I suffered from a herniated disc 15 years ago. In the village where I lived at that time, there was no doctor and no physiotherapy available, but I was able to help myself. Some time before I had taken an intensive course in Yoga Therapy at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (India), which focussed on the healing potential of yoga. So I designed a yoga therapy for my problem that focussed on stretching and lengthening the spine. After 3 months I was pain free, without surgery, physio or medication.

Years later, I suffered a second time from a slipped disc. This was caused by a camel ride. This time a nerve in my spine was too much compressed and could not work anymore. I suffered from drop foot, i.e. I could no longer lift my foot and only walk with great uncertainty. After a year of yoga therapy, I had 80% of the normal function back. Today I can walk well and work as a yoga teacher. From time to time I suffer from lumbago but can help myself with Yoga Therapy. In a few days I’m usually pain free, without seeing a doctor or taking pain killers. 

This year I shattered my ankle in an accident. It had to be operated on and I had 11 screws and a 10cm plate inserted into the bone. I wasn't allowed to walk for 2 months. If muscles and tendons are not used for such a long time, the muscles atrophy quickly and flexibility decreases rapidly. When I was allowed to put weight on my foot again, I started yoga therapy. After four months, the doctors noted a surprisingly rapid healing process.

Trainings:

I have been practising yoga for 30 years and have been teaching for almost 20 years. I did my first yoga teacher training at the Mysore Mandala Shala in India. I then completed an intensive yoga therapy course at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (Chennai, India). I completed another Ashtanga yoga teacher training with David Svenson and attended workshops with Manu Jois, Swarasti Jois and Sharath Jois.

In all these years, I have not only been able to help myself with illnesses and physical problems, but also to support my students in healing and improving their quality of life.