One of our beloved teachers, Laura Dasi-Downing, wrote the following story for a book project she is involved in. It is about breast cancer survivors and although she is (thankfully) not suffering from this devastating disease, the author wanted to include her to represent one of the challenges many women go through in their battle with cancer.

Laura, as you will read below, has been suffering from alopecia for quite awhile. She usually assumes that most people know about her condition, but many new students have attended her classes over the past year and she says she often wonders what they think. She has decided to share the full story of her alopecia with our Ginseng community as she hopes it will help others realize that challenges in life are universal and we all must find our own inner peace.

Please contact Laura personally for any questions about alopecia, her personal journey with this disease or the upcoming book about breast cancer.

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It was a typical morning about 3 years ago but it was a day that began the interesting journey to where I am today…..

I woke up, yawned, stretched and rolled over. As I tucked my arm behind my head I felt it: a small bald patch, maybe the size of a quarter at the nape of my neck under my hair. “That’s strange” I thought, but didn’t give it much more consideration. A few weeks later when I went in for a trim my hairdresser felt it too. She took a look and said “You have Alopecia,” (I hadn’t heard that word before yet little did I know it would soon become part of my nearly daily vocabulary). She told me I could get a few cortisone injections and my hair would grow back. Why bother? I had a head full of thick, long, wavy hair and one spot wouldn’t be noticeable.

A few months later I began noticing other bald patches. Now I knew something strange was going on. So I made an appointment with my doctor and again I heard it: Alopecia. He told me it was an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks its own cells, thinking them to be foreign invaders. In this case the hair follicles are the victim. It affects about 1% of the population. He also told me there are no know causes or cures and there was nothing he could do for me so he sent me on my way. Not satisfied with his answer I sought out another opinion. This time I went to a dermatologist who confirmed this diagnosis. There were now about a half dozen bald spots on my head, some growing quite large, maybe 3 inches in diameter. I wasn’t going to let this condition win so I waged a full on battle with my body. I endured the monthly cortisone injections (about 8-12 painful pricks per bald spot) and UVB laser treatments, slathered my scalp with Rogaine twice a day, gorged myself on vitamins and protein shakes. I was doing everything I thought I could to conquer this and grow my hair back. The cortisone worked, but only to a certain degree. Sure there was hair growing where I had the injections (kind of like a doll, whose hair is in neat little round plugs) but other bare patches were showing up. This went on for about 4 or 5 months.

I had become very creative in styling my hair or wearing headbands to hide my condition so I didn’t look that different on the outside. But on the inside I was beginning to fall apart. I was essentially in panic mode but trying so hard not to show it. As a yoga teacher, I prided myself on being an exemplary model of perfect health. I ate right, got plenty of sleep, exercised and tried to maintain a positive outlook. How dare my body betray me? It was especially devastating given that I’ve been a performer for most of my life, often taking a great deal of time creating elaborate hair do’s and make up for various roles and shows, as well as taking pride in my appearance. Then there was the fact that as a woman, so much emphasis is put on our looks, with long, flowing locks symbolizing youth and beauty. I felt hurt, angry, scared, hopeless and ugly. I blamed myself a lot of the time, wondering what actions in my life, whether physical or karmic, I had done to cause this. I remember one horrible moment in the shower after washing my (remaining) hair, heaving sobs of hysteria with huge handfuls of hair in each hand. At my darkest moments I even wished I had cancer so then at least I’d have an explanation for what was going on and could blame it on the chemotherapy.

But the fight continued. Since I am self employed, with no medical insurance, my treatment was getting costly, not to mention emotionally draining since there was no real progress or change. In a moment of rational thinking I realized that maybe there was a better way. I began to have second thoughts about all the chemicals and hormones I was subjecting my body to and decided to look for a more natural, holistic approach. Ayurveda is the medical system that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda treats the whole person, seeking to create balance and health rather than address only the symptoms. Through an Google search I found a doctor in India who had success in curing many patients of Alopecia. So I ordered his formula which consisted of daily herbs and oils to rub on my head and weekly mud packs. This treatment seemed much gentler and resonated better with my beliefs about well being. And it was a lot less expensive! I became religious about applying these concoctions while stating mantras of my hair growing back quickly and profusely. I prayed to anyone out there in the Heavens who was listening to restore me to perfect health.

