While Type I diabetes is often not preventable (and mostly due to genetics or environmental factors), Type II diabetes is running rampant in America.
As a matter of fact, 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type II.
Type II diabetes is preventable and even curable! And yoga is a natural and holistic way to do just that.
Because diabetes is the cause of secondary health issues like neuropathy, infections, immune problems, kidney issues, eye damage, and heart disease, I wanted to make sure all people had access to therapeutic yoga designed specifically for diabetics.
That’s why I started teaching a Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes class on MyYogaTeacher! If you haven’t become an MYT member yet, I encourage you to take advantage of their 2-week free trial. You’ll have access to my class and 35+ other classes, one of which will surely meet your needs!
In the meantime, I felt it was important to discuss exactly how yoga helps cure and prevent this terrible disease.
Even though yoga is an ancient practice, it is just now starting to be recognized worldwide as a practical and applicable treatment for many types of illnesses, including Type II Diabetes.
While yoga is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice of enlightenment, it is, just as importantly, a practice of health management. Studies show that the mind-body connection that results from a regular yoga practice is directly linked to improved dietary lifestyles and medication compliance.
Yoga provides plenty of opportunities for self-awareness, reflection, and behavioral changes.
Also, the meditation aspect of therapeutic yoga for diabetics reduces mindless eating practices that occur when we’re stressed out, burnt out, or emotional. This is called mindful eating.
Stopping the cycles of emotional and binge eating is a huge part of healthy lifestyle changes, but especially crucial for Type II diabetics!
Mindful eating is proven to help people increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and take more notice of actual hunger cues versus eating out of boredom or stress.
A consistent yoga practice also improves discipline. Being more disciplined often carries over into other parts of life! Disciplined eaters focus more on food nutrition (eating to fuel your body) and less on random eating.
And because yoga meets you where you are, it’s an easy exercise for anyone to start at any age! Which means you are more likely to keep practicing it. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for Type II Diabetes. Yoga definitely helps with that!
Earlier, I mentioned stress eating, boredom eating, and emotional eating. All of which are often harmful to your health.
If you haven’t read some of our other articles about how yoga affects your mental health, you might want to check out “Five Ways Meditation Can Start Improving Your Life Right Now” or “How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year.”
Both of those are great!
But for now, I can give you some ways yoga specifically helps Type II diabetics manage their mental health better, which helps prevent those harmful eating patterns while also benefiting your glucose levels!
Yoga is meditation. It’s not just a physical exercise. It’s a spiritual practice! But it doesn’t have to be related to religion.
Many people are hesitant to start a yoga practice because they’ve been led to believe it’s religion-based. I feel it’s important for everyone to understand that yoga is spiritual in the sense that it helps you become self-aware and more aware of the world around you. It teaches us how to bring harmony to our inner and outer world, how to be more compassionate, kind, and loving to ourselves and others.
And all of those things help us feel better mentally and physically! Which leads us to the last way that yoga helps diabetics.
What are physiological changes? Changes in the normal function of the human body. In this case, a regular therapeutic yoga practice for diabetics creates a whole multitude of positive changes in the body!
Let’s go over some of them:
Without going into all the technical, scientific jargon, suffice it to say that yoga changes your body at a cellular level. And because of that, the improvements listed above are, quite literally, good side effects!
Plus, who doesn’t want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, have better immunity, less inflammation, and a healthier heart?!
Everyone can benefit from yoga, but especially diabetics. Type II Diabetes is controllable, preventable, and curable. Without medication, even. But definitely consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications!
Are you diabetic? I’d love the opportunity to help you feel better, healthier, and more energetic! Check out my class, Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes on myYogaTeacher. All are welcome there. And if you haven’t grabbed your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher yet, you can do that here!
I hope to see you there!
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{"slug":"yoga-for-diabetics","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps. Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clbo27j06vjco09itmt445vnt","slug":"hatha-yoga-poses-for-beginners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"5 Elements of Hatha Yoga for Beginners (10 Hatha Yoga Poses)","createdAt":"2022-12-14T19:42:30.385225+00:00","coverUrl":"orzw7rqsoilsu2jszsyg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’re new to yoga, you may be discouraged by how many types of yoga there seem to be. Hatha yoga is a great place to begin your journey! \\n\\nWhat is Hatha Yoga?\\nHatha Yoga is a style that aspires to create a body, mind and spiritual union through your practice. This very grounded yoga also connects your spirit with the elements. The word “hatha” literally translates to sun (ha) and moon (ta). Like yin and yang, this practice is meant to help you find the balance within you. Hatha yoga is great for beginners because it’s meant to be preparatory in its foundation. Hatha yoga has quickly become the most popular type of yoga in the west because it builds strength and flexibility while still being “gentle” for most people. \\n\\n4 Benefits of Hatha Yoga Practice \\nImproves flexibility and strength\\n. Hatha helps you build a strong core which will strengthen your abdominal area,spinal cord and pelvic floor.\\nReduces stress and anxiety\\n. Because yoga helps to improve physical flexibility, it also opens our energy channels and alleviates \"blockages\" we may be struggling with mentally. Yoga is also known to release emotions that the body is holding onto before movement occurs. \\nCreates mental stability\\n. Hatha helps improve your focus and mental clarity by focusing and slowing the breath. Physical fitness creates endorphins to boost happiness which helps to slow down a racing mind and improve relaxation. \\nConnects you to your inner sense of self\\n. Hatha was originally intended to be a spiritual practice. When you commit to practicing hatha's five elements, You'll be on your way to inner peace and discovery. Start your journey to self discovery through hatha with our online platform! Our 1-on-1 classes with expert yoga teachers are a great way to begin your yoga journey. These sessions allow you to set personal goals and move at your own pace! Two private sessions are included in our \\nfree trial!\\n\n\n\\n5 Elements of Hatha Yoga for Beginners\\nEach branch of hatha is meant to work together to help you achieve clarity and enlightenment. Let’s break down the five elements!\\nAsanas (the posture or pose)\\n The asanas in hatha are practiced to help the body find proper alignment while connecting with your energy channels and chakras. \\nPranayamas (the breath or life force)\\n There are 8 Prana practices in hatha that can be done within a practice or on their own. Each hatha class will typically focus on one or two practices. \\nKriyas\\n. This ayurvedic technique is meant to help you cleanse during your practice. This can improve energy, improve digestion or help if you’re feeling ill. \\nBandhas (to lock or close)\\n This element will lock the energy into the body so you can carry it off your mat. \\nMudras \\nare the final phase of your practice, a hand gesture to mark or seal a practice.\n\n\\n10 Hatha Yoga Poses for Beginners: \n\\nIf you’re ready to start practicing hatha, you can start with these simple to learn poses before you join us for class, or when you only have time for a quick practice!\\n\\n1. Child’s Pose - Root Chakra \\n\\n\\nA calming pose. This pose is a total reset for the body, mind and spirit. A gentle way to drop in to your practice and focus your attention inward. \\n\\n2. Cat/Cow Pose - Swadhisthana Chakra\\n\\n\\nBreath control. This asana is essential in hatha because it helps you learn to move your body and breath together with control. \n\\n\\n3. Downward Dog Pose - Solar Plexus\\n\\n\\nA stretching asana. This full body stretch will help you leave your practice ready to take on the day. \\n\n\\n4. Mountain Pose - Root Chakra\\n\\n\\nFor power. Mountain pose is meant to help you find the power within yourself.\\n\n\\n5. Standing Forward Fold - Swadhisthana Chakra\\n\\n\\nTo release. This is an effective stretching asana. \\n\n\\n6. Tree Pose - Root Chakra\\n\\nThis pose is part of your hatha practice to remind you to focus and find balance. It’s also a great goal tracker pose.