Telehealth is a method to provide personal health care over the Internet. We can bring your provider to you using a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

Do I have to have special equipment?

No! You can participate in your appointment with almost any device. All you need is a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with a camera and an internet connection. No special equipment is required.

Will I be required to download software? I’m not very tech-savvy.

No special software or programs need to be downloaded! You will receive a link to download an app if you have a smartphone. This App helps to ensure that your appointment is private and secure. If you participate on a tablet or computer, you will click on a link. There is nothing to download.

Will this be a phone call? Can I see my provider?

This is a significant improvement and way more than a phone call! You will be connected with your provider for a face-to-face video visit, in the comfort of your home, just like in the office.

Can you see children? What about the elderly?

We provide services to patients of all ages, from as young as 5 to as old as 100 and every age in between. Some people are hesitant to try Telehealth, but once they do, they love it and wish they had found it sooner!

What is the benefit of Telehealth?

You get prompt and convenient care when participating in your appointment via our secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. No more traveling to an office and endless waiting in a waiting room! At Awaken Telepsychiatry, we value your time as much as you do. Your appointment will start promptly as scheduled! This means you no longer need to take much time off work or out of your day for healthcare appointments. No more sitting in traffic! We provide convenient and efficient appointments with flexible scheduling when possible.

Do I have to come to the office?

For most patients, the answer is no; you can participate from anywhere you feel comfortable. Some insurers do have different requirements for Telehealth. When that is the case, we will help you with that.

Is Telehealth private?

Like a face-to-face appointment, your Telehealth visit will be private and confidential. You can even meet in pajamas!

Will the appointments be recorded?

None of our appointments will ever be recorded or stored.

Will my provider and my care be as good as if I were to come to an office for a traditional appointment?

Absolutely, and hopefully, even more so! At Awaken Telepsychiatry, we pride ourselves on returning excellent customer service to health care. We do our best to ensure that your experience is pleasant and that you receive the highest quality, up-to-date, evidence-based medicine. Your provider will always take your time with your appointment. Our patients are valued and appreciated! Our staff strives to ensure you feel heard, cared about, and meet your needs.

I’m a bit hesitant. Can I set up a test call to see if it works for me?

Absolutely! Of course, we will gladly arrange a free test session to experience our great Telehealth platform and see if it suits you and your needs.

What Is Yoga and Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight?

Yoga, a practice that has endured for centuries, offers physical benefits and a profound connection between the mind, body, and spirit.

When our minds are constantly stimulated, yoga offers a space for us to slow down and balance our nervous systems.

In this blog post, we explore the essence of yoga and its potential for weight loss and explore specific yoga poses that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

What is Yoga?

Yoga, originating from ancient India, is a practice that combines physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation to nurture harmony between the mind, body, and soul.

“Yoga” means union, emphasizing the integration of various aspects of our being.

Indeed, yoga is often associated with physical exercise, but it’s about cultivating a balanced and conscious lifestyle.

You can build good habits through yoga, like discipline, self-inquiry, and letting go.

Yuj, from which yoga derives, is often understood to refer to states of inner clarity, peace, and happiness.

Yoga for Weight Loss

Losing weight with yoga takes commitment and practice – more physically active yoga burns the most calories.

Practicing yoga regularly can:

Boost metabolism.
Burn calories.
Build lean muscle mass.
Improve flexibility.
Heighten body awareness.

Also, yoga encourages mindfulness and self-acceptance, which can positively influence your relationship with food and emotional well-being.

Let’s explore how.

Yoga and Mindfulness

Through yoga, you develop a deep awareness of your physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions in the present moment.

When it comes to weight loss, mindfulness plays an important role.

It fosters awareness and can positively influence one’s relationship with food, allowing you to make conscious and healthier choices.

A study from 2016 indicates that practicing yoga increases resistance to unhealthy foods and comfort eating.

Further, yoga can benefit people facing weight loss difficulties through other methods.

Yoga and Sound Sleep

Yoga can help you sleep better.

When you practice yoga regularly, you may find that you sleep deeper and easier.

In a study from 2018, participants who consistently had restricted sleep lost less fat compared to those who maintained their normal sleep patterns.

Even when both groups were following calorie restrictions, sleep loss had a negative impact on body composition, specifically fat loss.

Yoga Poses for Weight Loss

Some yoga poses will help boost your metabolism, engage your core muscles, and make you more robust and flexible.

Plank Pose (Phalakasana)

This pose targets your abs, arms, and shoulders, strengthening your core and improving your posture.

In a push-up position, place your hands directly under your shoulders and hold the pose while engaging your abdominal muscles.

Boat Pose (Navasana)

The Boat Pose activates the abdominal muscles and tones the core.

Sit on the mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Lean back slightly and lift your legs, straightening them while keeping your torso engaged.
Hold the pose while maintaining balance and a straight spine.

Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II)

The Warrior II Pose targets the legs, hips, and core muscles.

From a standing position, step one foot back, aligning the front heel with the back arch.
Extend your arms parallel to the floor and gaze over the front fingertips.

This pose strengthens the lower body while building stamina and focus.

Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)

Sun Salutations are a series of dynamic poses that create heat in the body, improve cardiovascular fitness, and engage multiple muscle groups.

They involve a sequence of forward folds, lunges, and downward-facing dog poses, promoting strength, flexibility, and overall vitality.

Make sure you do at least 10 Sun Salutations.

You can make them more intense by holding some positions longer or speeding up.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from Yoga?

Everyone’s experience with yoga is different – it’s all about consistency.

The person’s body composition and commitment play a role as well.

Changes may happen in a few weeks for some people, but others may need more time.

How Often Should You Do Yoga to Lose Weight?

Practice as often as possible for effective weight loss with yoga, aiming for 3 to 5 active sessions per week, each lasting at least 1 hour.

Balance with gentle classes on other days.

Start gradually if you’re a beginner, and incorporate rest days. Also, combine yoga with cardio activities like walking and cycling.

Yoga for Overweight Beginners

It’s an inclusive practice that welcomes everyone.

As a low-impact and gentle way to start a fitness regimen, yoga is ideal for overweight beginners.

It helps build strength gradually, improves flexibility, and gives you more self-confidence.

When starting yoga as an overweight beginner, you should listen to your body and modify poses accordingly.

Support and alignment can be achieved with yoga props like blocks, straps, and bolsters.

It’s a good idea to start with beginner-friendly classes or get guidance from a yoga instructor who specializes in modifications for a larger body type, to ensure safety.

You can slowly progress to more challenging poses as you build strength and confidence.

Respecting your body’s abilities and limitations throughout your yoga journey is important.

Yoga Weights – For Strength & Tone

Using yoga weights, such as dumbbells or resistance bands, adds challenge and enhances strength and muscle tone.

Maintaining proper form and alignment is essential when using yoga weights.

Start with lighter weights and gradually increase resistance as you build strength and confidence.

To maximize the benefits, focus on controlled movements and mindful breathing.

Consult with a yoga instructor or fitness professional for guidance on incorporating yoga weights safely and effectively.

Transform Your Life with Yoga

Yoga is a powerful practice that helps you get fit, feel better, and discover yourself.

With Awaken Telepsychiatry, you can venture on your yoga journey from home with online yoga classes.

Learn how yoga can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

What Is Yoga and Does Yoga Help You Lose Weight? – Awaken Telepsychiatry