Exploring the Impact of Endocrine Conditions: A Journey through Yoga Therapy
In my Yoga Therapy Master's program, we dive into the intricate relationship between common conditions and yoga interventions, focusing on endocrinology and evidence-informed research.
Unveiling the layers of endocrinology,
I discovered its profound influence on the social, mental, and emotional aspects of an individual. A poignant statement from Vizcaino et al. (2016) highlighted the psychological stress endured by diabetes patients in managing self-care. This honest acknowledgment challenges the glamorization of self-care and emphasizes the need for authentic conversations about its burdens.
Delving into the readings, I was intrigued by the revelation that weight gain associated with endocrine conditions, such as diabetes, contributes to the deterioration of the nervous system. Sustained elevated sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity intensifies mental and emotional sensations, adding complexity to the overall impact of these conditions.
Wise Black Woman with a guitar in a room full of records from Pexels
The weight-centric biases within healthcare environments, as discussed by Puhl et al. (2010), create stigmatization that poses risks to both psychological and physical health. This stigmatization generates health disparities and hinders effective obesity prevention efforts. Addressing weight-related judgment and shame becomes crucial in fostering trust and supporting individuals on their journey to health improvement.
A captivating insight from Puhl et al. (2010) suggests that racism may act as a psychological stressor, elevating cardiovascular responses and impairing health. This challenges the predisposition narratives and prompts a breakdown of factors contributing to health disparities.
This discussion offers yoga therapy interventions for anxiety, depression, and mental conditions resulting from obesity/weight stigma. Practices like left-side nostril breathing modified Sun Salutations, and Yoga Nidra aim to regulate the nervous system, promote strength and stability, and ease muscular tension with guided imagery meditation.
moisturizing skin salve in metal tin, ayurvedic self-massage for regulating the nervous system from Pexels
In conclusion, studies, such as the one by Rioux et al. (2019), affirm the cost-effective and noninvasive nature of yoga therapy and Ayurveda in addressing weight loss due to obesity and endocrine conditions. These interventions not only decrease physio-psychosocial impacts but also foster the adoption of holistic lifestyle changes and positive psychosocial effects.
Embark on this insightful journey through the intersections of yoga therapy and endocrinology, discovering how it can positively influence various aspects of health and well-being.
Yoga therapy supports you and your experience to support healing. Reach out if you’d like to talk more about endocrinology and yoga therapy
References
Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2010). Obesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public Health. American Journal of Public Health, 100(6), 1019–1028. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2009.159491
Rioux, J., & Howerter, A. (2019). Outcomes from a Whole-Systems Ayurvedic Medicine and Yoga Therapy Treatment for Obesity Pilot Study. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 25(S1), S124–S137. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2018.0448
Vizcaino, M., & Stover, E. (2016). The effect of yoga practice on glycemic control and other health parameters in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 28, 57–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2016.06.007
