It's Just Yoga Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021

YOUR CONNECTION TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY

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IT’S JUST YOGA

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IT’S JUST YOGA

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SPECIAL THANK YOU

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Also Sending Our Yogi Love to Those Who Help Make the “It’s Just Yoga" Festival A Magical Experience Each Year Glen Gonzalez (aka Double G) Logistics Manager Henry Green (aka Hank) All Around Get It Done Guy Gloria Capozzi (aka Our Guiding Angel) New Hope for Kids

A MESSAGE FROM

COLETTE AND CATHIE

Hello IJY (It’s Just Yoga) Friends!

From our yoga mats to yours, we would like to welcome you to the 7th Annual “It’s Just Yoga” Health & Fitness Festival and the 4th edition of our IJY Magazine.

We began this journey 7 years ago when we hosted the Inaugural “It’s Just Yoga” Fest and now our brand has grown to include the IJY (It’s Just Yoga) Magazine and IJY (It’s Just Yoga) Connects Membership Club.

In this especially trying year, we felt what we all needed a sense of belonging, a sense of community, and a space to CONNECT with others in Central Florida who enjoy a healthy lifestyle. This is why we created the IJY subscription-based membership club—IJY Connects.

IJY Connects members receive early invitations to exclusive events, a safe place to ask questions and discuss current topics, and interactive online and in-person classes. Also, members receive the IJY Box on a quarterly basis, filled with free samples and discount coupons.

PEYTON LOGEMAN

IJY

WELCOME

Colette (left) is the producer of the “It’s Just Yoga” Festival and owner of inPower Events. Cathie is her life-long friend and principal writer for the magazine.

We are thrilled to present these platforms to Central Florida and hope you can join us as we continue this journey together.

Thank you — hope to meet you at the fest!

Remember all classes are 100% donationbased to New Hope for Kids.

Namaste, Colette & Cathie

To learn more about New Hope, or to volunteer, please visit www.newhopeforkids.org or call 407-331-3059.

ABOUT THE COVER ALEX RODGERS NAMASTE WITH ALEX NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL

IJY Magazine is a trademark of inPower Events, LLC. The publisher is not responsible for omissions or errors. The opinions of the authors are those alone. Neither the publishers or the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found herein, and the publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers and other affiliated content contained within this publication. 2021 inPower Events, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

I took a leap in 2014 and moved from Missouri to Orlando with the expectation of starting a new adventure. I knew hardly anyone here and in the beginning I struggled to find a place where I truly fit in. Once I found yoga, that all changed. I quickly learned how amazing and supportive the local yoga community was and it encouraged me to begin a consistent yoga practice. In 2017, I started my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and during those four months, my world expanded more than I had hoped. I gained knowledge, friendships, awareness and love for myself, as well as others. I now teach at a local studio (Project 7) in the Ivanhoe District and I have built many strong relationships with other teachers and students. They inspire me to show up every day, to be present, to let go, and to lead with love in my heart. I believe that yoga in Central Florida has a unique and strong community of people wanting to be there for one another, whether physically, emotionally, or energetically. I'm blessed to have found this practice and this community and look forward to meaningfully participating within it for many years to come.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BLAISE FISCHBACH SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | ijyconnects..com | IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE 1

COMMUNITY

THE HEALING POWER OF

COMMUNITY

BY DR. BROOKE STUART

H

aving a community, or a group of people that come together for the betterment of all, is a fundamental key to health and well-being. There is power in community, where we are able to connect, join together, uplift and awaken to each other through the power that lies within.

Being part of a group energy through a team, yoga class, meetup group, church, sporting event, service project or any other empowered collective has been proven to have a myriad of healing psychological and physiological benefits ranging from the alleviation of distress, depression, addictive behavior, inflammation, insomnia, heart disease and a number of other broad spectrum disease states.

It’s the perfect way to collaborate, increase awareness, and share experiences while giving and receiving support.

At times, it may seem easier to retreat into isolation. However, these moments may be the most important times to extend your reach into a new yoga class, a supportive community or into the office of an enlightened professional.

In this tech-driven age, it is easier than ever to get caught up in an unfulfilling type of pseudo connection. Here, it is all too easy to seek validation through external metrics, feeling even more isolated and alone behind the guise of a screen. However, it is also easier than ever to connect with old friends, meet new people, join empowering groups and find events that resonate with

you— like the “It’s Just Yoga” Health & Fitness Festival’s – It’s Just One Moment Meditation.

