is out of balance. It is possible that if nothing is done, the pain can get worse quite quickly.  It’s important to try to identify what is causing the pain. Is it the bite? Is the patient clenching their teeth and wearing  the joint? Does the patient have arthritis? Are there high levels of stress? … Once we know this, we go ahead on treat the pain. A splint to wear at night is a very common treatment to protect the teeth and provide some jaw relief by opening the bite.  If it’s a bite issue, we treat anywhere from tiny tooth adjustments to full orthodontics. Stress management is important for some patients. Others with muscle fatigue would benefit from massage therapy and physiotherapy that specialize in the jaw joint.

Q.  Since tooth decay is one of the leading causes of disease in children, how often do you see signs of problematic symptoms that could lead to teeth clenching, stress and changes in children’s oral structure?  And what advice can you offer to new parents to help steward their children into positive practices at home?

A.   A cavity in a baby tooth can get large at a very fast rate. This can cause a toothache. Pain can cause clenching, poor eating habits, poor attention and increased stress. Cavities also cause the teeth to shift forward in the mouth. This causes crowding of the permanent teeth.

My advice is to start oral hygiene habits early. Even when a baby has no teeth, it is a good idea to clean the baby’s mouth with a washcloth during bath time. Praise your kids when they clean their teeth, and be involved! Be a good role model, check that their teeth are clean and help them brush. Try making it fun by placing stickers on a calendar or using a cute timer to let your child know when it’s been long enough. Of course, getting regular dental visits is not only important to check for cavities, but teaches the child to love the dental office.

Q.   I feel very privileged to not only have you as my dentist, but as my friend and supporter. Third Street Dental is the key sponsor for the upcoming “RUN4MOM” Memorial run focused on supporting the positive face of mental health and education on the mental well-being of our community. What do you do to stay healthy? And Who is your dentist?

A.   Being healthy helps me tremendously at work. It helps me manage stress and helps my body handle the physical demands of dentistry. I absolutely love  hiking with my adorable Labrador. I enjoy yoga and love running. I recently ran my first half-marathon!

My dentist is the amazing Dr. Gail Landsberger, who also works with me at Third Street Dental!

 

What Muscles are Affected?

Most of the time it is a result of poor posture and ergonomics at work, living with stress and not knowing how to relax and often those who hold stress in their shoulders and neck and after long periods of time begin to forward head carry. We call this upper crossed syndrome (see previous blog post on upper cross syndrome – )  When we talk about forward head carry, there are many muscles that help with head and neck movements. The top 3 that I find with clients that are hyper tonic (high stress) are the longus capitis; which helps to reduce the lordotic curve of the cervical vertebrae and is a deep flexor muscle in the neck whose job is to laterally flex, rotate, and flex the head and neck.

Next up we have the anterior scalenes, and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). When the SCM is overworked it becomes fatigued quicker eventually leading to chronic forward head posture (head/neck extension). The levator scapulae is also a high functioning culprit where it’s main function is to lift the scapulae. It also works in conjunction with the pectoralis group (minor particularly) and the rhomboids (postural muscles).

As the muscles pull down on the base of the skull and upper neck, they also pull up on the scapula. All this adds up to compression on the cervical vertebra.

How can Yoga help?

Decompressing the muscles around the jaw line and neck are crucial to limiting stress in this area, and it starts with the practice of meditation, deep breathing and sensory awareness. Practicing a simple modified vinyasa sequence of child’s pose to downward facing dog to upward facing dog can help the flow of blood to the jaw and cranium, as well as improve the articulation of the spine.

Sequences to improve posture and reduce stress to the jaw and neck muscles:

  • Seated meditation (focus on softening the tongue and facial muscles
  • Seated cat flow (working in all 6 motions of the neck, extension, flexion, lateral extension, rotation)
  • Cat flow series to child’s pose vinyasa (mentioned above)
  • Cobra and sphinx poses (to help relax spine
  • Supine cervical and lumbar corrective movement (passive hip rotations)
  • Bridge pose variations to promote length in the spine and occipital ridge trigger release.
  • Soft tissue rolling with the foam roller (mid back, lats, glutes)

Conclusion:

I believe it is an important practice to work with other health care providers who believe in a holistic approach to optimal wellness. Dentistry is one of the most neglected pillars of our health and ultimately, it should be one of the first. For more information on Third Street Dental and Dr. Melissa Skinner, please see the information links below.

Dr. Gail Landsberger. Dr. Melissa Skinner. Dr. Henry Tom.

Fun Fact:

Third Street Dental is a community driven family oriented practice. This July 29th Dr. Skinner will be participating in my annual “RUN4MOM” Memorial Run that takes place over a span of 57km, supporting mental health and suicide prevention in our community.  They also support a plethora of community initiatives centered on youth and family well-being.

