Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and afflicts
about eighteen million Americans. Diabetes means that the body does
not produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone responsible
in converting sugar, starches and other food into energy. Diabetes may
be caused by genetic factors, though lack of exercise, Obesity and
stress may also cause this disease. Stress increases the blood glucose
levels and the risk for Heart Disease, stroke, and infections.
Of the 18 million Americans with Diabetes, about 5.2 million are
undiagnosed and about 90-95% have Type 2 Diabetes. There are two basic
Types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is insulin
dependent. The pancreas no longer make insulin thus patients with Type 1
Diabetes need to take insulin shots or use insulin pumps. Type 2
Diabetes, on the other hand, is non-insulin dependent and is the most
common form of Diabetes. This Type of Diabetes can be developed by
anyone - young and old. In Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the fat, muscle,
or liver cells does not use it properly. Obesity - one of the causes of Diabetes and other serious medical conditions is
Obesity which affects 60% of the American population. Obese people have higher risk
in developing Type 2 Diabetes since both body fat and fat circulating
in the bloodstream appear to interfere with the ability of cells to use
insulin. Obesity and
Diabetes are also termed as twin epidemics. Obesity may be defined as
the excessively high amount of body fat in relation to lean body mass.
This occurs when caloric intake is greater than the amount of
energy expended. Medical professionals measure how much a person is
overweight by figuring his BMI or Body Mass Index.
Both Obesity and Diabetes is highly preventable through proper diet, exercise and lifestyle change. The Yoga Lifestyle is highly beneficial to facilitate treatment for this twin epidemic. The Yoga principles on Healthy Diet
and the practice of the Asanas will help balance the endocrine system,
tone the abdominal organs, stimulate both the Nervous and Circulatory Systems, and reduce stress. Yoga also helps one to gain a better understanding of ones self, leading to
acceptance and appreciation which will help eliminate the psychological
reasons for Obesity. The practice of Yoga deals with all the aspects of
an individual: the mind, body and spirit, giving a person a more holistic health approach to
his mind and body.
Yoga for Diabetes 3 Week Series is a 2 hour therapeutic yoga class based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar. The Asanas (poses) are sequenced to balance the endocrine system,
tone the abdominal organs, regulate both the Nervous and Circulatory Systems, normalize blood sugar levels, and reduce stress. This class includes information on the connection between Diabetes and Yoga, Asana Practice (poses sequenced specifically for Diabetes), Restorative Yoga sequenced specifically for Diabetes, Healing Imagery Practice and meditation. While this class is specifically sequenced for students with Diabetes everyone can benefit from the balancing and toning of the entire physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual systems.
Yoga for Diabetes is taught by MyLinda Morales CYT 2000 ERYT 500. MyLinda is extensively trained in yoga therapeutics and feels inspired to share the healing benefits of yoga with all! Yoga for Diabetes requires considerable props and in-depth individual attention from MyLinda, therefore, space is limited and advanced registration is required. To learn more about MyLinda visit her website.