4 months and nothing. No new hair growing back, no slowing down of my hair loss. With the 10 or so scraggly strands of hair left on my head I felt like I looked sick. My eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair began to fall out too. My boyfriend had been very supportive through this entire process, telling me I was beautiful and he still loved me no matter what, trying to make light of it by saying “It’s just hair.” I didn’t feel beautiful, feminine or even human. So with a feeling of defeat I told him “I’m done, cut it off. Cut it all off. It’s gonna fall out anyhow”. He chopped the flimsy bits of hair and I sadly watched them fall to the ground. This was the beginning of learning to surrender to this condition but I still had a lot of internal work to do before I was ready to really accept what was happening to me.

By this time I had resorted to wearing wigs. “Wigs are only for old ladies” I thought. I felt ashamed, like I had to hide. It was frightening and embarrassing going into the wig shop, having to reveal myself, wondering what others may be thinking. In reality I was hiding behind this illusion I was trying to keep up, like nothing was wrong, nothing had changed. Once when I was teaching a yoga class and began getting quite warm, I started taking off my outer shirt and the wig partially came off with it. With a room full of students too! I panicked and scrambled to get it back on, hoping no one noticed. Though this moment was scary it brought me to an important realization: I can’t try to hide anymore.

Shortly after this incident I showed up to teach class with my new do: a sexy, dark red and black bob cut, short in back, tapering to face-framing points around my chin. People were so surprised. They loved this new look! They asked me “What inspired you to make such a drastic change?” “It’s a long story” I said, “I’ll tell you all after class.” I had worn my hair long for my entire life (except that horrible perm back in the 80’s when I was 12) and had never been daring enough to do something this extreme. I felt bold and flirtatious, the best I had felt in a long time. But this wasn’t only from the stylish wig. It was from having the courage to be truthful and real about who I was and what I was going through. As my yoga students circled around after class and I told them about my disorder, I felt a deeper connection and understanding between us. As I continued to open up and share, others began to do so too. My compassion for myself and others grew.

Often times I would look at myself in the mirror, completely bald with no brows or lashes and not even recognize my reflection. I was starting to get used to the new “me” but I didn’t feel the outside matched how I felt inside. Before, while I was losing my hair, I would tell myself “My body is falling” apart and that’s how I felt. I was weak and tired, physically and emotionally drained most of the time. Now that I had learned to accept that I was perfectly fine, my body was just choosing not to grow hair, I felt physically strong and healthy. The power of the mind truly is miraculous!

Growing tired of the mess and hassle of applying fake eyebrow tattoos every day I decided to get them done permanently. After that at least I felt the image looking back at me in the mirror was human, not some strange otherworldly alien. I’d throw my wig on (with double sided tape for security!) and go about my day and those who didn’t know me were none the wiser. They’d even asked “Where do you get your hair done?” and here was a great opportunity to educate another person about Alopecia. So I would briefly explain my story and in doing so found more strength and empowerment. Not having to shave, wax or pluck anymore was an added bonus. I was beginning to look on the bright side, to see the gifts in this unique situation.

I now own about 10 wigs and my collection will most likely grow. It’s fun to be able to change my look in a few seconds on the special occasions I feel like having hair. Although more often than not these days I go out in public without a wig and just wrap a scarf or bandana around my smooth, shiny head. I get looks of sympathy, some even asking me “Are you going through treatment?” and although I don’t have cancer people often think I do. My look represents a stage many go through after chemotherapy and radiation in their battles with cancer. My deepest sympathy goes out to those who are fighting that war and all the brave women featured in this book.

