Teachers in Unexpected Places: Sugar Addiction and Yoga
Life is full of “teachers”. Each moment brings us something new to consider or realize as a truth we can use.
As a truth that we are.
Addiction is usually defined as a physiological and psychological need. The physiological need is “in the body”; the cells have become accustom to operating with a chemical component (let’s say refined sugar, for example). When the refined sugar is not there, or not in the amounts formerly available, the operations of the cells becomes “awkward”…seems to be sluggish. Like something is missing.
And there is. It’s the sugar.
It’s not uncommon to have a whomping headache for days after eliminating refined sugar from your diet. This is a physiological shift occurring in the body.
It’s known as withdrawal.
Yoga can help with lessening the physical withdrawal symptoms as the cells make the shift.
Yoga also allows us to “be with the body” as you would a friend recovering from an illness or going through a treatment.
And this is the lesson, the teaching of truth that withdrawal, whether from sugar, or alcohol and drugs, or from a toxic relationship brings us:
Healing at the physical level begins with Loving Kindess to the self.
Also known as Maitri.
A Yoga pose to cultivate Maitri (and soothe that booming headache):
Viparita Karani
This pose can be done with legs up a wall or on the seat of a chair with the back on the floor. A low support under the back allows the natural curve of the low back to be supported so you can relax fully. Place a rolled towel under the curve of your neck to support the structures/muscles of the neck. The finishing touch is an eye pillow which allows the energy of the eyes to relax back into your head. Ahhhhh.
Now really ALLOW yourself to “experience” this rather than “think” it.
May this work allow you to “be present” with your own healing journey.
Namaste’
Would like to know more about this approach to addiction?
please email me: maitriyoga@roadrunner.com
Becky Morrissey, RYT500, PCC, LICDC