\\n\n\\n7. Warrior I - Throat Chakra\\n\\n \\nFor balance and strength. This asana will help to ground you and is a great way to center yourself if you’re experiencing anxiety. \\n\n\\n8. Warrior II - Sacral Chakra\\n\\nMoving from warrior I, it helps to strengthen your lower body and find flexibility in the hips. This pose helps you become an agile warrior! \\n\n\\n9. Bridge Pose - Heart Chakra\\n\\nA pose to release stress or emotion. Bridge pose is a great asana to slow down your breathing and your busy mind. \\n\n\\n10. Cobra Pose - Throat Chakra\\n\\nThis gentle spinal opener will help you close your practice with a gentle release of the hips and spine. \\n\n\n\\nLive Hatha Yoga Classes to Try\n \\n\\nBeginner Hatha\\n. In this class with Abhishek, you’ll learn to balance opposites in your physical and mental practice. This total body class will develop flexibility and strength while helping you find relaxation and clarity. \\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n. Move through a classic vinyasa with Bharath while you connect your breath and movement together to clear your energy channels and remove mental blocks. \\n\\nIntermediate Hatha\\n. Shikha classes are carefully crafted to create balance. This class builds a body and mind connection while combining asanas and breathwork to align with your individual goals. \\n\n\\nSo if you’re ready to start a gentle journey of self discovery or looking to build a beginner practice, try hatha today. \\nReady to get started? Join us online and start your at home practice today! \\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckk6ysenk21uj0a76z1142rgu","slug":"yoga-for-sore-muscles","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Best Beginner Yoga Poses for Sore Muscles: Feel Better Fast","createdAt":"2021-01-21T14:42:38.534163+00:00","coverUrl":"istockphoto-1158604393-612x612.jpg","content":{"text":"You hurt. Bad.\\n\\nSitting is a struggle. Standing isn’t any better. Lying down is...tolerable.\\n\\nUltimately, everything just hurts.\\n\\nMaybe you overdid it at the gym. Maybe you haven’t worked out in a while and you decided to jump back into it. You know, full steam ahead. Or it could be you tried something new, and you used muscles you haven’t been using on the regular during your workouts.\\n\\nWhatever the case, recovery yoga is your new best friend! Yoga is the perfect sweet relief for sore muscles. Especially if you’re a beginner.\\n\\nAdding yoga for muscle recovery to your workout routine helps your body bounce back from the intense stress of hardcore workouts and helps to prevent injury.\\n\\nCheck out some of these muscle recovery yoga poses when you just need a break from those achy muscles.\\n\\n1. Pigeon Pose\\nThis pose helps release soreness in your hips and lower back by stretching out your hips, glutes, and even your outer quadricep.\\n\\nIf you need quick relief in those areas, this is the pose for you! Here are some tips for correctly practicing this pose:\\n\\n1. Keep your hips square.\\n2. Rotate your rear leg to neutral position (not turned out).\\n3. Don’t collapse onto the hip of your front bent leg.\\n4. Use padding underneath your hip if necessary.\\n5. Avoid this pose if you have knee or hip issues.\\n\\nThis pose can be intense but in a good way! However, there should be no pain.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Reclined Strap Stretches\\n\\nRelease the beast that is tight, sore hamstrings and inner and outer thighs. Use this muscle recovery yoga pose right after an intense workout or the next day...or both!\\n\\nJust lie on your back, legs straight out, and bend one knee into your chest. Wrap your strap around the ball of your foot. Straighten your leg while holding both ends of the strap. Pull the strap straight back, right and then left, gently releasing the muscles in your inner and outer thighs, and hamstrings. Don’t forget to breathe!\\n\\nTips for success with this pose:\\n\\n1. Keep both feet flexed.\\n2. Keep both hips firmly planted on the floor.\\n3. The straight leg on the mat should remain in neutral position, not turned out.\\n4. Don’t overstretch! Modify as needed for comfort.\\n\\nRunners often use yoga for recovery of calves, hamstrings, and even lower back pain. This pose is perfect for all of those!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Reclined Twist\\n\\nThis pose is the best for relieving lower back pain. With proper technique, the reclined twist contributes to a healthy spine and also releases tight hip muscles.\\n\\nBegin by lying flat on your back. Bring your knees to your chest and stretch your arms out in a T, palms up facing the ceiling. Inhale and release your knees over to one side as you exhale. Lengthen your spine down towards the ground. Press your shoulder blades down towards the floor. Hold this pose on each side for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\nIf the pose is too intense using both legs, try extending one leg out and down towards (or onto the floor). Or, if your bottom knee doesn’t reach the ground, try putting a block or blanket underneath it for support.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Straight Legged Forward Bend\\n\\nThe best yoga for muscle recovery isn’t always complicated. A simple forward bend stretches everything from your Achilles tendon all the way up to your cervical spine.\\n\\nThe best stretch from this pose comes when you relax and “dangle”. Let your head drop. Breathe. Just let everything go!\\n\\nNo need to worry about keeping your legs perfectly straight. Feel free to rest your hands wherever you feel comfortable; thighs, shins, or the floor. You can also use a block.\\n\\nJust make sure your weight rests in the balls of your feet, not back on your heels!\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\n\\nThere’s a reason why this is a common pose practiced at the beginning, end and even in the middle of many yoga practices.\\n\\nIt’s restful and easy while stretching out your upper and lower back, arms, and hips. It’s also good for digestion. But then again, all of these poses are!\\n\\nRest easy, friend, your muscles deserve a break! Spend some time in this pose just breathing, relaxing, and deepening your stretch.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAs a matter of fact, it’s a good practice to hold each of these poses for 5-10 breaths, or longer if you can handle it. A common muscle recovery yoga practice is called yin yoga. A slow yoga practice where each pose is held for longer periods of time, sometimes up to 5 minutes each.\\n\\nIf you love holding these poses and feeling the exhilarating relief from your tired sore muscles, check out MyYogaTeacher’s \\nBeginner\\n class for free with your two week trial!\\n\\nOr if back pain is the source of your woes, we are offering a Yoga for Back Pain program now! You can click here and sign up for more information!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"cl8ubdcx7vo6009k5qdha5pei","slug":"mental-health-event-oct-2022","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s First Mental Health Awareness Event: Making Mental Health a Global Priority","createdAt":"2022-10-04T14:46:29.029785+00:00","coverUrl":"uqopxkfllwhswprb3saq.png","content":{"text":"You’re invited!\\nMental health conditions are increasing worldwide. Approximately 13% of the world’s population suffers from some kind of mental health issue. That’s over 1 billion people. Not including those who haven’t been diagnosed or those of us who simply (or not so simply) struggle managing our stress!\n\\nThat’s why MyYogaTeacher is hosting its first ever free 3-day Mental Health Awareness Event October 9th - 11th: Making Mental Health A Global Priority.\\n\\nYou’ll be inspired, seen, heard, and guided by three of our amazing, expert MyYogaTeacher yoga instructors! It’s going to be a phenomenal experience and way to improve your mental (and emotional) health!\n\\nHow to join the Mental Health Awareness Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required. You’ll get instant access to the event – plus two weeks of free group classes and two 1-on-1 sessions with a MyYogaTeacher instructor\\n\\nHas your free trial expired and you’re not a member?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know! We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\\nCheck out the 3 classes that will change your life!\\n\\n\\n\n\\n\\nExploring Mental Health & Spirituality with Vinay Varanasi\\n\\nSunday, October 9 at 05:00 pm PST\\nHow do mental health and spirituality affect one another? In this 60-minute session, you’ll explore how your mental health is related to your spirituality (not religion) and vice versa. Both heavily impact your life’s journey. People in all stages of spirituality are welcome to attend!\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\\n\\n\\nManaging Stress with Mindfulness with Shweta Jain\\n\\nMonday, October 10 at 06:00 am PST\\nA meditative lifestyle helps you manage stress and anxiety! But what exactly is mindfulness and meditation? How is it done? Get the answers to those questions and explore how mindfulness applications promote holistic well-being in this 60-minute session.\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\\n\\n\\nExperiencing Calm in the Storm: What to do When You’re Stressed or Depressed with Vanitha Chandrasegaram\\n\\nMonday, October 11 at 05:00 pm PST\\nThis 60-minute interactive session begins with a warm-up and fun physical activity before jumping into the psychology behind stress, anxiety, and depression and how it impacts your life. Then you’ll explore tools and be provided tips to help you find peace in those situations. A 15-minute Q&A follows!