Sources:

10 Class Pass Savings At Yogacara Studios!

10 Class Pass Savings At Yogacara Studios!

Yogacara is currently offering a fantastic yoga deal! Today and tomorrow only (January 18th & 19th), purchase a 10 Class Pass and receive $20 credit on your account to use in the future. Best of all? The 10 Class Pass NEVER EXPIRES! The credit of $20 will be applied to your account within 24 hours of the purchase. FYI: May not be used in combination with any other coupon code. Click here to purchase the pass, and visit the Yogacara website for further details. Happy savings!

Chopra Yoga 2 Weeks Of Unlimited Yoga

Chopra Yoga 2 Weeks Of Unlimited Yoga

Since opening their doors to the public mid December, 2011, Chopra Yoga has been blessed with the blossoming of a new and exciting yoga community. It is growing every day! Chopra Yoga would like to convey their gratitude to all of who have been a part of their beautiful beginnings.

For those who have not yet visited their studio, they would like to announce their new two week introductory offer that allows unlimited access to the studio and its amenities for only $40. That’s right, this one time offer for first time visitors includes 14 days to try all of Chopra Yoga’s services:

  • Unlimited Yoga
  • Unlimited Infrared Sauna
  • Free Mat & Towel Service

Click here to visit their website and register for this membership.

Give The Gift Of Yoga: Passport To Prana

Looking for the perfect holiday surprise for the person who has everything? How about giving the best yoga your city has to offer with Passport to Prana, the original multi-studio yoga pass? Spread the cheer and goodwill over a full year of classes–that’s right, the Passport to Prana is now good for a full twelve months from the date of activation–ranging from slow and restorative to fast and fiery. Perfect for both couch potatoes and yoga buffs, alike, Passport to Prana is the perfect treat to tuck into your loved ones’ stockings this year. Order by Dec 15th to receive your Passport in time for the holidays.

Here are top 5 reasons for giving the gift of yoga this holiday season:

1. Passport to Prana makes a great stocking stuffer.

2. Share the amazing benefits of yoga: increased calm, better sleep, overall improvements in strength and flexibility–need we say more?

3. Workout without breaking the bank. Passport to Prana offers you months and months of yoga for a fraction of the cost of joining a gym.

4. Meet the neighbours. Passport to Prana gives you ample incentive to get off the couch and into different neighbourhoods. See what your city has to offer.

5. Show someone you care. Introduce a loved one to a practice that will improve their quality of life for years to come. Now that’s a real gift!

Visit www.passporttoprana.com and use the following promotional code to receive 10% off (offer expires December 15th, 2011) your next online Passport to Prana purchase site wide: HAPPYHOLIDAYS           

Christmas Yoga Deals In The Lower Mainland!

Source: http://www.vayushayoga.com/

Not sure about you, but I have a few friends and family members who might be interested in yoga, if it was free. Christmas is the perfect time to give them the gift of YOGA! Not from the Vancouver area? Want some deals in the burbs?

In the interest of helping you help your suburban potential yogi, here are a few yoga deals happening in the Lower Mainland:

Langley:

Hari Om Yoga (http://www.hariomyoga.com/) – Buy a 5 Class Card for $50! On sale now until Dec 24, this is a very reasonably priced gift for that potential yogi. All cards expire on Feb 28
(only one card can be used per person, although one person can multiples as gifts).

Bikram Yoga Langley (http://www.bikramyogalangley.com/) – Karma promo ends tomorrow!  KARMA classes! Bring a non-perishable or monetary donation with you to class. Anyone making a
donation will receive 20% off packages and memberships!

White Rock:

Live Yoga (http://www.liveyoga.ca/)– With every gift certificate of $25 or more purchased before Christmas, receive a free class! The class can be used yourself, or given away as a stocking stuffer!  Live Yoga is also hosting a Holiday Karma Yoga Class on Dec 11 from 1pm-2:15pm by donation to the Food Bank.

Surrey:

Vayusha Yoga Studio (http://www.vayushayoga.com/): In December only, buy One Month of Unlimited Yoga for $30!

Abbotsford:

Bikram Yoga Abbotsford (http://www.bikramyogaabbotsford.com/) –Buy a 40 class card for $299! Save $150! No expiry date!

Know of any other great deals for yogis? Comment below and I’ll include them next week!

Yogacara Groupon Deals!

