Willow Conolly of Navarre Living Yoga is teaching a four-week series on natural ways to relieve pain. Each class will focus on a different technique. The series will be held on Thursdays, starting February 2 and ending March 2, with no class on February 23. Class will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last approximately 75 minutes.

Conolly has been a licensed massage therapist and Reiki practitioner for six years, and a Gentle Yoga teacher for five. Her series will cover several topics, beginning with simple techniques for stretching and strengthening the muscles that support the joints. As mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce chronic pain by 57 percent, she will teach participants how to use visualization and guided meditation to "drain the pain away." Similarly, she will demonstrate breathing techniques to reduce stress, calm the mind and ease sensations of pain. Participants will also learn five-minute self-massage techniques to release trigger points and increase circulation in the muscles.

Addressing pain in a group atmosphere is conducive to relief, Conolly notes. "It helps to get collective support from a great community. You can connect with others who can relate to you and support your journey."

She has other ideas and tools that she will discuss in class. "Each class will be as unique as the students who show up," she says.

 

Navarre Living Yoga is located at 8162 Navarre Pkwy. Cost is $13 per class, with discounts for military and those over 60. For more information, call 850-217-8966.