The most rewarding part of this journey has been my own growth and the amazing support of my loving family, friends and partner. I haven’t let this condition run my life or stop me from doing the things I love. I’ve begun to use my unique look to challenge the stereotypes of feminine beauty. I am educating people about this autoimmune disorder. I’ve gained a greater appreciation of what lies inside, the beauty of the heart and soul. I’ve learned how to be at peace and accept whatever difficulties may arise in life. While I still hope my hair does grow back one day it is anyone’s guess whether or not it actually will. But regardless of that fact, I can say that I am strong and healthy, truly happy with who I am on the inside as well as the outside.

Looking for your Soul Mate or want to Deepen your existing relationship with your Beloved?  Then join Amanda Collins this Saturday, March 5 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM for her Manifesting Your Soul Mate Workshop.

You will learn the principles of attracting deep love through the ancient spiritual practices of Feng Shui, Yoga and Chanting.  Collectively you will create an environment to support your Deepest Love through heart opening asana, guided meditation, soul mate chanting and love songs.

The Love Shop will involve a heart opening yoga flow, followed by meditation on your deepest loving relationship. From this place, you’ll have the chance to write a letter to your soul mate describing exactly what the relationship feels and looks like. Throughout our time together, we will weave in sound with soul mate chants, supportive instrumentals and heart-opening singing bowls. We will sing ancient love songs from different parts of the world, from Sanskrit chants to old Celtic love songs. Your love shop will also cover how to create an environment that’s supportive to this loving relationship through Feng Shui. Whether you are single and want to be in relationship or your committed partnership feels stagnant, there may be blocks in your home hampering a loving connection. We will go over the Feng Shui secrets to attracting the love of your life.

You will go home with a booklet with a 10-minute daily heart opening yoga practice, your own personal love affirmations, the soul mate chant CD, Feng Shui guidelines and heart-opening meditations.

Completing this class and following up on the steps recommended will help prepare your body, mind, soul and home to meet your soul mate and enhance your connection with your beloved.

Cost: $30 in advance / $35 at the door

Couples : $50 in advance / $55 at the door

ALL WORKSHOPS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Do Yoga, Be Happy

As a mood booster, yoga beats walking

By Holly St. Lifer from AARP the Magazine

Feeling blue? Try a downward-facing-dog pose.  A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that yoga boosted mood more effectively that walking.  Doing an hour of yoga 3 times a week for 12 weeks increased GABA levels by 13 percent, as measured in the study’s healthy participants right after a session.  GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain, is lower in people who are depressed; levels rise with the use of meds.  The walkers showed no significant increase in GABA levels. “This is the first study to find a behavioral intervention – yoga, in this case – that has an effect on brain chemistry similar to that of antidepressants,” says study author Chris Streeter, M.D.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’re offering two Special SWEETHEART PACKAGES to help create a delicious celebration for you & your Loved Ones…

SWEETHEART PACKAGES (in special Valentine wrap)

My Valentine … $95 (includes tax)

~ Aromatherapy Full Body Massage

~ Renewal Neck OR Eye Pillow

~ Choice of Honey Lavender Lip Balm OR Votive Candle

Love of My Life … $115 (includes tax)

~ Aromatherapy Full Body Massage

~ Renewal Neck/Therapy Pillow

~ Matching Renewal Eye Pillow

~ Choice of Energizer Body Mist OR 2 Votive Candles

~ Honey Lavender Lip Balm

From All of Us at Ginseng Yoga – Wishing you Much LOVE in ALL aspects of your Life on Valentine’s Day & Always…

To help prevent illness, rinse your nasal passages once or twice daily with a saline solution in a Neti Pot. A nasal wash has been used for decades as a natural means of treating sinus problems, colds, allergies or other illnesses. Daily use rinses out impurities/allergens before they can lodge in the nasal passages, throat or make their way to the stomach. Regular use also helps counteract environmental pollution & offset the effect of breathing dry indoor air. To those practicing yoga, pranayama and other meditative disciplines, regular use helps ensure free air flow through both nostrils. As part of a daily routine such as brushing or flossing, it helps you wake-up, clear your nostrils & start the day breathing freely!

