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| That's an interesting observation, Boomerpig. It's also one of my pet peeves, too. Alternative medicine can be very expensive. The medical industry is a nightmare, whether it's allopathic or alternative. There are so many issues to deal with, like personal responsibilty (for one's health), compassion, finances, laws, attorneys, health insurance...
Perhaps I should start a new thread but I'm too lazy right now so :
I've been pushing for legislating for much higher educational standards for acupuncturists in Nevada. You would not believe the flak I get from the non-Asian acupuncturists (who happen to all be white)! They think simply knowing the acupuncture points are all they need to know. The Asians are in total support of higher standards. (The "Whites" really want my blood over this issue).
Be very wary of an "alternative" practitioner who thinks all of Western medicine is bad. They obviously don't know much.
Malpractice has two components: 1. Acts of Commission and 2. Acts of Omission. Acts of Commission are easy b/c it's when the doctor/practitoner does something he/she shouldn't have. Acts of Omission happens when a doctor/practitioner neglects to refer a patient to the proper specialist. This is where "alternative" practitioners really mess up. It is completely outrageous and appalling that some quack would continue to treat a patient with cancer for a year. I am all for revoking licenses and prison time for crooks like that.
That being said, many Americans are under the assumption that health insurance is going to cover all their bills when it's really designed to keep them out of bankruptcy, God forbid, they succumb to some devastating illness or accident.
If people have enough $$$ for a $5.00 coffee everyday and new shoes and the latest music cds, then they can pay for a visit to the doctor's office for sniffles. |
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| All I have to say on this matter is: If I broke my leg, have been shot or knifed--I'll take my allopathic docs over my accupuncturist every time.
There's a place an purpose for all of it.
Stacey |
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| Yes, Stacey, acupuncture isn't the best form of emergency medicine. That's where W. med really shines. |
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Expert Yogi
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Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Actually, if I were shot or knifed, depending on my condition, I would want my TCM there along side of me to give me the herbs and to do acupuncture for the pain and to control and manage the meridian channels which goes crazy during any kind of surgery. The unfortunate thing about western medicine, they do not respect our wishes for wanting both, so therefore, we would have to deal with their BS and go through all that trauma, then if we survive it, we can ditch the western medicine and go heal our bodies using the traditional method.
In China they have 2 kinds of medicine, traditional and conventional. They use both. This is how it should be in the US, but it's not because they have closed minds and are ignorant and arrogant! They threw away holistic medicine and replaced it with their mindset. They wiped out any and all traditional healers in America. The only ones left are the Native Americans and that is slowly withering away. What the AMA did to the medicine is exactly what the American Government did to the Native Americans, but that really shouldn't surprise you. I personally avoid the western medicine mentality and do everything I can to prevent myself from having to endure these kinds of doctors. They have no respect for the human body system and they have no respect for me. I am just happy I have my doctors and have saved myself so much misery and suffering,  |
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| I wanted to let you guys know that my knees are better since I quit bikram. The inflamation and the tightness in the back of my knees has reduced. Guess, the Bikram and Tony Sanchez Yoga Challenge System is paying off. |
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| seandre: Thats great! Are you still doing Bikram or just Tony Sanchez system? Do you go to a studio or at home? |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | seandre - 2005-10-18 12:15 PM
I wanted to let you guys know that my knees are better since I quit bikram. The inflamation and the tightness in the back of my knees has reduced. Guess, the Bikram and Tony Sanchez Yoga Challenge System is paying off.
How could the Bikram and Tony Sanchez Yoga Challenge System be *paying* off if you quit and your knees are better since you did quit??? |
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| I meant to say Iyengar and Tony Sanchez. I have a yoga room at home. |
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Expert Yogi
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Location: right where I'm supposed to be | This thread is good entertainment! Thanks all! I learn something new from every thread I read |
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| I am with you. I have a teacher in San Antonio who is so easy. He was pretty pissed when I spoke up in class about his easy class. He starts late and ends early, doesn't old the poses very long, and can be verbose. I am thinking about finding a new yoga, as the Bikram classes often provide a stage for the egocentric and preachy. |
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| Natalia! I remember you from the old Bikram on Broadway days. About time you dumped those egotistical cheerleading Bikram thieves here in San Antonio--try Lisa Long's Ashtanga class in Helotes--she'll kick your ass--in a good way. And welcome to the forums. |
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| Hi Bruce! The cheerleader atmosphere is somewhat paradoxical, as they suggest to clear the mind but proceed to engage in mindless chatter. The lesson in class is clear - don't listen to the teachers, just listen to your body. I drive away from the studio if I see certain teacher's cars in the parking lot, as the weak classes leave this body feeling cheated. |
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| Natalia, this afternoon (5:30PM) at Yoga in Motion, Lisa Long is teaching her Power Yoga class--come on down! It's on me and I guarantee you won't feel cheated!
