As part of the healing process I have made it my business to reach out to people like me who are passionate about yoga, and its ability to manage the emotions that surface when dealing with a chronic disease like diabetes.

Last week I featured a post by Michelle Sorensen. I  found her via a random facebook post which dealt with grief and diabetes. From there I reached out and we struck up a conversation. She urged me to write my story and approach the online magazine a sweet life, which is based in Canada.

The article I wrote for them was not an easy one to write. Especially as I absolutely believe in the power of yoga to energise, rejuvenate and heal the body. But I had to get real with myself and face some cold hard truths. Since coming to terms with my diagnosis, I use the yoga practices to keep the body running at its optimum and to manage any associated stress that comes from the inevitable daily ups and downs. Below is a small excerpt from the blog …..with great respect Rachel

The Danger of Treating Diabetes with Alternative Medicine

Yoga was food for my mind, but it wasn’t food for my body. Throughout my many years of practice and teaching yoga, I suffered from chronic digestive issues. I kept them at bay with numerous alternative treatments until one day I fell down and couldn’t get up. My whole body was shaking. I knew something wasn’t right and I needed to rest. A week later my blood work came back from the lab.

My doctor prided himself on the fact that he combined holistic healing with allopathic medicine. His approach to my condition, however, was appalling. He blurted out that I was diabetic. He’d checked my A1c after noticing my fasting sugar was slightly high. He told me I would be responsible for healing myself. He said there was no cure. I was confused and tried to get him to slow down. I madly scribbled notes in my notebook and felt completely overwhelmed. I was supposed to fly to India in three days time to lead a yoga teachers’ training. The trip was set and I couldn’t cancel. The doctor wasn’t interested in my plans. He ignored my questions and concerns and shoved some pamphlets in my hands suggesting I take some brown rice protein for the trip and that I “google” diabetes….. Read more