How Yoga Can Help with Physical and Emotional Stress

Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Patty Ferry, a Certified 500 Hour Yoga Teacher

We are speaking with Patty Ferry, advanced yoga teacher who has been practicing for over 20 years. She had added yoga to her already existing fitness program and found herself transformed by the practice, helping her become a better person. She wanted to share her experience with others so they could feel the benefits as well.

Tell Us a Story About  a Physically and Emotionally Stressed Client and How You Helped

Six years ago I began to work with Claudia, a 50+ year old woman, who was dealing with nerve damage to her foot and elbow following back surgery. This difficult recovery was aggravated by dealing with marital problems and also a narcissistic boss at an extremely stressful job.

Claudia first came to yoga to help with her physical restrictions. As she had a lot of fear about what she was capable of doing, we started out very gently with warm-ups and poses to help her back. We found the appropriate modifications for her warrior poses and worked on her balance.

Claudia persevered with yoga poses for two years that eventually gave her more range of motion and movement without pain. This was evident when she was lying on her back to do a knee down twist. She is also now able to lengthen her arm and elbow, able to be on her hands and knees in table position and comfortably get into a downward facing dog. While it was very difficult for her to stand on her foot and stay in balance in a standing warrior pose, with practice, Claudia is now able to do balancing poses such as tree and eagle pose with ease and strength.

As her physical condition improved with time, Claudia’s response to emotional challenges also shifted. I mentioned she was stressed at work and her marriage was in shambles. How these things affected her became less charged with her inner transformation made possible by putting attention on her breathing. Breathwork takes coaxing and patience to settle in, learn and regularly engage in multiple breathing techniques.  We used a three-part yoga breath known as dhirga pranayama which helped Claudia to release the pent up tension in her body. After only one session, she was surprised how much better she felt emotionally. Afterwards, we incorporated the Alternate Nostril Breathing, which really helps to bring the body into balance and a create a calm within.

With regular yoga practice, Claudia enjoys better physical health, a more harmonious marriage and more effective ways of responding to her narcissistic boss.

Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic Path?

I started on the Holistic Path in late 1980’s when as an adult dealing with a parent with a drinking problem, I learned about codependency, self esteem and meditation and read a plethora of books on self-care. I was a part of the generation living on convenience foods loaded with sugars, food coloring and empty calories. Thankfully, in 1992, I was introduced to nutritional supplements as a direct sales business which opened my eyes to take better care of myself. In that same year, I began my career in fitness where to this day exercise remains a core part of me and has deepened my relationships with friends.

One of my first experiences with Holistic care, started with a chiropractor for my TMJ issues. I have continued with chiropractic care for most of my adult life and took my daughters to the chiropractor when they were babies to help with the chronic fluid in their ears and treating asthma. I was frustrated with the pediatricians who were only offering antibiotics and medicines for every thing.

It was at this time I met so many amazing wellness practitioners. Thank goodness for local health food stores and knowledgeable people, for they helped me navigate ADHD for my oldest daughter and asthma issues with my youngest daughter. Now our family is hugely invested in essential oils to help us with medical issues. I look forward to more people being educated on the value of natural alternatives and good sound nutrition to manage health as the ExploreHolistic educational site is doing to spread the word and give access to the practitioners.

What Lessons Have Your Work and Personal Experiences Taught You?

I lost a son 18 days after birth, who was my middle child.  I found out what it means to have a broken heart! They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I can attest to that! My husband and I made a conscious choice to move forward and to support each other as we grieved our loss. This changed everything. Shortly after the birth of my third child, I found yoga – and yoga changed my life!  It helped me to be centered, peaceful and a better parent and wife. My angry old reactive self just dissolved. Now, I make it point to indulge in self care. I am faith centered, meditate daily and read uplifting self help books. All this helps me to remain grounded and secure.

What Would You Like Your Patients/Clients to Know About Your Services that They May Not be Aware of?

We offer private on-one sessions, as well as small group private sessions. Our staff is available to go onsite to a business or someone’s home for a special event with yoga, Thai massage and reflexology.

Biography

Patty has been practicing yoga for 20 years. She started teaching yoga in a local gym and branched out into other parts of the community.

In 2008, Patty graduated from the Pranakriya School of Healing Yoga.
In 2009, Patty opened Whole Body Yoga Studio in business now for 10 years.
In 2018 Patty completed a 300-hr program.

As a fitness instructor, Patty started yoga as an add-on to already vigorous workouts. “What I did not anticipate was the inner transformation inside myself that helped me to be a better person, mother and wife. I am very excited to share yoga with everyone.”

Patty Ferry, Certified 500 Hour Yoga Teacher
Whole Body Yoga Studio
103 E. Walnut Street
North Wales, PA.  19454

Visit Patty’s Website

To find more practitioners like Patty, visit our Holistic Health Directory