Yoga Therapy for Diabetes

With Yoga Therapy for Diabetes, Evan Soroka has done a great service to the community of people diagnosed with Diabetes, as well as the Therapists whose job is to support them in finding ways that they can better manage their own condition. Her detailed knowledge of diabetes, from both a technical and an experiential standpoint, shines clearly throughout her book. In addition, her knowledge of the perspective and methods of Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda, and how they can be adapted and applied for individuals with this condition makes this an extraordinary manual for both individuals with various forms of diabetes and their therapists alike. This book is a welcome contribution to the growing body of literature that makes these ancient healing modalities accessible and to those who wish to learn how to manage their own condition - in addition to the support of their licensed heath care providers.

I am very impressed by the book that Evan wrote. She did an incredible job of lacing together the scientific theories of stress physiology, diabetes and the practice of yoga. While reading this book, I learned so much about how the stressors in our lives make diabetes difficult to manage and, more importantly, how the mind body practice of yoga can help many of us gain better control of our health. The intersections of yoga, stress management and diabetes control are illuminated through this wonderful text that spans from scientific theory to practice.

In Yoga Therapy for Diabetes Evan Soroka has written a breathtakingly comprehensive work of depth and substance. I have deep professional and personal gratitude to Evan's work in this field, as does my partner Lydia, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1970. In 2014 I began my journey as parent to a T1D when my youngest son was diagnosed. Evan has made an enduring contribution to everyone dealing with this disease, as well as educators, loved ones, or parents. As a yoga educator I recommend Yoga Therapy for Diabetes become a staple of yoga therapy training program reading lists.

Diabetes impacts every aspect of life. One needs to balance diet and exercise, appropriately use medications to control glucose - which one has to monitor and adjust life to achieve desired results. The person with diabetes needs to be aware of everything you do, eat, feel, and think, to enable management of the diabetes. Evan Soroka has used yoga to do that for herself, and has developed yoga practices to help others do that for themselves. She notes that "yoga is a process that empowers a movement of change by building our internal fortitude, by refining self-awareness, and through the connection to something bigger, a source of inspiration." She focuses on using yoga therapy to help with diabetes. However, in doing so, she shows that yoga can be used to help with all aspects of life. And her insights into diabetes are profound.

Yoga Therapy for Diabetes is a stunner, a superlative resource for anyone wanting to thrive. Its pages are a rich fusion of science and ancient wisdom, depicting, as very few books have, the potential of yoga as a holistic and therapeutic practice. I will unequivocally recommend this exceptional work, one that can truly lead readers--with and without diabetes--on the journey to greater health and transformative growth.