\n\\n\\nClick here to find out more or book this session\\n\\n\\nManaging your mental health doesn’t end when the event does!\\nThat’s why being a MyYogaTeacher member is so helpful. We offer 100% live classes from authentic, expert Indian yoga teachers that are here to help you continue your journey to better mental, emotional, and physical health.\\nCheck out these classes focused on improving your mental health…offered regularly! And available during your two-week trial and to all MyYogaTeacher members.\n\\nClass\\nTime (PST)\\nTeacher\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation\\n\\n8:30 am\\nArchana R\\n\\nBhakti Yoga: Mantra Chanting for Mental Health\\n\\n4:30 pm\\nNiyata Sahu\\n\\nYoga For Stress & Anxiety with Nandeep H\\n\\n5:30 pm\\nNandeep\\n\\nRestorative Yoga- For Deep Relaxation \\n\\n5:30 pm\\nSwathi K S\\n\\nYoga Nidra \\n\\n7:30 pm\\nShivayogi\\n\\nChakra & Sound healing\\n\\n5:30 pm\\nAbhishek \\n\\nKundalini \\n\\n3:30 PM\\nSujit Tiwari\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation\\n \\n3:00 PM\\nSheena\\n\\nTrataka - Candlelight Meditation\\n \\n4:30 AM\\nAkshay Bhat\\n\\nPranic Energization Techniques: Revitalize Your Whole Self\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nBreathe And Flow \\n\\n5:30 PM\\nBharath\\n\\nKundalini Yoga - Breathing movement and Meditation \\n\\n5:30 AM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nKriya, Pranayama and Meditation\\n \\n4:30 PM\\nRohan shroff\\n\\nKriya, Pranayama and Meditation\\n\\n5:00 AM\\nRohan shroff\\n\\nVipassana - Meditation \\n\\n4:30 AM\\nAkshay Bhat\\n\\nMantra,Mudra and Meditation\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nHealing Oneself Through Loving Kindness Meditation\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\nLaughter Yoga\\n\\n9:30 AM\\nKanika Sud\\n\\nRest and Rejuvenate with Golden Light Meditation\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\nTheta Meditation: Accessing the brain power\\n\\n6:30 PM\\nBodhi Abhishek\\n\\nStretch and Breath\\n \\n5:00 AM\\nShrutika\\n\\nManaging stress with Mindfulness \\n\\n6:00 AM\\nShweta Jain\\n\\nExperiencing Calm in the Storm: What to do When You’re Stressed & Depressed \\n\\n5:00 PM\\nVanitha\\n\\nExploring Mental Health and Spirituality \\n\\n5:00 PM\\nVinay Varanasi\\n\\nConsider how much more joyful you’d be if you were able to control your mental health instead of letting it control you? How would being mentally and emotionally healthy affect your daily life? How would you move better in the world? \\n\\nJoin us on the journey to better mental health for ourselves \\nand\\n others at MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Mental Health Awareness Event October 9th to 11th!\\n\\nLet’s make mental health a global priority.\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"clbuw5g08lm6z09kb5z7ov6xy","slug":"yoga-for-hypertension","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Hypertension: 5 Yoga Asanas to Lower Your Blood Pressure","createdAt":"2022-12-19T14:27:18.678542+00:00","coverUrl":"nlkokdgzajyx8iqo77r6.jpg","content":{"text":"Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that can affect your arteries. Nearly one in three people experience hypertension each year. Since yoga is great for calming the body, it’s great to help you regulate your blood pressure. A regular yoga practice is shown to lower blood pressure naturally over time. According to Yoga Journal, A recent study tested the use of yoga three times a week for people being treated for high blood pressure. The results showed those who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in their blood pressure compared to those who did not. Ready to add yoga into your routine to balance your health? \\nJoin us for a class on our online platform!\\n\\nWhy is Yoga Good for People with Hypertension?\\nBecause we practice deep breathing in yoga, and we give the body permission to “slow down”, our blood pressure will lower while we’re on our mat and long after. While yoga makes us more flexible in life and our body, the same goes for our arteries. Yoga will make our blood vessels more flexible which lowers your risk of hypertension as well as long term effects. If you’re looking to reduce meds and try something more natural, a regular yoga practice is shown to reduce blood pressure by about three to five points.\\n\n\\n5 Yoga Asanas to Lower Blood Pressure\\n1. Child's Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nThis relaxing asana provides a chance to slow down and breathe deeply while also releasing stress and tension from the hips and back. \\n\\n2. Bound angle (Baddha Konasana)\\n\\nThis hip opener helps with blood flow by increasing circulation.\\n\\n3. Seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana)\\n\\nThis pose promotes calmness as all forward bends because your spine controls your body’s nervous system. \\n\\n4. Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\n\\nThis powerhouse pose regulates blood pressure as well as opening the lungs and your heart chamber. \\n\\n5. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nNever skip this resting pose. After a long day of our busy lives, savasana gives us the opportunity to slow down, breath deep and release all our tension and stress. \\n\\nOther Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure\\nAyurveda, an alternative medicine system that’s closely related to yoga suggest lifestyle changes to improve hypertension. Some of which include waking up with the sun, morning movement (like a walk or yoga), gargling warm water and sesame oil, and different combinations of herbs like thyme, ginger and garlic you can add to your meals. \\nCut back on “bad habits”. Reduce your salt intake, limit your alcohol and quit smoking.\\nBe conscious of your rest time. Getting a good night’s sleep can help lower your blood pressure. Aim for a bedtime and try to keep your sleep on track\\nPractice breathwork (pranayama) to reduce stress.You cannot control the world around you, but you can always control your breathing. Adding breathwork practices into your day can help you lower your blood pressure and remain calm in stressful situations. \\nSukha Pranayama \\nis the breath practice most commonly used with patients with hypertension. “To perform this pranayama, sit with the eyes closed and spine straight as in padmasana or sukhasana. After a few normal breaths, inhale slowly for six counts, hold for six counts, exhale slowly for six counts and hold the breath for six counts. This is one round. Complete six to nine rounds then relax for at least five minutes.”-Yogapedia \\n\n\\nWhat type of yoga should I take to balance my blood pressure?\\nWhen choosing a class to take, you want to pick the right class for your condition. These styles will help you slow down your breath and calm the body so you can reduce anxiety to lower your blood pressure naturally. Join us for class to relax and restore.\\n\\nGentle Yoga\\n. In this class you’ll move slowly through asanas taking time for meditation and breathwork. \\n\\nRestorative\\n. This class is great for anyone suffering from any chronic pain or illness. With the help of props, you will hold 4-6 poses throughout the practice which will reduce stress, pain and fatigue. \\n\\nTotal body Yin\\n. This slow meditative practice is a great way to reset and restore. Need an escape from the mundane? Try this class if you’re looking to take a journey on your mat. \n\\nStudies show just 10 minutes of deep breathing can reduce your blood pressure. So grab your mat and join us for a class! The benefits will be long lasting! Ready to get started? Grab your \\nfree two week trial now\\n & join us for hundreds of classes, 1-on-1 sessions events and mor\\n"}},{"id":"clas104kemz1o0bimrwa5ir7s","slug":"yoga-gift-card","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Reasons To Give The Gift Of Yoga This Holiday Season","createdAt":"2022-11-22T09:40:07.784715+00:00","coverUrl":"eomsfhhpzm6rc4ndnem3.jpg","content":{"text":"As the holiday season takes off, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. Trying to be unique or give something that stands out can be difficult. But yoga is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves. Helping them to create space and routine they may not have otherwise. Thinking of giving a \\nMyYogaTeacher gift card\\n for the holidays? There's so many reasons to give the gift of yoga and mindfulness this season! If you’re a yogi, you know the many benefits of yoga and how helpful it is to your day to day life! But maybe there’s someone in your life who has yet to discover the gift of yoga! \n\n\\nHere are the top 10 reasons to give the gift of yoga to someone you love. \\n It’s good for the environment!\\n Gifting a virtual gift card means no wrapping paper. Even if your recipient lives overseas it’s easy to just email the gift right to their inbox!\\nIt promotes self-care! \\nWhen you give the gift of yoga, you’re giving someone you love the chance to take time out of their busy schedule to practice self-care and self love. It’s such a beautiful way to show gratitude to those around us. \\nIt becomes a routine. \\nDid you know it takes 21 days to build a habit? When you give the gift of a month with \\nMyYogaTeacher \\nto someone, it will become part of their routine and lifestyle. And they’ll be grateful you gave them such a beautiful gift. Which brings us to the next reason….