To use a Neti Pot: Add a ¼ to ½ teaspoon of kosher or sea salt to warm water in the Neti Pot and stir until dissolved. (You can also add special Neti Pot essential oil nasal wash blends for additional immune support.) Tilt head to one side over the bathroom sink, so that one nostril is directly over the other. Then gently insert the spout in the upper nostril so that it forms a seal. Raise the Neti Pot so that the water can run through the upper nostril and flow out of your lower nostril. This takes a little practice at first…but most people catch on quickly! If doing correctly, you will be able to breathe out of your mouth while rinsing. When the Neti Pot is empty, repeat on the other side. Exhale vigorously after each side to clear the nasal passages.

Try for a week and see how refreshed you feel!

Happy Holidays to our wonderful Ginseng Community!!

Following is our Holiday Schedule:

Friday, Dec. 24th, Christmas Eve: 2 Morning Classes

8:30 – 9:45am – Vinyasa Flow (Level 1- 2) – with Jen You

10:00 -11:30am – The Gift of Yoga: A Holiday Celebration – with Laura & Bhava …includes Live Music & Celebration!

Christmas Day (Saturday): Closed

Sunday, Dec. 26th thru Thursday, Dec. 30th: Full Schedule

Friday, Dec. 31st, New Years Eve: 2 Morning Classes

9:00 – 10:15am – Vinyasa Flow (Level 1-2) – with Jen You

10:30am – 12:00pm – Bliss Yoga (Gentle) – with Andrea Liddle

Saturday, January 1st: 3 Morning Classes

10:00 -11:30am – Vinyasa Flow (Level 1-2) – with Laxmi

10:30 -11:30am – Pre-Natal Yoga (All Levels) – with Arati Lane

12:00 – 1:15pm – Deep Yoga (All Levels) – with Bhava Ram

Sunday, January 2nd: Full Schedule

Love, Light and Peace,

Brad & Cindy Bennett

We are very pleased to announce the addition of two NEW CLASSES beginning in November!  On Fridays at 5:30pm our beloved Arati will be teaching a gentle class entitled Body, Heart & Soul.  Combining soothing restorative and therapeutic techniques, Arati will help you unwind from your week and ease blissfully into the weekend – centered, open & peaceful.

Then on Sunday mornings from 9:30-11:00am, Jennifer Oh will be joining our Ginseng Community to teach an uplifting Vinyasa 1-2…an invigorating & joyful way to begin your Sunday!

We hope you’ll join Arati and Jennifer for a class.  To learn about Jennifer & Arati, see their bios below.

Jennifer Oh:

For Jeni, the oldest daughter of a minister, spirituality and faith has always been integral to all aspects of her life. An athlete from childhood, Jeni began her yoga journey at the gym in the mid 90s and initially approached yoga as she had with dancing, running, and soccer thinking of yoga as a purely physical practice. Yet, when Jeni began to practice Bikram Yoga in 2006, she suddenly felt the power of yoga: the physical, mental, and spiritual paths in her life blissfully merged.

Left wanting to know more, Jeni studied Ashtanga and Anusara-inspired Vinyasa yoga discipline and has found a beautiful medium in her practice and teaching. Her classes are vigorous, creative, safe and uplifting while empowering students to seek inner paths of discovery and improvement. Jeni completed her yoga teacher training at Prana Yoga Center in La Jolla under the direction of Gerhard Gessner and Jeanie Carlstead and is a 200-hr Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. As the practice of yoga is an on-going self-discovery, Jeni continues to be inspired by her two primary mentors and takes classes with master teachers wherever she goes. She has recently completed her 500-hr certification through YogaWorks under the mentorship of Stacy McCarthy. It is her passion to continue to grow and share in the journey.

Jeni, who is fluent in Korean, has traveled widely and enjoyed success in a variety of careers: from singing to teaching overseas. She currently teaches ESL and children’s literature at schools in La Jolla and Sorrento/Carmel Valley.

It is an utter joy to know that the triumphs and struggles on the mat can also translate to life off the mat: be still, surrender, let peace reign, always learn, build, accept, and love.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Arati Lane:

Arati has been teaching Yoga since 1989. Always athletic, she was intrigued by the stronger yoga “workout” traditions like Ashtanga, Jivamukti and Vinyasa styles. Also a seeker by nature, she explored the other branches yoga has to offer such as devotional yoga, meditation, positive thinking, relaxation and yoga philosophy.

