comfortable you are in your skin” and your confidence.
Dr Serrallach focuses on micro-nutrient health (vitamins
and minerals), macro-nutrient health (protein, fats,
carbohydrates), organ function (poor digestive health and
liver overload) and hormone levels in combination with a
framework he calls S.P.A.N: sleep, purpose, activity and
nutrition. Addressing these often-neglected areas during
our midlife and regenerating their depletion can boost a
person’s overall vitality.
He says men and women both face challenges at
midlife: post-natal depression often affects women
during the midlife years and many men still believe
they have to be the breadwinner.
“For a man going into his 40s, there can be
the realisation that his life is based on quite
a hollow, capitalistic framework. It’s a very
full-on time. Who does a man talk to? It can
be devastating.”
Matt Worley, yoga teacher at the Yoga
Loft in Newcastle, spoke to me from India
where he is furthering his practice. “Many
men have lost the connection with self
and without that connection how can
they genuinely and truly connect and
support others?” Matt says.
“From that loss of connection
with self, awareness of our own
health deteriorates. Men can then
look for an escape through bad
diet choices or using drugs. Yoga
empowers one to overcome the
obstacles of the mind so the
self may experience its own
true nature.”
Former Melbourne
psychologist and author
of Understanding the
Mid-Life Crisis, Dr Peter
O’Connor, says men
and women face a
massive transition
47
april 2016yogajournal.com.auUTTANASANA ADHO MUKHA SVANASANAForward-folding pose reduces depression, relieves
fatigue, tones abdominal organs, and relieves
stress-related headaches.Calms the brain and slowly stimulates nerves,
helps prevent hot flushes, reduces stiffness in
joints, strengthens ankles and legs.Improves flexibility in thighs, knees, and groins;
helps kidney and prostate gland health, eases
menstrual pain, mild anxiety, depression, fatigue.BADDHA KONASANA