It’s all about perception, intention and choice, and the internet can amplify and affirm both sides and what we believe to be true.

As Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” and in this day and age, when it is all too easy to close ourselves off and look down, I encourage you to look up, reach out, engage, extend a hand and to be in community. I encourage you to acknowledge the next person that crosses your path, smile, take an extra moment to hold the door, make some feel comfortable in a potentially awkward situation and be kind—because you never know how your presence can impact that one life and each and every experience you encounter. It starts with you.

So tap in, take it in, add value and show up because within community, you just may find that you come home to yourself.

Dr. Stuart is a doctor in Maitland, specializing in holistic counseling and functional medicine, tailoring treatment plans for her patients and partnering with them to meet their health goals. For more information on her private practice, check here: www.drbrookestuart.com!

2 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

JOIN US AS WE CREATE CENTRAL FLORIDA’S LARGEST MEDITATION MOMENT! OPEN TO THOSE WITH SMILING FACES AND OPEN HEARTS 10:15 A.M. It's Just Yoga Health & Fitness Festival Covid Protocols Require Pre-Registration—Sign Up At: IJYConnects.com It’s Just One Moment [Orlando], guided

by Dr. Brooke Stuart, founder of Let Go & Grow® International, is about gathering together, being in community and waking up to each other through the power that lies within.

One Moment is your reminder to reconnect, reset and remember who, what and where you are—leaving you with a simple, 3-minute, heart-based practice that you can recall anytime, anywhere and activate right away to reenter into that one moment for the better.

There are over 7 billion people on the planet, 300 million in the U.S., 20 million in Florida, and 200,000 in Orlando— all of which can be impacted by you, in just one moment.

Thank you, Chris Vella – State Farm Insurance Agent, for your support of It’s Just One Moment.

Chris Vella, State Farm Agent

Now’s Your Chance to

PURCHASE YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

A NEW 2021 BMW

WIN A BMW

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Only 2000 tickets available!

TO BENEFIT:

For more information visit:

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New Hope for Kids mission is to support children and families grieving the death of a loved one and to grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida.

A Community of Good Neighbors Is Not Just What We Say—It Is What We Do

Chris Vella, State Farm Agent We are proud to sponsor “It’s Just One Moment,” Central Florida’s largest group meditation, guided by Dr. Brooke Stuart. Please join us!

Chris Vella Insurance Agency, Inc. • Chris Vella, Agent 992 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando FL 32807 • 407.898.8836 • www.ChrisVella.com SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | ijyconnects.com | IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE 3

COVID Protocols require pre-registration for classes—sign up at:

IJYConnects.com

CLASS SCHEDULE TIME

CLASS

APRIL 25, 2021 LAKE EOLA PARK ORLANDO All Classes Donation Based for New Hope for Kids

DETAILS LOCATION: Area A • PRESENTED BY: Dr. Brooke Stuart Join us as we create Central Florida's Largest Meditation Moment

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM

IT'S JUST ONE MOMENT

Chris Vella, State Farm Agent It’s Just One Moment is about gathering together, being in community and waking up to each other through the power that lies within.

One moment is your reminder to reconnect, reset and remember who, what and where you are- leaving you with a simple, 3 min. heart-based practice that you can recall anytime, anywhere and activate right away to reenter into that one moment for the better.

“It’s Just” One Moment (OM) is made possible by Chris Vella State Farm, Chris Vella, Agent

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

BUTI YOGA FLOW

LOCATION: Area B • PRESENTED BY: Elevate Yoga Center

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

COMMUNITY YOGA

LOCATION: Area A • PRESENTED BY: Miriam Reh of Yoga in Lake Eola Park

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

FAMILY / KIDS YOGA

For the music-loving yogi who likes a good sweat and boost of self-love. Get your cardio fix with this core-centric class that combines classic yoga poses with plyometrics and elements of dance.

Everyone is welcome as rad teachers guide participants through a all-level, friendly movement yoga practice.

All ages and ability levels are welcome — this is a judgement-free zone.

