Ottawa Yoga Blog - PranaShanti Yoga Centre Ottawa

Yoga Therapy for Thyroid Health

April 25, 2017February 14, 2021 by Devinder Kaur1 Comment

Yoga Therapy for Thyroid Health by Melissa Delaney The thyroid gland is an incredibly important part of the endocrine system and can affect various systems within the body such as brain function, bone development, metabolism, as well as the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. Thyroid disorders can be linked to hormone imbalances, genetics, autoimmune disorders, reproductive health and may even surface as a side effect from certain medications. As with many health risks poor diet and stress can also impact thyroid health. Unfortunately, thyroid disorders are common and if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications such as increased risk of osteoporosis and heart problems. To further educate yourself on thyroid health as well as keeping your thyroid healthy it is important to find an integrative thyroid specialist, get regular testing and follow a proper yet holistic treatment plan. My interest in yoga for thyroid health comes from my very own experience with thyroid disease. I experienced the typical symptoms such as...

Ana T. Forrest: Listening to the Stories in Our Bodies

April 19, 2017March 25, 2020 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Ana Forrest, as featured in "Spirituality & Health" magazine interview. Ana Forrest, based on Orcas Island, Washington, is the creator of Forrest Yoga, a unique method that combines physical practice with Eastern and Native American teachings. Ana believes that our personal stories as human beings are archived in our cells and that if we listen, our bodies will always tell the truth. Beyond teaching the ability to hold a pose, or to create strength and flexibility, Forrest’s “soul’s work” is to guide people―injured war veterans, those of us feeling afraid or numb, or abusing alcohol or drugs―through dramatic transformations, using the knowledge we hold in our bodies. In her book Fierce Medicine, Forrest writes, “Emotions have to be in motion to be healthy. If . . . they get stashed in the cell tissue . . . they morph into emotional pus balls. When you’re processing a difficult emotional situation, yoga can be powerful medicine.” Part of what inspired me to create Forrest Yoga...

Top Yoga Studio in the 2017 in Ottawa!

March 17, 2017March 17, 2017 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

PranaShanti Yoga Centre crowned Top Choice Award Winner for Top Yoga Studio in the 2017 Annual Top Choice Award Survey. Ottawa, Ontario, CA -- March 10th, 2017 -- Top Choice Awards has announced that PranaShanti Yoga Centre has been crowned the winner for Top Yoga Studio of 2017 in the city of Ottawa. PranaShanti Yoga Centre has set new standards for quality, service, image, value and professionalism. We have excelled in our category through hard work and complete dedication to our customers. This award is a testament to the skill, passion and vision of our company. We truly appreciate this recognition and the association with the exclusive Top Choice Award circle of winners in North America. Top Choice Awards is an International market research firm, focusing on the experience of the customers. Since 2005, winners are released annually to recognize and showcase the most trusted and appealing service organizations and businesses across North America; with the launch of their new social media voting platform;...

Calm Your Nerves With Yoga

March 17, 2017March 17, 2017 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Calm Your Nerves with Yoga By Devinder Kaur When we face a stressful situation (or a life-threatening one), a surge of hormones prepares us to fight or flee. Our heart rate goes up, our muscles tense, and we are on alert. This is a natural survival mechanism called “the stress response.” Depending on our circumstances, we might activate the fight or flight response many times during a day. Traffic, loud noises, work deadlines, frustrating thoughts, and other concerns bring on the stress response and activate the sympathetic nervous system. The repeated surge of hormones takes its toll on the body and, over time, this low-grade chronic stress leads to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and muscle tension. If your sympathetic nervous system repeatedly springs into action, there will be an imbalance. The relaxation response is meant to counter the stress response and the effects of stress. Blood flow is redirected to the digestive and reproductive organs, and to the endocrine...

Bring LoveYourBrain to Ottawa!

