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Birgit, 61 years, Stuttgart, Germany
"I had chronic pain for over 10 years. No one could give me a clear diagnosis; doctors suspected fibromyalgia. Some days I could hardly work, it was very difficult for me to even think and sit in a chair. I took about four 600mg ibuprofen a week.  I tried almost everything: physiotherapy, osteopathy, regular yoga, acupuncture, a 4-week stay at an orthopaedic rehabilitation clinic, but these only provided short term relief, at best.

In our online Pain Care Aware Yoga lessons Doris educated me about how pain develops and about the role of the autonomic nervous system in pain. We had good, deep conversations. We did very gentle yoga stretches and breathing techniques and meditation. All of this, although I had done so much before, was new to me. I learned a lot about myself; about my pain.  I noticed I had been breathing incorrectly for years!  I also became aware that I had been doing all exercises given to me by health care providers with too much force and with great impatience.

After having practiced with Doris for 5 months, what changed the most is my breathing. I have incorporated proper breathing into my daily routine. When I'm anxious or stressed, I automatically remember to breathe deeply into my belly.  I use breath proactively to calm myself down, so I no longer get to the point where I feel overwhelmed. 

I am pleased to report, as I continue my practices regularly, that I am about 80% pain free again!!! Especially the excruciating muscle pain is almost gone! I can feel myself, my body again and am not plagued by the pain every day. I am also no longer afraid of the pain. I know if I take the time and rest I will manage to relax and "breathe the pain away". 

As a result of the classes with Doris I now take more time for myself; I take more walks. I also find that I can think more clearly again. I am more adventurous and I no longer need pain medication!I would never have believed that through these - actually - simple methods, I would become pain-free. I am infinitely grateful to you, dear Doris, that you had the courage to go through this with me and taught me so much that I now know what is important in life and how to deal with my pain."

Sandy, 58 years, Brampton, Ontario

"I met Doris about 3 years ago. I was experiencing an increasing amount of body pain over the years until my hip, knee, and back pain were making it difficult to walk, drive, work, and function. From Doris I have learned the science behind a yoga practice that I can use for chronic pain management.

The first thing she taught me was diaphragmatic breathing; I had never breathed like this before.  I’ve also learned about the role of the nervous system in pain and how I can calm myself using breathing and meditation practices.  I particularly learned about interoception - ‘sensing inside’ - and, now that I can increasingly feel my body again, I no longer ignore my body and, instead, listen to its messages.

I have continued with Doris all this time. She is unfailingly enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and interesting.  My pain has changed; sometimes it's better, sometimes worse, but overall, as time goes on, I do see improvements in my condition."