LOCATION: Area C • PRESENTED BY: Bendy & Balanced Yoga and Elevate Yoga

Family yoga creates great opportunities for bonding time, learning together and teamwork. This class is full of movement, fun and mindfulness. We bark in downward dog, hiss in cobra pose and land peacefully on our mats in butterfly pose. Above all, we have fun!

LOCATION: Area B • PRESENTED BY: Guruv Yoga

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

GO WITH THE FLOW

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

BEGINNERS’ YOGA

Yes, yoga can help you move, sweat and breathe. With consistency, flow yoga can help you strengthen, tone and increase your metabolism. Remember that your body was meant to move. The key in your practice is to learn to move mindfully toward your "edge," the place where your body feels challenged, but not overwhelmed. In this class, expect to work up a sweat, without twisting into a pretzel.. ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

LOCATION: Area A • PRESENTED BY: Yoga Mix Orlando

This class will break down yoga poses in an easy to understand format that will teach you the names of poses, proper alignment, transitions, breath work, and safe physical methods and body awareness. This class will be taught at a slow pace, making it very accessible. All ages, fitness levels, shapes and sizes welcome!

LOCATION: Area C • PRESENTED BY: Sarah Zagaceta

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

YOGA CORAZÓN

(Instructed in Spanish)

GENTLE YOGA

¿Que tan abierto esta tu corazón? Conecta con tu energía compasiva en esta clase de 1 hora apta para todos. Sera una sesión de Vinyasa donde, a través de respiración y movimientos fluidos, trabajaremos nuestra apertura de pecho y activaremos nuestro centro de emociones mas altas, Chakra Corazon.

LOCATION: Area B • PRESENTED BY: Maitland Harmony Yoga

Gentle Yoga is a variation of Hatha Yoga which is accessible to students of all levels. This practice is taken at a slow pace and incorporates modifications for each pose that promote bodily awareness. Gentle yoga is the perfect practice for someone who is new to yoga or looking to slow down and refocus their practice.

LOCATION: Area A • PRESENTED BY: Om Sunshine Yoga & SUP

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

YIN YOGA for Gentle Hatha poses for your muscles combined with longer-held yin postures that will lengthen the connective AFTER WORKOUTS tissues. Combine this with a bit of breathwork and meditation for a tranquil experience that is great for post-workout, unwinding and a wonderful compliment to your more dynamic yoga practice.

4 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

please visit the

It's just yoga (IJY) marketplace at the fest!

The Marketplace is free and attendees can interact, sample and explore the latest trends in health, wellness, and fitness products.

Scan code or visit IJYConnects.com for an up-to-date list and special offers from each exhibitor.

Special thanks to our Sponsors Chris Vella State Farm, Chris Vella, Agent and Don Mealey Sport Subaru.

Without these sponsors we could not host this donation-based festival.

Chris Vella, State Farm Agent

IN THE HEA HEART OF ORLAN RLAND DO

Mention IJY Magazine, Receive

$

1,000 CREDIT

Towards Closing Costs ~OR~ Seller’s Home Staging & Moving Expenses

Want to stay CONNECTED to the Central Florida yoga and wellness community after the It's Just Yoga Festival?

JOIN THE IJY (IT'S JUST YOGA) CONNECTS FAMILY! ItsJustYoga

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SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | iJYCONNECTS.com | IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE 5

COVER PHOTO CONTEST

Congratulations to the Runners Up of the IJY Magazine Photo Contest!

MICHELE BENTON Om Sunshine Yoga and SUP LOCATION: New Smyrna Beach, FL PHOTO: Kelly A. Read Photography

STEPHANIE PETERSON LOCATION: Wilson's Landing, Lake Mary, FL

YANET RALLS LOCATION: RDV Sportsplex, Maitland, FL PHOTO: Luciane Marcus, LM Photography PRIMA B. Open Door Wellness LOCATION: A blueberry farm in Alturas, FL PHOTO: Emily Rose Portraits DONNA KIRK Empower Yoga Florida LOCATION: Kings Landing, Apopka, FL PHOTO: Robbie Arkovich MANA HEISTAND YogaMana @ Loft on Main LOCATION: Lake Butler, Windermere, FL PHOTO: Emma Heistand

6 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

CENTRAL FLORIDA'S HEALTH & WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP CLUB

Take the Pledge to

Our mission is to bring the mindful, health-conscious community in Central Florida together to share, discuss and enjoy yoga and other holistic lifestyle options.