January 23, 2017February 14, 2021 by Devinder Kaur5 Comments

We believe that yoga has the potential to transform the well being of those living with traumatic brain injury by improving their ability to strengthen and reconnect their mind and body. Bring the LoveYourBrain Program to Ottawa! Join our LoveYourBrain Fundraiser Saturday, April 1, 2017 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm LoveYourBrain is a non profit organization that supports those affected by brain injury. LoveYourBrain is dedicated to connecting, educating, and empowering people to prevent brain injury, support brain injury recovery and most importantly promote a brain healthy lifestyle. The organization was born after Kevin Pearce, a former professional snowboarder, suffered a traumatic brain injury while training for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. His road to recovery has brought to light the severity of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and the need for everyone to love their brain. LoveYourBrain programs are designed to build community, foster resilience, and help people understand the importance of loving your brain. They enable people who have experienced a TBI and those...

Top Yoga Studio of 2017 in Ottawa!

December 30, 2016December 30, 2017 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

PranaShanti Yoga Centre is Nominated as Top Yoga Studio of 2017 in Ottawa Vote for us! Voting is OPEN until January 6! Your vote is important. It helps Top Choice Awards discover new, noteworthy businesses, and helps other people in Ottawa enjoy better overall products and services. By voting you are also thanking those who proudly serve you and our community every day. Show your support and vote for us! Vote HERE!...

Winter Solstice Celebration

December 16, 2016December 21, 2016 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Tuesday, December 20, 2016 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Midwinter's day has been an important time for celebration throughout the ages. On this shortest day of the year, the sun is at its lowest and weakest, a pivot point from which the light will grow stronger and brighter. This is the turning point of the year. To celebrate this sacred time we will walk an incredible light-filled Labyrinth that is being created for us in the Spirit Room! The labyrinth is a metaphor for what is sacred in our lives. When we walk the path inward, we carry our burdens with us. When we meditate or pray in the center, we ask for grace, forgiveness, and understanding. When we walk the path outward, we are lighter, more joyful and ready yet again to take on life's challenges. Live music by the local musical group called Saturnfly and will enhance our sacred experience as we are guided along our walk with their ambient soundscapes and live...

Golden Milk: Healing Tonic for Vitality and Flexibility

December 14, 2016January 14, 2026 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

Turmeric is the most healing root for the body. It comes from the root of a plant which is grown mainly in India but it has been used in many countries for thousands of years as a healing food. It is known to be beneficial to the inner organs, the spine and the joints. It is purifying to the blood and promotes general good health. It also has external healing properties and can be used in masks and baths for the skin. Golden Milk can help to repair damage to nerve centers caused by drug abuse. Drink it every day for 40 days. When used internally, it should be cooked rather than raw, so that the body can more easily assimilate its healing powers. It is an essential nutrient for women over the age of 28. Golden Milk is especially beneficial for stiff joints and provides a source of lubrication for the entire system. It includes both essential oils and turmeric, both vital...

Annual Unlimited Holiday Special!

November 29, 2016April 23, 2020 by Devinder Kaur4 Comments

Make a commitment to yourself! This package is truly UNLIMITED! With the PranaShanti Annual Unlimited Package Holiday Special you will enjoy: No limit to the number of classes you practice Choose from over 80+ weekly drop in classes 10% off special events, workshops and trainings 10% off all boutique purchases and Infrared Sauna sessions 10 complimentary yoga class passes to bring friends to class with you! Free yoga mat rentals This special is available from December 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017, with the holiday special price of $1,275.00 (HST included) which includes all the goodies listed above for 365 days! A $300.00 savings just on the package price with more savings all year long! Sign Up!...

Get to know Michael Stone!

November 10, 2016October 31, 2017 by Devinder KaurNo Comments

We are delighted to welcome Michael Stone back to PranaShanti on December 9-11, 2016 for a Master Class Weekend on Embodying Practices. Before Michael's arrival you may like to listen in on some of his podcasts to get a feel for his teaching. The Dharma Talks podcast with Michael Stone is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts are recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone is often described as a cross between a spiritual teacher and public intellectual. His ability to integrate traditional contemplative teachings from his studies in yoga, Zen, and Vipassana, with the insights of Western psychology, gives him a unique voice for a new generation of students integrating mindfulness with the demands of their busy lives. He is the author...