http://www.yogainmotionsa.com/pages/schedule.html |
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| And, Hot Body Yoga in Terrill Hills in San Antonio. Lisa does her ashtanga series there and Kathleen Curry, the owner and my favorite yogini in the City, has a great studio and a dynamite class doing hot yoga with a vinyasa flow--not the routine Bikram crap over&over&over&over&...well, you get the point:
http://www.hotbodyyoga.com/index.html
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| That class looks promising and one of the teachers is certified in Barkan's method, thus I am intrigued. There is such a positive energy from the teachers at that studio and a seemingly impossible absence of ego. The words I, me and mine were scarce in their conversation, so the classes should be compassionate. |
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| Cyndi - 2005-10-09 2:58 PM
You can always do like I do...a home practice. It has been wonderful for me. But, there is one small sacrifice, you have to get over your social need to be surrounded by people. You have to really learn how to *like* being by yourself and to like yourself period!! I have more energy than ever, I like the way I feel and the only thing that drains me is going to the city and dealing with idiots who don't know how to deal with life, control freaks and ignorance.
hi cyndi,
i have read on a few threads that you do a bikram practice at home. i'm very interested in what you do... one of the drawbacks (for me) about bikram was the studio. in addition to other complaints i had about it, i really wanted a practice i could do at home. i'm currently doing ashtanga at home (which i love and can't see giving up) but i'm curious about what other people do in home practices. i was told that home bikram practices weren't very common, or suggested. so i would love to tap into your expertise. i think on another thread you mentioned keeping the room at 85 degrees. how do you get the room that hot? do you use space heaters? i live in a cold, cold place so it's hard in the winter. once i went in my bathroom and put a huge space heater in there AND turned the shower on and i think it only got up to 80 or so... also, do you follow a bikram's cd, leading you through poses, or do you time yourself?
also (sorry one more question!) what made you start doing bikram at home?
thanks! |
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Regular
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| I quit Bikram about a month ago (for good and for many of the reasons listed here) and started doing Ashtanga. I'm not looking back. I hope you enjoy the Ashtanga like I am. |
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Expert Yogi
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Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | seoulyogi - 2006-03-23 1:11 PM
Cyndi - 2005-10-09 2:58 PM
You can always do like I do...a home practice. It has been wonderful for me. But, there is one small sacrifice, you have to get over your social need to be surrounded by people. You have to really learn how to *like* being by yourself and to like yourself period!! I have more energy than ever, I like the way I feel and the only thing that drains me is going to the city and dealing with idiots who don't know how to deal with life, control freaks and ignorance.
hi cyndi,
i have read on a few threads that you do a bikram practice at home. i'm very interested in what you do... one of the drawbacks (for me ) about bikram was the studio. in addition to other complaints i had about it, i really wanted a practice i could do at home. i'm currently doing ashtanga at home (which i love and can't see giving up ) but i'm curious about what other people do in home practices. i was told that home bikram practices weren't very common, or suggested. so i would love to tap into your expertise. i think on another thread you mentioned keeping the room at 85 degrees. how do you get the room that hot? do you use space heaters? i live in a cold, cold place so it's hard in the winter. once i went in my bathroom and put a huge space heater in there AND turned the shower on and i think it only got up to 80 or so... also, do you follow a bikram's cd, leading you through poses, or do you time yourself?
also (sorry one more question! ) what made you start doing bikram at home?
thanks!
Hi SY,
Yes I do use Space Heaters. I too live in the cold mountains..it's cold here today and I wish spring would get here and stay!! I have a small room so therefore I can get the room to whatever temp I want. Some days I have to unplug the heaters half way through, and then some cold days are much different, but usually I have the temp hovering around 85 - 90 degrees. As for following CD's...my instructor made a audio tape leading the entire series. I sometimes listen to Bikram (he's so cute, but gets on my nerves too, ) and then mostly I time myself. I don't hold postures for very long, some more than others, it really depends on my body that day, and all days are different. Some days I do music, some days I do silence..it really depends on my mood.
The main reason I do Bikram/Yoga at home is because I like to be by myself. I moved to the countryside out of the big city to find peace. Yoga helps keep me connected and balanced. Since I do live out in the wilderness, I am more sensitive to the things going on in our world. I am very close to nature and natural environments. I find that when I spend a great deal of time in the city I do not function as well, not to mention I'm tooo outspoken..so its best for me to stay under the radar so to speak, Having a strong yoga practice also keeps my mind focused and I do believe helps me physically in order to cope with the conditions of our society and earth as we know it today. I love the studio that I attend sometimes, the hours are not in line with my schedule (we are limited since we are in the boondocks), I homeschool and daytime hours are needed for that and sometimes I break away, but the other reasons are because I feel that yoga is a personal practice. After learning the series well and attending regularly, instead of quitting the Bikram practice due to high heat issues, I decided to tweak and customize my practice and do it at home. Not that the studio I attend was that hot either, but some days it could get brutally warm. I love it and I love the routine. I do however practice other postures and types of yoga on my Bikram/Hot Yoga off days, so therefore it makes my practice very relaxing and in my opinion more beneficial. Yoga is a spiritual practice, to me, and in order for me to get the benefit, I think its best for me to practice it at home. It's a totally different world. I also keep in touch with my instructor and know she's just around the corner should I need her assistance. I have done privates with her to keep me in check. I'm due for one now. My instructor is not only a Bikram instructor, she has over 30 years of yoga experience and is well trained. She is a college professor of yoga too, and a very good one.