As a member, you can sample, explore and learn more about the latest trends in health, wellness, fitness and eco products. You will also receive merchant discounts, invites to exclusive events, online classes, online Q&As, and meet the best providers in Central Florida.

MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES

ONLINE LEARNING

+

EVENT INVITES

DISCOUNTS & SAMPLES

GREEN YOUR ROUTINE Join us in making our community cleaner and greener – take the pledge today!

OUC.com/ GreenYourRoutine

Quarterly IJY Box Filled With Discounts, Samples & Prizes!

JOIN BY JUNE 1ST — RECEIVE AN IJY SHIRT! FOR MEMBER AND MERCHANT DETAILS, VISIT

IJYConnects.com IJY Connects is affiliated with the "It's Just Yoga" Festival family

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | ijyconnects.com | IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE 7 OrlandoSentinelEarthDay_GreenRoutine_2021-04_3-75x10-125.indd 1

3/29/21 3:24 PM

HEALTHY LIVING

USING TO BEAT THE

COVID BLUES

BY CATHIE K.

D

ue to the Covid-19 pandemic, this past year has been one of the most challenging years in our collective lifetimes.

The past twelve months of being quarantined, unable to see or hug loved ones, having little or no contact with others except your “quaran-team,” has caused many to experience something akin to the “winter blues.” (If you are a native Floridian and don’t know the sadness and depression that can occur when you don’t see the sun for days or months on end, consider yourself lucky!) IJY Connects was curious as to how everyone has coped and asked its members, “How has yoga, and other types of fitness (or any healthy activity), helped you get through the pandemic?” (Writer’s note: We realize that it’s not “over” yet, but with vaccinations and masking, we are creating a new normal.)

Compiled below are the thoughts of some of our members, led by some professional and personal insight from Dr. Brooke Stuart, who practices what she preaches!

DR. BROOKE STUART:

Working through this time has to do with people making a choice: Am I going to grow through this, or am I going to be a victim of it? There are very real experiences that make up that victim mentality — but at the end of the day, we have to be open to see the light within it and within ourselves… not just the light at the end of the tunnel.

When people shift into a growth mentality or are experiencing a chaotic time, fitness, among other fundamentals, can become a way to ground and anchor, making their own experience more clear. Whether they lost their job, knew someone who had Covid, or were feeling lonely, isolated, or afraid to live their everyday lives…this is where I find that wellness and tools, such as meditation, were so helpful to anchor this transformation and growth-oriented experience. It’s not just about their choice to change, but these empowered choices also fueled supporting themselves. What they basically ended up doing is investing in the choices that invested in and supported them…this is 8 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

self-love in action. I am going to grow, and I am going to make the choices that affirm that.

Obviously, some people already had great routines, but within the pandemic, so many of them were broken… the pandemic broke their design. So, even their routines that they relied upon were stripped, like the rug was swept out from underneath them. So their prior everyday routines required a pivot, some flexibility and some resilience.

Intuitively, during the pandemic, people who wanted to self-regulate and stabilize were drawn to wellness versus destabilizing activities. Fitness and wellness, being outside, organizing your home, taking time to meditate — these were all practical tools that they could choose and, on some level, at first it might have felt like a survival mechanism, until it turned into something that was deeply gratifying.

Writer’s Note: Dr. Stuart was not immune to experiencing the same feelings as her clients. When everything was “shut down” in mid-March, Dr. Stuart spent the next four

days, working almost around the clock, to turn her practice from a mix of in-office clients and virtual clients — to 100% virtual clients. She quickly shifted gears to create a telehealth (virtual) practice to redirect her focus on supporting her clients through these difficult times. In addition, Dr. Stuart cut out various items from her diet and started cross fit last August at CrossFit Orlando. By joining this gym, she was able to continue to be involved in the community by being outdoors and staying active. In addition to cross fit, Dr. Stuart also practices yoga and meditation.