\\n \\nYoga creates a community. \\nFor those of us who are still working from home or may live far from those we love, MyYogaTeacher’s online classes give us a chance to create a yoga community while staying home. We look forward to our weekly classes with expert teachers and the friends we make along the way. \\n It’s good for the body! \\nUsually around the holidays we tend to indulge in the name of celebration. Yoga is a great way to balance out celebrating with mindful movement. \\n \\nIt will last long after the holidays.\\n A lot of times, we buy gifts for the moment and the facade wears off quickly. Rather than another useless gadget, yoga gives you the opportunity to learn something new. \\n Yoga can jumpstart your New Year’s goals! \\nMost of us start our fitness goals after the holiday rush. But by giving the gift of yoga, you give your loved ones a leg up on the gym game! \\n If you’re a member, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together. \\nPurchasing a gift card for a friend or family member means you can take classes together even if you’re apart! \\nYoga improves your outlook. \\nIf your loved one has had a tough year or is moving through a hard season in their life, yoga is a great way to increase happiness and overall outlook by introducing them to a mindful practice.\\n It relieves the effects of holiday stress. \\nBetween the shopping, parties and traffic, the holiday season can be \\nvery stressful\\n. Giving the gift of yoga to a stressed out holiday shopper could be just what they need to reset for the end of the year. \\n\n\\nA\\n giftcard to our virtual yoga platform\\n is great for so many people! Having a hard time knowing if it’s right for your recipient? Here’s our top five list! \\nFor that special someone who needs to relax.\\nFor someone in recovery from an injury.\\nFor someone who loves to workout.\\nFor the college student or teacher on holiday break.\\nFor a busy parent. \\nHead over to our website to grab your \\ngift cards\\n so you can do yoga with someone special in your life this holiday season. \\n"}},{"id":"clabcglv4n3fc0ais6yxjyhtq","slug":"yoga-before-and-after-workout","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga Before and After Workout: When is yoga best for you and your body?","createdAt":"2022-11-10T17:28:47.493944+00:00","coverUrl":"dirnebto7s5zxueovsfw.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga has so many benefits for the body on its own. But if you’re trying to kick your routine into high gear, consider adding yoga onto your other workouts for an extra bang for your buck. If you’re new to yoga and wondering how adding it into your workout routine can benefit you, no worries! We’re here to help! We'll help you figure out where to schedule yoga into your routine.\\n\\nBenefits of Adding Yoga to your Workout:\\n\\n1. Flexibility\\nIf flexibility is one of your fitness goals, yoga is a great way to achieve more physical flexibility. It’s also great to take the place of your stretching routine pre or post workout. Yoga can increase range of motion and help in muscle recovery. \\n\\n2. Conditioning\\nLove HIIT? Yoga is a great way to step up your fitness intensity by helping you condition your body with more stamina and longer breathing patterns for increased cardio abilities. It’s also proven to increase coordination. \n\\n3. Strength\\nLove to go to the gym for cardio but hate to hit the weight rack? No worries, yoga can take the place of strength training by just using your body weight. Through repetition yoga builds muscle and endurance for strength. No weights required!\\n\\n4. Mental Clarity\\nFor most people, working out is a great way to increase endorphins and reduce stress. However, if your workout leaves you too tightly wound or doesn’t do the job of lifting your mental load, a slow flow can help bring you down and help you rebalance. \n\n\\nWhy You Should do Yoga Before Workout? (Pre Workout) \\nIf you’re strength training, or going for an easy walk on your rest day, yoga is great for before your workout. Do you like to get up with the sun and start your day with a workout? Well, starting your day with yoga will bring you clarity and get your body ready to move. \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is a great place to start your practice and your day. Even if it's gross outside you can still get your practice in. You can pull up our app on your phone or our website right on your computer for 24/7 access to live classes with expert Indian instructors.\\n\\nYou can also use yoga as your warm up! If you’re just waking up or it’s a cold weather season, yoga will help you keep your muscles strong and flexible. If you’re going to the gym for targeted strength training, it can help you focus on balance and alignment to keep your body in check through your workout. Yoga will help you stay balanced and avoid injury by increasing mobility in the body. And finally, Yoga puts your mental health in check. Adding in a moving meditation or some breath work before your workout will keep your body calm, help you align with your goals and avoid the flight or fight symptoms that can come on during an intense or tough workout. \n\\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice Before Your Workout:\n\\n1. Child's Pose\\nThis pose will help you open your hips and reduce injury on core or leg days.\\n\\n\\n2. Cat Cow Pose\\nMoving through your spine slowly with these stretches will help increase mobility in the back. \\n\\n\\n3. Downward Dog Pose\\nPushing up into a downdog to start your day will stretch your entire lower body from your toes to your hips.\\n\\n\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\\nFolding forward increases the blood flow in the body and helps us maintain spine and core stability. \\n\\n\\n5. Mountain Pose\\nThis pose helps us to establish alignment and increase body awareness before a workout! \\n\\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try Before your Workout \\n\\nRise and shine 30 min flow\\n : Start your day with this quick flow. This class is meant to increase your physical fitness and help build your stamina so you can workout longer!\\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n : Gain mental clarity at the beginning of your workout with this traditional hatha flow. \\n\\nSlow Flow Vinyasa\\n : Start your day slow and steady for your mind and body. The slow pace of this class allows us to connect with our bodies and minds as we focus on our breath and alignment. This class helps to build strength, improve flexibility and stability. \n\\nWhy you should do yoga post workout ?\\nIf your workout is more high energy like kickboxing, zumba, cycling etc, yoga after may be best for bringing your body back to homeostasis. Yoga naturally brings down heart rate and reduces stress on the body and mind . You can use Yoga as a cool down or stretching portion of your workout to bring muscles into recovery while extending your burn a little longer. Are you a nighttime warrior? If you tend to work out at night, ending your routine with yoga will help you get a better night’s sleep. \\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice After your Workout:\\n\\n1. Wide Leg Forward Fold Pose\\nWide leg forward fold releases our lower back. Reaching down towards the floor will give our calves a much needed stretch post workout!\\n\\n\\n2. Pigeon Pose\\nThis pose will help to open tight and tired hips and hamstrings. \\n\\n\\n3. Bound Angle Pose\\nThis hip opener stretches your adductors and quadriceps. Try this pose after a run or cardio workout. \\n\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\nThis pose provides a full body stretch from your head to your heels! \\n\\n\\n5. Happy Baby Pose\\nThis pose helps to alleviate or avoid lower back pain post workout. It can also reduce any stress or anxiety caused by your workout. \\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try After your Workout\\n\\nBreath and Flow\\n : This full body flow will help stretch and rejuvenate your muscles as well as relax your mind with meditation and pranayama techniques. \\n\\nYoga Fusion for Joints\\n : This conditioning class combines light weights and foam roller stretches for an active recovery post workout. \\n\\nBreath and Meditation\\n : Join this class to slow down the body and refocus your breathing. Ideal for end of the day or transitions. \\n\\nNo matter what time of day you choose to workout, adding yoga 2 to 3 times a week will extend the life of your routine and help you maintain a positive outlook on your fitness goals. You can add yoga to your workout anytime with us here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n by creating an account, logging in and joining us for class! "}}],"blogContent":{"id":"cks7rb8y0066t0c80ah2xtwv8","slug":"yoga-for-diabetics","author":{"name":"Neelmani","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga For Diabetics: How Yoga Helps Cure and Prevent Type II Diabetes","createdAt":"2021-08-11T17:18:45.258817+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-08-01T06:48:40.339313+00:00","coverUrl":"uwnz0l1sgdmmxmggwzjd.jpg","seoDescription":"There is definitely yoga for diabetics! If you are a diabetic, explore how yoga benefits diabetics like you in this post!","content":{"text":"While Type I diabetes is often not preventable (and mostly due to genetics or environmental factors), Type II diabetes is running rampant in America. \\nAs a matter of fact, 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type II.