Arati studied at the Sivananda Ashrams, a worldwide organization, and took 2 years in India to travel, explore and study spirituality, yoga and, most of all, life. Originally from Europe, she now resides in San Diego, where she gave birth to her son. During pregnancy she deepened her understanding of yoga poses (asanas) and breathing (pranayam), especially as they relate to pregnancy & childbirth, and enjoyed the gifts of yoga for recovering from childbirth, as well as the ongoing needs of parenting, childcare and self care.

A few years ago Arati was in a car crash and hurt her back, which took away her strong practice. She says, “I had to heal — and that is always a good thing, once we look back.” With a determined intention to heal her severely injured back, Arati discovered the therapeutic side of yoga. She learned about the ‘yoga wall’ and how it induces traction to create space in the spine and release pain. She had physical yoga therapy for over a year and then a profound shift happened — she discovered that “EVERY NEED HAS A SPECIAL TYPE OF YOGA! EVERY MOMENT OF LIFE!”

With this realization in mind, when she discovered that her son had allergies and asthma she researched different yoga methods that could help him. Through this process she discovered Ayurveda, the Medical sister science of yoga called the Science of Life, which focuses on holistic health & healing. In order to help him and others, she studied to become a Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness Adviser through the Sivananda Ashram. With diet & lifestyle changes and a positive approach her son is now free of asthma and hardly ever sick!

Arati says, “Yoga and Ayurveda continue to enrich my life and the life of those around me! I would love to help bring these natural gifts to your life, as well.”

Namaste

We received this wonderful review on the Internet and it touched us so much that we wanted to share it with our Ginseng Community…the reviewer will remain anonymous, of course.

“Wonderful yoga studio! I started here years ago as a beginner and although I do practice yoga all over the place I always leave a series open at Ginseng and consider this my homebase. With new big box studios and franchises popping up all over the place it’s great to still have a quaint studio where you see the same people (owners) signing you in. The teachers have a fantastic energy that radiates through the classs. I’ve even practices with some of these teachers at other studios and always prefer the classes they teach here. Whatever your level, you’ll definitely find a practice that suits your needs.”

Many Thanks to you ALL for your support…whether you post a review, attend classes, have a massage, buy a treat or drop by for a chat – you are part of our Community and we are Grateful for YOU!

We’re pleased to welcome Jaimy Wilkinson to our Ginseng Community!  She will be teaching our Thursday 5:00 pm class (now a Vinyasa 2-3) beginning Thursday 10/22.  Jaimy brings challenge & intensity to her classes – also loads of warmth & personal connection. Everyone who took her classes when she subbed absolutely LOVED them…!!  And BTW – if you’d like to try Jaimy’s style but can’t make her afternoon class, she will be subbing for Laura Sparaco this Thursday 10/22 & next Tuesday 10/26 at 8:30am.

Recently certified to teach in 2009, Jaimy has been dedicated to the practice of yoga since 2002.  She has a strong & varied athletic background, and a deep understanding of injuries and pushing limits.  The diversity of Vinyasa allows Jaimy to keep things a little loose and endeavor to relate to each student on a deeper level.  A passionate surfer, dog lover, and pet sitting business owner, Jaimy says she has tremendous gratitude for her place in life as well as her family and friends who support her in every way.

Join pre & postnatal teacher Arati Lane this Sunday, 9/26 from 2-4pm for a playful Yoga workshop for new Moms, Dads, & Babies!

You’ll practice postnatal Yoga poses that focus on gentle stretching and strengthening as well as mindful relaxation and breathing exercises. Special focus will be on poses that strengthen the core and help alleviate back pain, tight shoulders and other specific needs of new parents.

You’ll have lots of FUN connecting with your baby through interactive Yoga, partner Yoga and infant massage!

Recommended for Newborns through 9 months (pre-walking).  NO YOGA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.  Grandparents or Caregivers also welcome!