Hope that helps. I haven't had time to respond to a long post, sorry it took so long. Although, I'm curious, didn't I read somewhere you switching to Ashtanga?? I say if you like Bikram, do it, do all of it...the neat thing about Bikram, you can do it once a week, once every other week and still get great benefits from it. Good luck. |
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| hey cyndi,
thanks for your response... your lifestyle is inspiring. i live in the city and often think about being somewhere much less populated. there are things i love about it, so i'm pretty content, but i must say, i try to get away to see pretty countryside as much as i can...
you're right, i did switch to ashtanga. many of the things i didn't like about bikram you seem to avoid with your home practice. i won't get into all the details, but among them were; the health club, aerobics class, frantic feel of the class, the class times were hard to get to sometimes, some of the teachers were under par- nice people, but not the best yoga teachers, and the short savasana (2 minutes! if we were lucky.). there are more things, but those are starters. and, like i said, you can avoid those issues if you practice at home. when i switched to ashtanga, i felt like i found what i had been looking for... i found an amazing sense of peace (i think the teachers and studio had a lot to do with that).
but long story short, there were a few reasons i wanted to learn more about your practice--- i am trying a (mainly) home ashtanga practice and was inspired by your talk of your home practice. i was also considering heating the room up a bit and wondered how you did it. and i was thinking about mixing up styles a bit--maybe ashtanga most times and bikram once in a while. i've also just heard so many people say that bikram should be done in a studio and i wanted to hear about experiences contrary to that.
thanks!
Edited by seoulyogi 2006-03-25 12:10 AM
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| many of the things i didn't like about bikram you seem to avoid with your home practice. i won't get into all the details, but among them were; the health club, aerobics class, frantic feel of the class, the class times were hard to get to sometimes, some of the teachers were under par- nice people, but not the best yoga teachers, and the short savasana (2 minutes! if we were lucky.).
what you don't like about bikram is exactly why some people really like it. Many like the frantic aerobics class feel of the class. As far as times, the studio by my house has classes every two hours all day ever day most days. If the studio didn't offer 35 classes a week I would be frustrated too. Also, hard core type A personalities LIKE the short savasana. Remember two minutes of savasana is a LONG time for them ;)
Bikram Yoga is like Yoga on steroids. IF that's not what you want then you definitely shouldn't do it. However, that's exactly the reason I like it. I want to feel completely beat up and dead at the end of every class. I like being yelled at by the military style instructors if my form is bad. Bikram Yoga is the only place I like this though. In the rest of my life I like to be treated well, but when I go to Yoga class I want my ass kicked because it's good for my body. |
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| "Bikram Yoga is like Yoga on steroids."
Steroids are not good for you. Neither is doing yoga in a room that is over your body temp or balancing your full weight on a hyperextended and locked knee. But I digress... |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 8442
| Peter - a lot (a LOT) of people start with Bikram for exactly those reasons and they are great and valid reasons, which is why it is a good thing Bikram is there for those people. Those who have moved away from it (or never started it) just want people to know that there are options if your feelings about it change for any reason. You don't have to give up yoga even if you might possibly someday want to give up Bikram. Someone like our dear brother Bruce (am I supposed to capitalize the "Brother"?) loved Bikram for all the reasons you do and even he (savasana hater that he was....) eventually needed to take his practice to a different place. We are so lucky to be living in places with such a smorgasbord of riches as far as yoga goes  |
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Expert Yogi
Posts: 5098
Location: Somewhere in the Mountains of Western NC | Peter you really are confusing me. I don't get it actually. In your last thread you told everyone not to make the mistakes like you did and now this????
I tell you, I'm NOT making your mistakes and I have a very successful Bikram/Hot Yoga practice AT HOME. I know the routine inside and out. I love my long 15 min Savasana's and guess what?? I dont' have to be yelled at in order to be motivated into doing my practice...in fact, it's quite nice not to have to deal with people who don't know my body yelling at me to do something I'm not ready for. For what its worth, my instructor was one of the very first pioneers of Bikram Yoga before it became famous. The good news is that she teaches with a strong yoga background, not only Bikram but several others...you can't beat that!!
Anyway, next time you get on this board and tell us not to make the mistakes that you did, and how you hurt yourself doing Awkward pose...you shouldn't come back onto another thread and contradict yourself, your not making any sense. Which makes me glad I have my home practice all the more,  |
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| PM - when I go to Yoga class I want my ass kicked because it's good for my body.
This statement disturbs me. This so against everything I learned in all my Yoga classes with all the styles I dabbled in. This attitude seems unique to Bikram. |
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| I'm really enjoying Peter's posts--he's a Bikram train wreck in progress--Pete, I was there--it's highs & lows, love & hate, weight loss & pain then, if you're lucky, you see the light then take a common sense approach to it like Cyndi or bid a fond adieu to it. |
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I quit Bikram