HELEN BUCKLEY:

I taught “chair yoga” for seniors, but due to Covid-19, I was unable to go in person and staff didn’t provide me with the option for teaching remotely. However, some long-time friends (sorority sisters) talked to me about doing zoom yoga classes for them. So once a week, for quite a while, we did “yin classes.” The goal was to slow down the breathing and have them focus on themselves. They were all stressed from trying to teach their students remotely, and making sure the students were still learning, to being stressed about not being able to visit family, to just being stressed about going to the grocery store and not getting Covid. The ladies in my class mostly had zero yoga experience, so we focused on getting rid of the “whirling thoughts” going through their brains by breathing in for four counts, holding it for four, and letting it go for four.

Yoga is all about focusing on mind, body, spirit…it allowed them to slow everything down and focus on themselves. And, it also gave me an outlet, as I missed teaching my seniors!

CHRIS SEARS:

Exercising outside saved my mental and emotional health during 2020. I live alone and I worked at home during the year, so I needed to get outside to interact with people in a safe way. I’m fortunate that I have many friends who were happy to join me on my adventures. My exercise of choice is yoga on the beach (with awesome teachers!), paddle-boarding, kayaking, running and cycling. I naturally love being outside and I embrace the heat. I am grateful to live in a place where we experience weather that consistently allows us to be outside. I can’t imagine being cooped up inside for days at a time without the ability to get out in the sun and fresh air. During 2020, exercise provided an outlet for me that benefited my mental, emotional, and overall health.

KRISTINE ASHE JOHNSON:

Yoga practices, all eight limbs, ground and center me in the present moment with all that is well among the chaos. As a Bhakta, I trust in an all-loving power greater than myself. My practices help me deal with all the fear that arises, frustration, sadness and grief. Yoga taps into deep, inner wisdom and gives me discernment between what is mine to do and what I need to let go of to be lovingly free and fully present. My Yoga (connection/ relationship) helps me take a “stance” or posture in humility for justice.

Taking an immersion into nature, meditation, prayer, reading, personal growth deep dive and my essential oils helped me stay calm and balanced during the most stressful times. It then led me to create nature retreats for women. In the end it led to something AMAZING.

COLETTE FERRELL:

PAM MCCOLLOCH:

Last year at this time it was all new. New normals, new to Zooming, new shortages, and news, news, news. In all of the changes, one of the hardest for me was the closing of my beloved yoga studio. Where was I to go to practice the art of stillness and of stretching in a hot room? It did not take long (a few extra pounds and a bad attitude) for me to turn my dressing room into my own yoga space. It was perfect, especially since dressing for an occasion was a past memory. This experience has taught me what I always knew, that yoga is all mine, anywhere and anytime.

LESLINE PITTMAN:

Yoga saved me so much during this pandemic. After birthing my daughter in December 2019 and also having an 18-month-old, I felt so lost. Six months later, June 2020, I was offered a Black Yoga Teacher scholarship with My Vinyasa Practice and now teach yoga virtually, weekly.

My life has changed so much since becoming a yoga teacher. I used to be a major introvert but now have found myself connecting with others, which has opened me up to so much opportunity. Excited for what is to come!

NANCY KING:

TINA FUSSER:

As a Rollins alumna, I’m thankful for Theresia Portoghese, a Rollins professor who teaches virtual yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. They aren’t too much for my “non-yogi” self and I appreciate being able to participate virtually with my camera off. I’m also finally getting to know my neighbors by walking with a gal on the nights we’re both available.

As the founder of ‘It’s Just Yoga Health & Fitness Festival,’ and a supporter of the yoga community for well over a decade, when the pandemic forced cancellations of events, and closings of studios, I experienced MANY of the same feelings as everyone described above. Out of this uncertainty, I created “IJY (It’s Just Yoga) Connects.” The goal was to keep the Central Florida mindful, health-conscious community CONNECTED virtually when we could not gather in person.

IJY Connects’ mission is to CONNECT our community together to share, discuss and enjoy yoga and other holistic lifestyle options.

Our members support each other sharing their skills and knowledge. Our members include yoga teachers, holistic doctors, nutritionists, therapists, and many other types of small business owners who are also positive, inspirational people.

You can join IJY Connects by following us on social media, participate in our onlineclasses, sign up for our newsletter, or join our member subscription service.

For more details on all of the above, go to www.IJYConnects.com.

SPRING/SUMMER 2021 | ijyconnects.com | IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE 9

HEALTHY LIVING

INFERTILITY &

ACUPUNCTURE

BY CATHIE K.

