May 2020
Approximately 10 years ago I had a radical surgery for Thoracic outlet syndrome which required removal of the my 1st rib and my anterior scalene muscle. I have little to no fine mirror motor skills in my right hand. I still suffer from nerve pain, but it is much more manageable and doesn’t define who I am. It is due to yoga therapy that I have been on the road of recovery since 2010. The day that I found Yoga Therapy, was one of the worst days and best days of my life. I was at the pain clinic where the only option was fentanyl patches. I left that office feeling like there was no hope. I absolutely was not going to start using fentanyl patches, but was paralyzed with fear about how I would manage the slow death of my arm and the increasing unbearable nerve pain.
As I was standing in the reception area, I saw a flyer for yoga therapy with Robin Rothenberg. I called Robin that same day, and saw her very soon after my visit to the pain clinic. My first session was working with my breath. I realize now after all of these years later, that my sympathetic nervous system was out of control because I was chest breathing due to chronic pain and anxiety. It has been a long journey. I have studied and trained with Robin for approximately 10 years, as I found my calling to be a Yoga Therapist. Facing fear was one of the key elements of managing my physical and mental health. When my sympathetic nervous system is ramped up due to fear, (whether it’s from physical or emotional pain) I struggle to find a pathway to face my fear and anxiety. With functional breathing, my parasympathetic nervous system puts the brakes on and allows my central nervous system to come into balance.
For me, beginning with the breath, and taking baby steps towards physical and mental health with yoga as my guide, helps me have the courage to face my fears, and continue my journey to wholeness. Through extensive research, I have learned about the science of neuroplasticity. Yoga enables us to create new neural pathways that lead us towards improved health and well-being.Practice over a long period of time and the willingness to go deeply within helped me face my fears. I feel very honored that I am in a position as a Yoga Therapist of helping others find their way back to health as they meet their fears along the way.