FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the programme work?
The programmes are 1.1 and delivered in person or online for 6 or 12 weeks. The first session is always 75 minutes and the next 5 sessions are 1 hour.
The sessions in weeks 7-12 are 30-45 minutes long.
We work through the programmes at a pace that suits you, focussing on the breath work first and then building in the postures. We review the breath work in every session and focus on 1-3 new postures.
At the end of each 1.1 session you will have new postures to practice as well as a mini flow. These videos can be found in your membership portal that you will be granted access to after booking your first session. You will have lifetime access to all of this content.
You will be sent an email at the end of every session with a detailed self-practice plan. Self-practice time ranges from 5-20 minutes and increases as you go through the programme.
We recommend that you practice 5 or 6 days a week.
We will also bring in other yoga postures and exercises that you might need, this could be extra release exercises or extra strengthening exercises based on your body.
Inbetween sessions you will have voxer support to check your practice or to ask any questions you might have.
Whats the difference between the 6 and 12 week programme?
The 6 week programme is great for anyone wanting to learn the foundational breath work and postures. Symptom improvements can be seen during this time but to see more improvements and to maintain improvements self practice will be required after the programme. You will have 6 weeks worth of content to continue your practice but self-motivation will be needed.
The 12 week programme is great for those wanting to see a continuation of improvements, those wanting to be held accountable and kept on track with their practice and those wanting to build a practice for life. You’ll walk away from this programme with a whole range of content from postures, to flows and classes to continue practicing. This programme really does engrain this practice into your day-to-day life.
How do I know which programme is right for me?
We suggest booking in for a free consultation call to discuss your symptoms and which programme would be right for you.
How Long does it take to see improvements?
Women can start seeing improvements in as little as 4 weeks depending on their symptoms. These improvements will continue with a daily practice that is maintained 5-6 times a week. There are lots of factors that can impact your healing- progress will be monitored during our time together.
Is it better to do the programme in person or online?
The programmes work both online and in person and we see great results from working with women 1.1 in both ways. If you are local to Bristol I suggest making the most of doing the first 6 sessions in person to get hands on feedback and adjustments if that’s something you’re happy to have.
Shall I continue doing kegels with the programme?
If you’re trying the programme because kegels haven’t been working to improve your symptoms as much as you’d like, or have been making your symptoms worse, then I would suggest taking a break from them to see how the hypopressive practice works.
If you wish to continue with kegels but are prone to pelvic tension I would suggest discussing the number of kegels you do alongside the programme.
You can continue doing kegels whilst doing hypopressives and we will discuss what is best for the cause of your symptoms.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
You cannot do the apnea if you have any of the following contraindications but you can practice the lateral breathing and the postures which will still have a positive impact on your pelvic health. If you have any medical condition please check with your Dr or medical professional to make sure you can practice hypopressives.
Any lung or heart surgery
Ehlers- Danlos symdrome-vascular
Connective tissue disorders
Heart Fibrillation
Incarcerated Hiatal Hernia
Ostomy surgery
Pregnancy
Postpartum – 6 weeks vaginal birth and 12 weeks c section
SVES (Suraventricular Ectopic Beats)
Epigastric Hernia
If hernia is protruding and can’t be pushed back in avoid the apnea. Pay particular attention to to Artemis, Gaia, Maya and Isis and stop practicing if hernia protrudes.
Breast implants
Avoid the apnea for 6 weeks after your procedure
Cataract Surgery
Avoid the apnea or inversions for 12 weeks post surgery
Cholecystectomy
Avoid the apnea for the first week post surgery and then build in shorter breath holds for 2-3 weeks.
Heart Umbrella Procedure
Consult a specialist before considering the apnea
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Consult with doctor about doing the apnea
IBS/ Chrons
Avoid the apnea when having a flare up
Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Consult specialist before doing the apnea
PEG (gastronomy in the stomach)
Consult with a a doctor or specialist before attempting the apnea
Uterine fibroids/ Myoma
If you have an enlarged abdomen due to fibroids, some Hypopressive poses may be challenging. Listen to your body and avoid discomfort-inducing positions.
Hysterectomy
Begin lateral breathing post surgery, adding in poses from 6 weeks and the apnea from 12 weeks.
Pleurisy
Stick to rhythmic 360 breathing avoiding long breaths and the apnoea. Stick to sitting pose without arms and avoid lying.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE CONTRAINDICATIONS THEN PLEASE GET IN TOUCH TO DISCUSS FURTHER AND MAKE SURE YOU DISCUSS PRACTICING HYPOPRESSIVES WITH YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER FIRST.
If you suffer with the following modifications should be made
Klipped-Feil Syndrome, Spina Bifida and Scoliosis
Avoid selene with Klippel-Feil Syndrome and Spina Bifida. Avoid Hera (the transition from Artemis) if you have scoliosis and spinal fusion.
Arthritis
Modify with short holds in poses.
Bowel Intussusception
Pay extra attention to your body and breathing not to create more strain.
Diaphragmatic Hernia Gliding
Avoid inverted poses (where the head is slower than the pelvis)
Glaucoma
Avoid inverted positions where the head is lower than the pelvis.
Herniated disk in the neck
Avoid poses that requires you to flex the spine – Hera (transition from Artemis)
Hip operation
Start apnea from 6 weeks post operation.
MS
Adaptations may be necessary please chat with us so we can assist you.
Neck Issues (injury)
Avoid tightening the neck, closing the throat and treat apnea as a gentle breath pause.