\\nType II diabetes is preventable and even curable! And yoga is a natural and holistic way to do just that. \\nBecause diabetes is the cause of secondary health issues like neuropathy, infections, immune problems, kidney issues, eye damage, and heart disease, I wanted to make sure all people had access to therapeutic yoga designed specifically for diabetics.\\nThat’s why I started teaching a \\nTherapeutic Yoga for Diabetes class\\n on MyYogaTeacher! If you haven’t become an MYT member yet, I encourage you to\\n take advantage of their 2-week free trial.\\n You’ll have access to my class and 35+ other classes, one of which will surely meet your needs!\\nIn the meantime, I felt it was important to discuss exactly how yoga helps cure and prevent this terrible disease.\\n1. Yoga encourages behavioral changes\\nEven though yoga is an ancient practice, it is just now starting to be recognized worldwide as a practical and applicable treatment for many types of illnesses, including Type II Diabetes.\\nWhile yoga is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice of enlightenment, it is, just as importantly, a practice of health management. Studies show that the mind-body connection that results from a regular yoga practice is directly linked to improved dietary lifestyles and medication compliance.\\nYoga provides plenty of opportunities for self-awareness, reflection, and behavioral changes.\\nAlso, the meditation aspect of therapeutic yoga for diabetics reduces mindless eating practices that occur when we’re stressed out, burnt out, or emotional. This is called mindful eating.\\nStopping the cycles of emotional and binge eating is a huge part of healthy lifestyle changes, but especially crucial for Type II diabetics!\\nMindful eating is proven to help people increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and take more notice of actual hunger cues versus eating out of boredom or stress. \\nA consistent yoga practice also improves discipline. Being more disciplined often carries over into other parts of life! Disciplined eaters focus more on food nutrition (eating to fuel your body) and less on random eating.\\nAnd because yoga meets you where you are, it’s an easy exercise for anyone to start at any age! Which means you are more likely to keep practicing it. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for Type II Diabetes. Yoga definitely helps with that!\\n2. Yoga creates positive psychological changes.\\nEarlier, I mentioned stress eating, boredom eating, and emotional eating. All of which are often harmful to your health.\\nIf you haven’t read some of our other articles about how yoga affects your mental health, you might want to check out \\n“Five Ways Meditation Can Start Improving Your Life Right Now”\\n or \\n“How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year.”\\n\\nBoth of those are great!\\nBut for now, I can give you some ways yoga specifically helps Type II diabetics manage their mental health better, which helps prevent those harmful eating patterns while also benefiting your glucose levels!\\nYoga for diabetics includes meditation, which reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves tension, several things that specifically help diabetics feel better.\\nHormones and chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are released into the body during yoga, which alters your mood in a positive way, preventing emotional eating.\\nThe consistent practice of yoga is shown to cause physical changes to the brain, which have psychological side effects like more mental stability, the ability to handle stress better, and faster reactions to stimuli.\\nYoga \\nis\\n meditation. It’s not just a physical exercise. It’s a spiritual practice! But it doesn’t have to be related to religion. \\nMany people are hesitant to start a yoga practice because they’ve been led to believe it’s religion-based. I feel it’s important for everyone to understand that yoga \\nis\\n spiritual in the sense that it helps you become self-aware and more aware of the world around you. It teaches us how to bring harmony to our inner and outer world, how to be more compassionate, kind, and loving to ourselves \\nand\\n others.\\nAnd all of those things help us feel better mentally and physically! Which leads us to the last way that yoga helps diabetics.\\n3. Yoga promotes physiological changes.\\nWhat are physiological changes? Changes in the normal function of the human body. In this case, a regular therapeutic yoga practice for diabetics creates a whole multitude of positive changes in the body!\\nLet’s go over some of them:\\nYoga helps lower body weight and increases exercise tolerance (which means exercise gets easier faster and you can tolerate more sooner).\\nYoga literally reduces triglycerides and free fatty acids in your blood, which reduces your bad cholesterol and improves heart health.\\nA regular yoga practice improves immunity and reduces inflammation – two huge factors that diabetics struggle with.\\nTherapeutic yoga for diabetics (specifically) increases insulin secretion and decreases insulin resistance! This means fewer insulin shots and less money spent on insulin for diabetics.\\nYoga improves cardiac function and reduces the risk of cardiac events, one of the primary causes of sudden death in diabetic patients.\\nRegular yoga practice improves glycemic control without increasing your body weight. In fact, as discussed earlier, you’re likely to \\nlose\\n weight!\\nWithout going into all the technical, scientific jargon, suffice it to say that yoga changes your body at a cellular level. And because of that, the improvements listed above are, quite literally, \\ngood\\n side effects!\\nPlus, who \\ndoesn’t\\n want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, have better immunity, less inflammation, and a healthier heart?!\\nEveryone can benefit from yoga, but especially diabetics. Type II Diabetes is controllable, preventable, and curable. Without medication, even. But definitely consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications!\\nAre you diabetic? I’d love the opportunity to help you feel better, healthier, and more energetic! Check out my class, \\nTherapeutic Yoga for Diabetes\\n on myYogaTeacher. All are welcome there. \\nAnd if you haven’t grabbed your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher yet, you can do that here!\\n\\nI hope to see you there!","html":"<p>While Type I diabetes is often not preventable (and mostly due to genetics or environmental factors), Type II diabetes is running rampant in America. </p><p>As a matter of fact, 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type II.</p><p>Type II diabetes is preventable and even curable! And yoga is a natural and holistic way to do just that. </p><p>Because diabetes is the cause of secondary health issues like neuropathy, infections, immune problems, kidney issues, eye damage, and heart disease, I wanted to make sure all people had access to therapeutic yoga designed specifically for diabetics.</p><p>That’s why I started teaching a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\"><u>Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes class</u></a> on MyYogaTeacher! If you haven’t become an MYT member yet, I encourage you to<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u> take advantage of their 2-week free trial.</u></a> You’ll have access to my class and 35+ other classes, one of which will surely meet your needs!</p><p>In the meantime, I felt it was important to discuss exactly how yoga helps cure and prevent this terrible disease.</p><h2>1. Yoga encourages behavioral changes</h2><p>Even though yoga is an ancient practice, it is just now starting to be recognized worldwide as a practical and applicable treatment for many types of illnesses, including Type II Diabetes.</p><p>While yoga is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice of enlightenment, it is, just as importantly, a practice of health management. Studies show that the mind-body connection that results from a regular yoga practice is directly linked to improved dietary lifestyles and medication compliance.</p><p>Yoga provides plenty of opportunities for self-awareness, reflection, and behavioral changes.</p><p>Also, the meditation aspect of therapeutic yoga for diabetics reduces mindless eating practices that occur when we’re stressed out, burnt out, or emotional. This is called mindful eating.</p><p>Stopping the cycles of emotional and binge eating is a huge part of healthy lifestyle changes, but especially crucial for Type II diabetics!</p><p>Mindful eating is proven to help people increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and take more notice of actual hunger cues versus eating out of boredom or stress. </p><p>A consistent yoga practice also improves discipline. Being more disciplined often carries over into other parts of life! Disciplined eaters focus more on food nutrition (eating to fuel your body) and less on random eating.</p><p>And because yoga meets you where you are, it’s an easy exercise for anyone to start at any age! Which means you are more likely to keep practicing it. