...successfully overcoming an eating disorder...

One benefit in particular is successfully overcoming an eating disorder that plagued me for years. I became bulimic when I was a freshman in high school. A few years back, I realized that I couldn't continue to abuse myself with weight loss pills, laxatives, and purging techniques, because my body was suffering terribly. So, those practices lessened, I put weight on, and adopted an "I don't care attitude". At least I was alive and not purging. I was frightened of diets and other weight management techniques, for fear of slipping back.

Bikram Yoga has helped to manage my weight. I am more aware of what I eat, and how it affects my body and energy. Looking at myself in the mirror -- not at my hips or waistline like before, but into my eyes -- has helped my to see myself in an entirely different, and healthier, way. The twenty-six postures manage every cell, tissue and muscle, from your organs to your skin. With the confidence I have found, I don't worry or wonder if I'm doing all I can. Repeating the same postures every time releases the distracting worry over unfamiliar poses. The best part: all I have to do is show up. Continual practice produces continual benefits, and newer benefits present themselves all the time, so keep it up. Whether you're short, tall, weird lookin', handicapped, whatever... it's the only body you've got. The only one you're gonna get. Take care of it. Love it. Do it.

D, 2003

Comments

Dermatomyositis

Bikram yoga has done wonders to my health. I'm twenty years old and 14 months ago was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease in which my immune system attacked my muscles and my skin. I've always been an exercise addict, but the disease caused my muscles to nearly atrophy. I was unable to walk up stairs, dress myself, pick up my college text books...I never thought I would be able to exercise or touch my toes.

After I began treatment, I slowly began to gain some strength back but had lost my flexibility. My body still ached and felt stiff. I was sedentary and I hated it. I asked my doctor about starting yoga..she said she had no reason to tell me not to. I moved to Atlanta for the summer and began Bikram. I can touch my toes and I feel wonderful. I feel strong and powerful. I love it and can't go a day without it. I hope to keep my diease in remission and think that is possible with Bikram.

Grace