A

Lauren, 37, came in within the last year. She had been struggling to get pregnant after having her first child. When she came to see us, Lauren was, on the surface, in good health. She ate a healthy diet, was on no medications, and led a busy life. Like many, she had significant stress in her life keeping up with the demands of work and family that was causing her to feel tired, and run down.

This seemingly benign stress can affect our hormones causing fatigue as well as infertility. Acupuncture can balance these hormones and improve blood flow to the uterus, providing a more receptive environment for fertility.

Lauren became pregnant after 2 months of twice weekly acupuncture treatments. Due to a troublesome first pregnancy, Lauren wanted to continue treatments to allay her concerns about the same issues occurring in this pregnancy. And, she wanted to reduce the potential for miscarriage.

During her pregnancy, we were able to help Lauren minimize symptoms such as foot swelling, back pain, and morning sickness. The acupuncture therapy also helped her manage fear and anxiety she had around her prior traumatic birthing and postpartum experience.

As a result of continuing her acupuncture during pregnancy, Lauren experienced a positive, complication-free birthing experience. Her labor progressed quickly AND she had a natural delivery (no drugs or epidural needed). Lauren felt that her postpartum healing was much faster than last time, as well.

When approached about allowing her story to be shared as an inspiration for others, Lauren stated, “I could not have done this without you. When I first started acupuncture, I was exhausted all the time, and after treatments I came home tired. But the more treatments I got, the better I felt; I didn’t feel as cold anymore, had tons of energy to keep up with life, and I felt happier, way less irritable, and was able to be around family easier. I felt way more at peace after starting acupuncture. I wasn’t stressed out, even if the problem wasn’t solved yet, because I knew the steps I could take.”

10 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

The Orlando Acupuncture team

And, if you think that infertility is just a problem for females, it is not.

Acupuncture is a very helpful tool for helping both men and women boost their fertility. Because acupuncture helps the mind and body relax, it can improve both sperm quantity and vitality.

The team at Orlando Acupuncture also works with couples who choose to undergo assisted reproduction, such as Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Research shows that acupuncture can significantly improve success rates of both of these therapies. Orlando Acupuncture recommends starting Acupuncture as soon as possible. Especially if your Reproductive Endocrinologist or Reproductive Urologist provides you with supplemental medications to increase hormone levels. Acupuncture alleviates many of the side effects these medications can cause, such as hot flashes, irritability, anxiety and GI issues. Additionally, acupuncture can improve outcomes best if started well before your IUI or IVF procedure.

“There are a number of factors that affect the success rate of these procedures. Age, hormone levels, and general level of health are among the factors.” Obviously, acupuncture cannot reverse the aging process. What it can do, however, is improve the quality of the egg, uterus and endometrial lining, as well as the quality of the sperm to increase chances of success.

ABOUT ORLANDO ACUPUNCTURE: Orlando Acupuncture has helped thousands of patients over the last 20 years to improve their life and reach their health goals. Their combination of traditional experience and cutting-edge techniques has allowed them to successfully treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions.

Their practice is dedicated to providing the very best of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine to the Central Florida community. Orlando Acupuncture customizes their treatments to each individual patient and strives to deliver the best experience, as well as excellent results.

Orlando Acupuncture’s physicians, including Dr. John Barnett and Dr. Rachel Arenz, have over 4,000 hours of training, are State of Florida Licensed, and National Board Certified.

When looking for a practitioner, especially for help with fertility, it is important to look at their experience. What sets Orlando Acupuncture apart is our unique Bio-Life Fertility program.

This program includes all of the tools and therapies that you will need to promote optimal health and fertility. Orlando Acupuncture evaluates a patient’s overall health and symptoms, and will examine any lab tests the patient may have undergone, or in some instances, may make recommendations for further testing. If you are undergoing assisted reproduction, Orlando Acupuncture can often “fill in the gaps” and help explain things your doctor may not have told you, or that you didn’t know to ask. Please contact Orlando Acupuncture for more information on treatments.