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for Type II Diabetes. Yoga definitely helps with that!</p><h2>2. Yoga creates positive psychological changes.</h2><p>Earlier, I mentioned stress eating, boredom eating, and emotional eating. All of which are often harmful to your health.</p><p>If you haven’t read some of our other articles about how yoga affects your mental health, you might want to check out <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/meditate-for-health\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/meditate-for-health\"><u>“Five Ways Meditation Can Start Improving Your Life Right Now”</u></a> or <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times\"><u>“How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year.”</u></a></p><p>Both of those are great!</p><p>But for now, I can give you some ways yoga specifically helps Type II diabetics manage their mental health better, which helps prevent those harmful eating patterns while also benefiting your glucose levels!</p><ul><li><div>Yoga for diabetics includes meditation, which reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves tension, several things that specifically help diabetics feel better.</div></li><li><div>Hormones and chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are released into the body during yoga, which alters your mood in a positive way, preventing emotional eating.</div></li><li><div>The consistent practice of yoga is shown to cause physical changes to the brain, which have psychological side effects like more mental stability, the ability to handle stress better, and faster reactions to stimuli.</div></li></ul><p>Yoga <em>is</em> meditation. It’s not just a physical exercise. It’s a spiritual practice! But it doesn’t have to be related to religion. </p><p>Many people are hesitant to start a yoga practice because they’ve been led to believe it’s religion-based. I feel it’s important for everyone to understand that yoga <em>is</em> spiritual in the sense that it helps you become self-aware and more aware of the world around you. It teaches us how to bring harmony to our inner and outer world, how to be more compassionate, kind, and loving to ourselves <em>and</em> others.</p><p>And all of those things help us feel better mentally and physically! Which leads us to the last way that yoga helps diabetics.</p><h2>3. Yoga promotes physiological changes.</h2><p>What are physiological changes? Changes in the normal function of the human body. In this case, a regular therapeutic yoga practice for diabetics creates a whole multitude of positive changes in the body!</p><p>Let’s go over some of them:</p><ul><li><div>Yoga helps lower body weight and increases exercise tolerance (which means exercise gets easier faster and you can tolerate more sooner).</div></li><li><div>Yoga literally reduces triglycerides and free fatty acids in your blood, which reduces your bad cholesterol and improves heart health.</div></li><li><div>A regular yoga practice improves immunity and reduces inflammation – two huge factors that diabetics struggle with.</div></li><li><div>Therapeutic yoga for diabetics (specifically) increases insulin secretion and decreases insulin resistance! This means fewer insulin shots and less money spent on insulin for diabetics.</div></li><li><div>Yoga improves cardiac function and reduces the risk of cardiac events, one of the primary causes of sudden death in diabetic patients.</div></li><li><div>Regular yoga practice improves glycemic control without increasing your body weight. In fact, as discussed earlier, you’re likely to <em>lose</em> weight!</div></li></ul><p>Without going into all the technical, scientific jargon, suffice it to say that yoga changes your body at a cellular level. And because of that, the improvements listed above are, quite literally, <em>good</em> side effects!</p><p>Plus, who <em>doesn’t</em> want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, have better immunity, less inflammation, and a healthier heart?!</p><p>Everyone can benefit from yoga, but especially diabetics. Type II Diabetes is controllable, preventable, and curable. Without medication, even. But definitely consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications!</p><p>Are you diabetic? I’d love the opportunity to help you feel better, healthier, and more energetic! Check out my class, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\"><u>Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes</u></a> on myYogaTeacher. All are welcome there. <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u>And if you haven’t grabbed your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher yet, you can do that here!</u></a></p><p>I hope to see you there!</p>"},"category":["yoga","restorative"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>While Type I diabetes is often not preventable (and mostly due to genetics or environmental factors), Type II diabetes is running rampant in America. </p><p>As a matter of fact, 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type II.</p><p>Type II diabetes is preventable and even curable! And yoga is a natural and holistic way to do just that. </p><p>Because diabetes is the cause of secondary health issues like neuropathy, infections, immune problems, kidney issues, eye damage, and heart disease, I wanted to make sure all people had access to therapeutic yoga designed specifically for diabetics.</p><p>That’s why I started teaching a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\"><u>Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes class</u></a> on MyYogaTeacher! If you haven’t become an MYT member yet, I encourage you to<a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=a5abba5a-2cb1-4150-b3dc-adb9be4d916b\n href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=cks7rb8y0066t0c80ah2xtwv8&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Yoga For Diabetics: How Yoga Helps Cure and Prevent Type II Diabetes&entity_slug=yoga-for-diabetics&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-for-diabetics&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"a5abba5a-2cb1-4150-b3dc-adb9be4d916b\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Yoga For Diabetics: How Yoga Helps Cure and Prevent Type II Diabetes\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-for-diabetics\"\n <u><u> take advantage of their 2-week free trial.</u></u> \n </a> You’ll have access to my class and 35+ other classes, one of which will surely meet your needs!</p><p>In the meantime, I felt it was important to discuss exactly how yoga helps cure and prevent this terrible disease.</p><h2>1. Yoga encourages behavioral changes</h2><p>Even though yoga is an ancient practice, it is just now starting to be recognized worldwide as a practical and applicable treatment for many types of illnesses, including Type II Diabetes.</p><p>While yoga is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice of enlightenment, it is, just as importantly, a practice of health management. Studies show that the mind-body connection that results from a regular yoga practice is directly linked to improved dietary lifestyles and medication compliance.</p><p>Yoga provides plenty of opportunities for self-awareness, reflection, and behavioral changes.</p><p>Also, the meditation aspect of therapeutic yoga for diabetics reduces mindless eating practices that occur when we’re stressed out, burnt out, or emotional. This is called mindful eating.</p><p>Stopping the cycles of emotional and binge eating is a huge part of healthy lifestyle changes, but especially crucial for Type II diabetics!</p><p>Mindful eating is proven to help people increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and take more notice of actual hunger cues versus eating out of boredom or stress. </p><p>A consistent yoga practice also improves discipline. Being more disciplined often carries over into other parts of life! Disciplined eaters focus more on food nutrition (eating to fuel your body) and less on random eating.</p><p>And because yoga meets you where you are, it’s an easy exercise for anyone to start at any age! Which means you are more likely to keep practicing it. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for Type II Diabetes. Yoga definitely helps with that!</p><h2>2. Yoga creates positive psychological changes.</h2><p>Earlier, I mentioned stress eating, boredom eating, and emotional eating. All of which are often harmful to your health.</p><p>If you haven’t read some of our other articles about how yoga affects your mental health, you might want to check out <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/meditate-for-health\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/meditate-for-health\"><u>“Five Ways Meditation Can Start Improving Your Life Right Now”</u></a> or <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times\"><u>“How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year.”</u></a></p><p>Both of those are great!</p><p>But for now, I can give you some ways yoga specifically helps Type II diabetics manage their mental health better, which helps prevent those harmful eating patterns while also benefiting your glucose levels!</p><ul><li><div>Yoga for diabetics includes meditation, which reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves tension, several things that specifically help diabetics feel better.</div></li><li><div>Hormones and chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are released into the body during yoga, which alters your mood in a positive way, preventing emotional eating.