For the first time, Yogacara is being featured on Groupon! That’s right, now you can receive an up to 80% discount at your favourite yoga studios. Today’s Groupon is valid at both Yogacara studios, which are located on Trafalgar Street & West Broadway in Kitsilano and on Main Street at 29th in Vancouver. Choose between two options:

  • For $40, you get 10 yoga and Pilates classes (up to a $150 value).
  • For $90, you get 30 yoga and Pilates classes (up to a $450 value).

Never been to a Yogacara studio before? Check out our review of their lovely Kitsilano location here. Like what you see? Click here to to get your Yogacara Groupon!

[yogacarastudios.com]

Last Day Of Semperviva Friends & Family Sale!

Today (December, 6, 2011) is the last day of Semperviva Friends & Family Sale! Receive 20% off merchandise and prepaid memberships…

To receive the discount online simply enter the code ff11. Or visit us in store and save on memberships as well as our amazing selection of socially and environmentally conscious merchandise.

Buy 1 month, save $19.71
Buy 3 months, save $59.14
Buy 6 months, save $118.28
Buy 12 months, GET ONE MONTH FREE, save $338.43
Buy 24 months, GET TWO MONTHS FREE, save $676.85
Buy a 10 class card, save $27.80

**There will be a slight increase to membership fees effective January 1st, 2012. Discount does not apply to Yoga Teacher Training, Retreats, Gift Cards, or the 10.00 per week INTRO offer.

[semperviva]

Yoga Food Drive Classes At Steve Nash Fitness World

Yoga Food Drive Classes At Steve Nash Fitness World

Steve Nash Fitness World Kitsilano location is currently offering karma (by donation) Hatha ” Yoga Food Drive” classes! Yoga Food Drive classes are sixty minutes long and are taught by their awesome yoga instructor, Derek. Currently the classes are being offered on Thursdays from 8:15am to 9:15am, and occasionally on Tuesdays from 11:00am to 12:00pm (call the club to verify, as times and days are subject to change).

Give back this season while benefiting from stress reducing Yoga! Our Yoga Fod Drive class at all clubs is open to all members and their non-member guests in exchange for at least 1 non-perishable food item. All donations delivered to local food banks by December 25, 2011.

Yoga classes at Steve Nash Fitness World are specialty classes that require an additional charge on top of your regular monthly membership — so Yoga Food Drive is a fantastic way to give back to your community, and get a deal on yoga!

Steve Nash Fitness World Kitsilano
#200-2150 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604-742-4440
stevenashfitnessclubs.com

Free Yoga, Great Deals, Fun Times – A Perfect Day of Yoga!

Source: http://www.hardtailforever.com/yoga2009b.htm#

Thanks to Taya for mentioning this week the Fall Open House this Saturday, Oct 22 at Hari Om Yoga in Langley!

As the store manager and someone who has attended the open house many times, I can vouch for what a great day of yoga and yoga community this will be. Not only are the classes free all day (yay!), but Hari Om will be placing much of its yoga wear on special at 15% off! 20 and 50 class cards will be reduced by 10% on Saturday as well.

Hari Om stocks some of your favourite brands in yoga wear, featuring new shipments of Be Present and Hard Tail Forever, two unique brands made in North America.

Come and join a fun day of yoga with us! We will have food and snacks, as well as a great line-up of classes to try – whether you’re new to yoga and want to see what it’s about, or maybe you already know and love the yoga practice and just want to come for the fun of it! Classes are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to reserve your spot!

I’ll be there all day (and teaching Tragically Hips at 3pm!) so drop by and say hello!

Hari Om Yoga is located at #102 – 20230 64 Ave, Langley. For questions, call 604-539-5066 or email info@hariomyoga.com. See you there!

Class schedule:

9-10am – Yin/Yang

10:30-11:30am – Hot

12:00-1:00pm – Luna

1:30-2:30pm – Yoga for Beginners

3:00-4:00pm – Tragically Hips

4:30-5:30 – Relax Deeply

YYoga Membership 15% Off Sale!

YYoga’s annual 15% Off Sale is coming soon! For one week only — October 17 – 24th — enjoy 15% off their 3, 6 & 12 month full pay memberships.

With a YYoga membership you receive unlimited access to all classes and use of our detoxifying infrared saunas. After practice you can enjoy all of our center amenities like showers and tea lounges. Members also receive 10% off retail, 15% off first wellness treatments and exclusive offers and incentives from YYoga friends and partners through the membership benefits program.

Never experienced YYoga before and want to see what these awesome studios are all about? Try their $35 two week introductory pass (which can be used at any of their six centres) to get started. Choose from a variety of classes and styles and discover what works best for you.

To take advantage of their annual 15% off sale, visit a YYoga location or purchase online starting October 17th, 2011 (mark it on your calendars!). For prices and further information, visit their website: YYoga.ca.

[source: yyoga.ca]

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