Dentaltown August 2015 - (Page 88)

general practice column Yoga for Dentists What Can This Ancient Practice Do for Your Practice? By David R. Hennington, DDS [ All images are of Dr. Desirée Walker. Walker was featured in the June issue of Dentaltown Magazine in the article, "The Ninja Dentist Reveals Her Training Ground." D [ ental professionals face unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges each day. These challenges can create discord and imbalance, especially when they're combined. Contorting our bodies in order to gain better visibility, sitting for long periods, and even hunching over our computer keyboards can put enormous strain on our musculoskeletal systems. Dealing with fearful patients, uncooperative team members, and the frustrations of running a small business can sometimes become overwhelming and lead to powerful feelings of anxiety, anger, and even depression. Numerous coping strategies are available. One ancient remedy is my favorite and can help alleviate the detrimental effects of these varied stressors. That remedy is the practice of yoga. Derived from a Sanskrit word meaning to "yoke together, unite, or integrate," yoga is based on an Indian body of knowledge at least 2,000 to 3,000 years old. As yoga continues to evolve and become increasingly diverse, it has become difficult to find a single, common definition that can be agreed upon by all practitioners. For the purpose of this article, yoga can be defined as the process of harmonizing the body, mind, and breath through the coordination of various physical postures (asanas) with specific breathing and meditation techniques. It is this synchronization of the breath with the movement of the body that is the basis for many of yoga's benefits. Breathing in rhythm with the poses is what separates yoga from other physical disciplines. Without coordinated breathing, one is merely stretching. With the breath, one is doing yoga. While a variety of breathing techniques (pranayama) can be used to accomplish specific effects, the one most commonly used is a deep, smooth inhale with an exhale of equal length. For 88 AUGUST 2015 // dentaltown.com http://www.dentaltown.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dentaltown August 2015

On Dentaltown.com
HOWARD SPEAKS: Do You Need to Retire Your Views on Retirement?
PROFESSIONAL COURTESY: Product Perfection is Not Guaranteed
Continuing Education Update
The Chasolen Effect
Poll
5 Strategies for Maximizing New-Patient Referrals
Pediatric Dentistry, Parents, and Spoiled Kids
Finding the Hidden Treasure: Prevention = Treatment + Motivation + Compliance
The Three Dimensions of Endodontic CBCT: Treatment Planning, Patient Understanding and Referral Relationships
Implant Drivers and Driver Tips for Single-Torque Wrenches
Are the Top 1 Percent Safe?
Debt-Repayment Basics for Dentists
A Creative Approach to Retirement Funding
Diode Use in Orthodontic-Related Procedures
Thin Implants
Stick With It: A Systematic Approach for Bonding CAD/CAM Restorations
Product Profile: Uncomplicate Business
Establishing an Accounts Receivable System
Yoga for Dentists
Practice Solutions: Ivoclar Vivadent
Ad Index
Why Dentists Need to Be Mobile-Ready
Rehabilitation Case with CAD/CAM Design and Excellent Results
Industry News
Product Profi le: LocalMed
Dentally Incorrect

Dentaltown August 2015