</div></li><li><div>The consistent practice of yoga is shown to cause physical changes to the brain, which have psychological side effects like more mental stability, the ability to handle stress better, and faster reactions to stimuli.</div></li></ul><p>Yoga <em>is</em> meditation. It’s not just a physical exercise. It’s a spiritual practice! But it doesn’t have to be related to religion. </p><p>Many people are hesitant to start a yoga practice because they’ve been led to believe it’s religion-based. I feel it’s important for everyone to understand that yoga <em>is</em> spiritual in the sense that it helps you become self-aware and more aware of the world around you. It teaches us how to bring harmony to our inner and outer world, how to be more compassionate, kind, and loving to ourselves <em>and</em> others.</p><p>And all of those things help us feel better mentally and physically! Which leads us to the last way that yoga helps diabetics.</p><h2>3. Yoga promotes physiological changes.</h2><p>What are physiological changes? Changes in the normal function of the human body. In this case, a regular therapeutic yoga practice for diabetics creates a whole multitude of positive changes in the body!</p><p>Let’s go over some of them:</p><ul><li><div>Yoga helps lower body weight and increases exercise tolerance (which means exercise gets easier faster and you can tolerate more sooner).</div></li><li><div>Yoga literally reduces triglycerides and free fatty acids in your blood, which reduces your bad cholesterol and improves heart health.</div></li><li><div>A regular yoga practice improves immunity and reduces inflammation – two huge factors that diabetics struggle with.</div></li><li><div>Therapeutic yoga for diabetics (specifically) increases insulin secretion and decreases insulin resistance! This means fewer insulin shots and less money spent on insulin for diabetics.</div></li><li><div>Yoga improves cardiac function and reduces the risk of cardiac events, one of the primary causes of sudden death in diabetic patients.</div></li><li><div>Regular yoga practice improves glycemic control without increasing your body weight. In fact, as discussed earlier, you’re likely to <em>lose</em> weight!</div></li></ul><p>Without going into all the technical, scientific jargon, suffice it to say that yoga changes your body at a cellular level. And because of that, the improvements listed above are, quite literally, <em>good</em> side effects!</p><p>Plus, who <em>doesn’t</em> want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, have better immunity, less inflammation, and a healthier heart?!</p><p>Everyone can benefit from yoga, but especially diabetics. Type II Diabetes is controllable, preventable, and curable. Without medication, even. But definitely consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications!</p><p>Are you diabetic? I’d love the opportunity to help you feel better, healthier, and more energetic! Check out my class, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\"><u>Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes</u></a> on myYogaTeacher. All are welcome there. <a\n class=\"inline-cta\"\n id=44f799e1-9751-4a05-9877-577c4da8c86a\n href=\"/free-trial-o?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=cks7rb8y0066t0c80ah2xtwv8&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Yoga For Diabetics: How Yoga Helps Cure and Prevent Type II Diabetes&entity_slug=yoga-for-diabetics&page_or_popup=/articles/yoga-for-diabetics&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"44f799e1-9751-4a05-9877-577c4da8c86a\")\n title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n data-title=\"Yoga For Diabetics: How Yoga Helps Cure and Prevent Type II Diabetes\"\n data-slug=\"yoga-for-diabetics\"\n <u><u>And if you haven’t grabbed your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher yet, you can do that here!</u></u> \n </a></p><p>I hope to see you there!</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"yoga-for-diabetics","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-for-diabetics","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students & 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip & Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely & Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage & immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage & Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"cks7rb8y0066t0c80ah2xtwv8","slug":"yoga-for-diabetics","author":{"name":"Neelmani","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga For Diabetics: How Yoga Helps Cure and Prevent Type II Diabetes","createdAt":"2021-08-11T17:18:45.258817+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-08-01T06:48:40.339313+00:00","coverUrl":"uwnz0l1sgdmmxmggwzjd.jpg","seoDescription":"There is definitely yoga for diabetics! If you are a diabetic, explore how yoga benefits diabetics like you in this post!","content":{"text":"While Type I diabetes is often not preventable (and mostly due to genetics or environmental factors), Type II diabetes is running rampant in America. \\nAs a matter of fact, 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type II.\\nType II diabetes is preventable and even curable! And yoga is a natural and holistic way to do just that. \\nBecause diabetes is the cause of secondary health issues like neuropathy, infections, immune problems, kidney issues, eye damage, and heart disease, I wanted to make sure all people had access to therapeutic yoga designed specifically for diabetics.\\nThat’s why I started teaching a \\nTherapeutic Yoga for Diabetes class\\n on MyYogaTeacher! If you haven’t become an MYT member yet, I encourage you to\\n take advantage of their 2-week free trial.\\n You’ll have access to my class and 35+ other classes, one of which will surely meet your needs!\\nIn the meantime, I felt it was important to discuss exactly how yoga helps cure and prevent this terrible disease.\\n1. Yoga encourages behavioral changes\\nEven though yoga is an ancient practice, it is just now starting to be recognized worldwide as a practical and applicable treatment for many types of illnesses, including Type II Diabetes.\\nWhile yoga is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice of enlightenment, it is, just as importantly, a practice of health management. Studies show that the mind-body connection that results from a regular yoga practice is directly linked to improved dietary lifestyles and medication compliance.\\nYoga provides plenty of opportunities for self-awareness, reflection, and behavioral changes.\\nAlso, the meditation aspect of therapeutic yoga for diabetics reduces mindless eating practices that occur when we’re stressed out, burnt out, or emotional. This is called mindful eating.\\nStopping the cycles of emotional and binge eating is a huge part of healthy lifestyle changes, but especially crucial for Type II diabetics!\\nMindful eating is proven to help people increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and take more notice of actual hunger cues versus eating out of boredom or stress. \\nA consistent yoga practice also improves discipline. Being more disciplined often carries over into other parts of life! Disciplined eaters focus more on food nutrition (eating to fuel your body) and less on random eating.\\nAnd because yoga meets you where you are, it’s an easy exercise for anyone to start at any age! Which means you are more likely to keep practicing it. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for Type II Diabetes. Yoga definitely helps with that!\\n2. Yoga creates positive psychological changes.\\nEarlier, I mentioned stress eating, boredom eating, and emotional eating. All of which are often harmful to your health.\\nIf you haven’t read some of our other articles about how yoga affects your mental health, you might want to check out \\n“Five Ways Meditation Can Start Improving Your Life Right Now”\\n or \\n“How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year.”\\n\\nBoth of those are great!\\nBut for now, I can give you some ways yoga specifically helps Type II diabetics manage their mental health better, which helps prevent those harmful eating patterns while also benefiting your glucose levels!\\nYoga for diabetics includes meditation, which reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves tension, several things that specifically help diabetics feel better.\\nHormones and chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are released into the body during yoga, which alters your mood in a positive way, preventing emotional eating.\\nThe consistent practice of yoga is shown to cause physical changes to the brain, which have psychological side effects like more mental stability, the ability to handle stress better, and faster reactions to stimuli.\\nYoga \\nis\\n meditation. It’s not just a physical exercise. It’s a spiritual practice! But it doesn’t have to be related to religion. \\nMany people are hesitant to start a yoga practice because they’ve been led to believe it’s religion-based. I feel it’s important for everyone to understand that yoga \\nis\\n spiritual in the sense that it helps you become self-aware and more aware of the world around you. It teaches us how to bring harmony to our inner and outer world, how to be more compassionate, kind, and loving to ourselves \\nand\\n others.