Hot Yoga Doctor

every time i feel like i'm never gonna get that knee locked, or i'll never make it through the whole 10 seconds of stick pose, a little miracle happens... and it may not be perfect but its a small step toward that goal and that is what keeps me going. i have never been one to meditate so i had no clue what it was like to be in the zone going in, but these cohesive moments of body/mind are amazing. it's wonderful. It's like someone put me on pause and the world just falls away.

Bonjour,

I totally identify with your voyage of discovery and change. I started practicing Bikram yoga in March 2005 and by January 2006, my whole life had changed. I also returned to school in 2007 -- I'm still a full time student -- and found it very challenging to continue my practice. I used to practice regularly and now, I'm lucky if I ... Read Morepractice 3 times a week. I'm not happy about it, I feel like I've lost my mojo and all that. I also let myself get discouraged just because I still can't do some of the postures even though I've been practicing for over 4 years. However, I know that the answer is simply to find a time -- for me it's early morning, preferably the first class of the day -- to practice regularly. The trick is not to think about it, just do it....just let my body take me to the studio and do it. The thing is, we know how wonderful we feel when we practice regularly and we know the wonderful places that regular practice can take us.....so why don't we do it? Is it because we fear being ferraris permanently as the demands on us will be greater? Why do sabotage ourselves? I think that is the question to ask. You know what teachers say in class....if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. We have to make the choice to be different from the rest of the unhealthy world and take responsibility for our own well being. We are stronger than we know and we deserve to be as healthy and happy as Bikram yoga can help us be.
Anyway, that's my own path. Perhaps it can help you a little.

I will try to figure out if symptom is triggered physically or psychologically.

What happen if doing forward bend with head below heart, and how about just leg lift to 45 degrees while on back or as high up as possible on the belly, and try a few other poses with squeezing to the throat.

Alternatively, if suspecting a physical problem, then it is not a bad idea for they to see a physician for a check-up (or at least a blood test).

Without seeing your practice it is difficult to make a proper recommendation. I've been teaching this yoga for over 7 years and I can share the most common reason why students quit (especially in such a short time) - because their heart weren't in it.

These students are easily distracted during class. As soon as someone else sits down during class that gave them permission to rest too. Instead of trying every pose to their best ability in every class, they habitually sitting out the poses they don't like. Over a few week, they don't see they results as they expected, so they quit.

As I said, this may not be you. It is worth while to check out how connected you are with your body during your next class. ... Read More

Best wishes.

It seems to me, more people come and go, then stay. Its not for everyone. You could try changing your state of mind different from where you have been upon entering the studio because where your head is, dosnt seem to be working. Do you find yourself bored with other things too?
It may not be just the yoga.

You should first rule out any physical problems, see a doctor and get your thyroid/neck checked. If everything is fine, there could be an underlying emotional or spiritual cause. The throat chakra is the centre of communication, creativity and expression. Are you having trouble communicating, is there something you need to say but cannot say it, do... Read More you have problems expressing yourself, is your creativity flowing freely or not??? The yoga will bring your awareness to those areas of your body that are blocked. I always feel discomfort in this posture too. Camel is about opening your throat and your heart areas and if you are holding on to any unresolved emotions, these can manifest as discomfort. But please see a doctor first to rule out any physical issues.

If you are experiencing "Extreme pain" leave it out....one of Patanjali's yamas and niyamas (rules or ways to live a life of deeper consciousness) is AHIMSA, the practise of non-violence...and in your yoga practise more importantly to be non-violent with yourself. ...not physically abusing yourself by not forcing your body into postures that hurt you. Lovingly direct your body to do the posture as best Ias you can and in a way that you will get benefit from it.