COURTESY ORLANDO ACUPUNCTURE

s our tagline states, “IJY Magazine” is “your connection to the Central Florida Yoga & Wellness Community.” With that in mind, we look for holistic approaches on topics that we believe will appeal to members of our community. Although the following topic can be considered very sensitive and private, it affects as many as 1 in 8 of all couples: Infertility. Infertility can happen to anyone. We are fortunate to have Orlando Acupuncture as an affiliate partner with IJY Connects (IJY Connects is our ongoing, online link to the Central Florida yoga and wellness community). Dr. John Barnett, AP, and his team at Orlando Acupuncture, are experts in using acupuncture as a way to help improve the chances of conceiving naturally. We met with Dr. Barnett and to help illustrate the benefits of acupuncture in this “battle,” he shared the journey of a patient, who gave permission to share her story (but for privacy reasons, her name has been changed):

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | itsjustyogafest.com | IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE 11

healthy living

STYLES OF YOGA

BY IJY STAFF

Looking over the class schedule at your yoga studio may leave you a bit confused. There are many styles of yoga.

If you’re not quite sure which yoga vibe is best for you, check out these explanations of the most popular styles to help you decide: ASHTANGA YOGA

HOT YOGA

Ashtanga is a rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures and links every movement to a breath. Ashtanga always performs the exact same poses in the exact same order. There is no music played in ashtanga classes. The repetitive nature of the poses allows you to achieve a meditative state.

Who might like Hot Yoga: If you like to

The word “Ashtanga” means “eight limbs”— some of those "limbs" include postures, breathwork, concentration, and meditation.

The purpose of Ashtanga is to “build heat in the body in order to clear the mind.”

Who might like Ashtanga: If you enjoy

consistent, structured flow, and are looking for a physically demanding practice that allows the mind to reflect, ashtanga may be the class for you!

HATHA YOGA

This practice is all about the basics. A class in Hatha yoga will give you an introduction to the most basic yoga postures. You probably won’t work up a sweat in a hatha class, but you should end up leaving class feeling more loose, more focused and more relaxed.

Who might like Hatha Yoga: If you want a

more “traditional” yoga experience, or are trying yoga for the first time, Hatha yoga may be the yoga for you!

“Hot Yoga” is a term that describes many different styles of yoga, but all share one common element — they are all practiced in heated rooms. Hot yoga classes will typically take place in rooms heated between 85 and 105 degrees. The heat helps prepare the body for movement and remove impurities through sweat.

VINYASA YOGA

Vinyasa classes are known for their fluid, movement-intensive practices. Vinyasa teachers sequence their classes to smoothly transition, with inhalations and exhalations, from one pose to the next. The intention is to link breath to movement. Instructors will often use music in the class to assist with the flow. But unlike Ashtanga, no two vinyasa classes are the same.

“sweat it out” and burn calories, “Hot Yoga” is the yoga for you. Caution: The intensity of the workout and the hot room temperatures have the potential to cause heat-related illness.

Make sure you stay hydrated!

Who Might Like Vinyasa Yoga: Anyone who enjoys a more active practice and craves variety in their yoga classes will like Vinyasa yoga. If you hate routine and love to test your physical limits, vinyasa may be the class for you!

KUNDALINI YOGA

YIN YOGA

This style is often referred to as the “yoga of awareness.” Kundalini focuses on internal experience: thoughts, emotions, and sensations. This is accomplished by challenging both your mind and body with chanting, singing, meditation, and physical postures.

A typical kundalini class starts with a mantra (a focus for the class), includes breathing exercises, warmup postures, followed by focal exercises, and ends with deep relaxation and meditation.

Who Might Like Kundalini Yoga: Anyone

who is in search of a physical, yet also a spiritual practice—or who likes singing and chanting—should check out Kundalini yoga.

“Yin Yoga” is a slower style of yoga. Each pose is held for several minutes with the goal of targeting the deeper connective tissues and fascia, in addition to your muscles. This practice focuses on the hips, lower back, and thighs, and uses props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to let gravity do the work. While other forms of yoga focus on the major muscle groups, yin yoga targets the body’s connective tissues.

Who Might Like Yin Yoga: Those who need to stretch out after a tough workout, or anyone interested in a slower-paced practice will like and benefit from Yin yoga. Yin yoga honors stillness and is a great balance with a Vinyasa flow practice.

For more styles and explanations of different types of yoga, please visit our web site at: IJYConnects.com/yogastyles 12 IT'S JUST YOGA MAGAZINE | CENTRAL FLORIDA | SPRING/SUMMER 2021

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