\\nAnd all of those things help us feel better mentally and physically! Which leads us to the last way that yoga helps diabetics.\\n3. Yoga promotes physiological changes.\\nWhat are physiological changes? Changes in the normal function of the human body. In this case, a regular therapeutic yoga practice for diabetics creates a whole multitude of positive changes in the body!\\nLet’s go over some of them:\\nYoga helps lower body weight and increases exercise tolerance (which means exercise gets easier faster and you can tolerate more sooner).\\nYoga literally reduces triglycerides and free fatty acids in your blood, which reduces your bad cholesterol and improves heart health.\\nA regular yoga practice improves immunity and reduces inflammation – two huge factors that diabetics struggle with.\\nTherapeutic yoga for diabetics (specifically) increases insulin secretion and decreases insulin resistance! This means fewer insulin shots and less money spent on insulin for diabetics.\\nYoga improves cardiac function and reduces the risk of cardiac events, one of the primary causes of sudden death in diabetic patients.\\nRegular yoga practice improves glycemic control without increasing your body weight. In fact, as discussed earlier, you’re likely to \\nlose\\n weight!\\nWithout going into all the technical, scientific jargon, suffice it to say that yoga changes your body at a cellular level. And because of that, the improvements listed above are, quite literally, \\ngood\\n side effects!\\nPlus, who \\ndoesn’t\\n want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, have better immunity, less inflammation, and a healthier heart?!\\nEveryone can benefit from yoga, but especially diabetics. Type II Diabetes is controllable, preventable, and curable. Without medication, even. But definitely consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications!\\nAre you diabetic? I’d love the opportunity to help you feel better, healthier, and more energetic! Check out my class, \\nTherapeutic Yoga for Diabetes\\n on myYogaTeacher. All are welcome there. \\nAnd if you haven’t grabbed your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher yet, you can do that here!\\n\\nI hope to see you there!","html":"<p>While Type I diabetes is often not preventable (and mostly due to genetics or environmental factors), Type II diabetes is running rampant in America. </p><p>As a matter of fact, 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type II.</p><p>Type II diabetes is preventable and even curable! And yoga is a natural and holistic way to do just that. </p><p>Because diabetes is the cause of secondary health issues like neuropathy, infections, immune problems, kidney issues, eye damage, and heart disease, I wanted to make sure all people had access to therapeutic yoga designed specifically for diabetics.</p><p>That’s why I started teaching a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\"><u>Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes class</u></a> on MyYogaTeacher! If you haven’t become an MYT member yet, I encourage you to<a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u> take advantage of their 2-week free trial.</u></a> You’ll have access to my class and 35+ other classes, one of which will surely meet your needs!</p><p>In the meantime, I felt it was important to discuss exactly how yoga helps cure and prevent this terrible disease.</p><h2>1. Yoga encourages behavioral changes</h2><p>Even though yoga is an ancient practice, it is just now starting to be recognized worldwide as a practical and applicable treatment for many types of illnesses, including Type II Diabetes.</p><p>While yoga is traditionally seen as a spiritual practice of enlightenment, it is, just as importantly, a practice of health management. Studies show that the mind-body connection that results from a regular yoga practice is directly linked to improved dietary lifestyles and medication compliance.</p><p>Yoga provides plenty of opportunities for self-awareness, reflection, and behavioral changes.</p><p>Also, the meditation aspect of therapeutic yoga for diabetics reduces mindless eating practices that occur when we’re stressed out, burnt out, or emotional. This is called mindful eating.</p><p>Stopping the cycles of emotional and binge eating is a huge part of healthy lifestyle changes, but especially crucial for Type II diabetics!</p><p>Mindful eating is proven to help people increase their intake of fruits and vegetables and take more notice of actual hunger cues versus eating out of boredom or stress. </p><p>A consistent yoga practice also improves discipline. Being more disciplined often carries over into other parts of life! Disciplined eaters focus more on food nutrition (eating to fuel your body) and less on random eating.</p><p>And because yoga meets you where you are, it’s an easy exercise for anyone to start at any age! Which means you are more likely to keep practicing it. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for Type II Diabetes. Yoga definitely helps with that!</p><h2>2. Yoga creates positive psychological changes.</h2><p>Earlier, I mentioned stress eating, boredom eating, and emotional eating. All of which are often harmful to your health.</p><p>If you haven’t read some of our other articles about how yoga affects your mental health, you might want to check out <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/meditate-for-health\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/meditate-for-health\"><u>“Five Ways Meditation Can Start Improving Your Life Right Now”</u></a> or <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/how-yoga-helps-in-trying-times\"><u>“How Yoga Helps You Handle Trying Times in the New Year.”</u></a></p><p>Both of those are great!</p><p>But for now, I can give you some ways yoga specifically helps Type II diabetics manage their mental health better, which helps prevent those harmful eating patterns while also benefiting your glucose levels!</p><ul><li><div>Yoga for diabetics includes meditation, which reduces stress, relaxes muscles, and relieves tension, several things that specifically help diabetics feel better.</div></li><li><div>Hormones and chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are released into the body during yoga, which alters your mood in a positive way, preventing emotional eating.</div></li><li><div>The consistent practice of yoga is shown to cause physical changes to the brain, which have psychological side effects like more mental stability, the ability to handle stress better, and faster reactions to stimuli.</div></li></ul><p>Yoga <em>is</em> meditation. It’s not just a physical exercise. It’s a spiritual practice! But it doesn’t have to be related to religion. </p><p>Many people are hesitant to start a yoga practice because they’ve been led to believe it’s religion-based. I feel it’s important for everyone to understand that yoga <em>is</em> spiritual in the sense that it helps you become self-aware and more aware of the world around you. It teaches us how to bring harmony to our inner and outer world, how to be more compassionate, kind, and loving to ourselves <em>and</em> others.</p><p>And all of those things help us feel better mentally and physically! Which leads us to the last way that yoga helps diabetics.</p><h2>3. Yoga promotes physiological changes.</h2><p>What are physiological changes? Changes in the normal function of the human body. In this case, a regular therapeutic yoga practice for diabetics creates a whole multitude of positive changes in the body!</p><p>Let’s go over some of them:</p><ul><li><div>Yoga helps lower body weight and increases exercise tolerance (which means exercise gets easier faster and you can tolerate more sooner).</div></li><li><div>Yoga literally reduces triglycerides and free fatty acids in your blood, which reduces your bad cholesterol and improves heart health.</div></li><li><div>A regular yoga practice improves immunity and reduces inflammation – two huge factors that diabetics struggle with.</div></li><li><div>Therapeutic yoga for diabetics (specifically) increases insulin secretion and decreases insulin resistance! This means fewer insulin shots and less money spent on insulin for diabetics.</div></li><li><div>Yoga improves cardiac function and reduces the risk of cardiac events, one of the primary causes of sudden death in diabetic patients.</div></li><li><div>Regular yoga practice improves glycemic control without increasing your body weight. In fact, as discussed earlier, you’re likely to <em>lose</em> weight!</div></li></ul><p>Without going into all the technical, scientific jargon, suffice it to say that yoga changes your body at a cellular level. And because of that, the improvements listed above are, quite literally, <em>good</em> side effects!</p><p>Plus, who <em>doesn’t</em> want to lose weight, improve cholesterol levels, have better immunity, less inflammation, and a healthier heart?!</p><p>Everyone can benefit from yoga, but especially diabetics. Type II Diabetes is controllable, preventable, and curable. Without medication, even. But definitely consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications!</p><p>Are you diabetic? I’d love the opportunity to help you feel better, healthier, and more energetic! Check out my class, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\"><u>Therapeutic Yoga for Diabetes</u></a> on myYogaTeacher. 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