“Yoga for Diabetes with Naomi was life changing.

I had been through a 6 week “reverse diabetes” program using a medical/lifestyle medicine model. Yoga and mindfulness were given about 10 minutes total. The rest was on food intake and equivalencies. I hated it and learned nothing new, certainly nothing that would change my already negative attitude about this new diagnosis. Naomi changed all that. Not only was her facilitation expert (I’m a teacher, I should know) and gentle, but the content was relevant and well researched. It stayed away from food intake and talked more about how yoga and Ayurveda philosophies and practices could literally impact my blood glucose. I was amazed, inspired, and finally felt I could manage my diagnosis. Yoga for Diabetes made a huge impact on my lifestyle outlook. Naomi is a true gift.”

— Sarah J. Duncan, Surrey, BC, Canada

“Naomi is able to craft a setting for both those with a lot of yoga experience and none that is inclusive, thoughtful, and above all safe. I really appreciated the focus on adaptations, and the freedom to be viewed or not viewed for the remote sessions, as well as patience and encouragement while we worked our way through the positions. I learned far more than I expected, and it came at a time when I was feeling some peak distress about my T2 diabetes. I left the weekend feeling empowered to try to use yoga for helping with my T2, and more importantly, with a sense of increased peace and positive regard for my body.”

— Leann M., Oregon

“I signed up for Naomi's Yoga for Diabetes workshop not knowing quite what to expect. I got so much out of it. I have practiced yoga for several years and had diabetes for several years and in my mind, never linked the two in a more holistic view of my emotional and physical health. Naomi created a wonderful space to share ideas, struggles, and breakthroughs in supporting our overall health. I would not hesitate to take a workshop from her again and I wish everyone with diabetes could take this type of workshop that is so missing from traditional medical management.”

— A.F., Anchorage, AK

The Retreat

The Yoga practices in this retreat will be tailored to meet the needs of the participants who attend. Participants of all abilities are welcome and options will be given to ensure accessibility. One-on-one intake sessions will help me get a better sense of participant needs so that I can meet them during the practices. The style of yoga we'll be practicing is Hatha Yoga, which is characterized by slow, controlled movements and holding postures while focusing on the breath.

In addition to the physical practices, there will also be time for discussing various relevant aspects of yoga philosophy as related to diabetes as well as time for connecting and sharing with the other group participants.

The Approach

I am a HAES®-aligned, anti-diet, and body positive Yoga Therapist. As such, I do not offer the typical type of Diabetes education, relating to what people should and should not be eating. Instead, I focus on Yoga strategies to reduce stress, which can have just as powerful of an impact on blood glucose levels as what you eat. I do not promote weight loss as a strategy for any type of long term wellness (as there is no research showing that it is effective for improving health), and my teaching framework reflects that philosophy. My clients find this to be a welcome and refreshing approach, as they are often used to receiving the same advice that feels impossible to implement. I am also sensitive to the needs of those who have a history of disordered eating and will do my best to create a space that is comfortable for those who've had that experience.

The Plan

This is a 10 hour retreat that is designed to be facilitated over the course of one weekend—five hours on each day. The length and schedule is flexible to meet the needs of your community. I also offer one-on-one intake sessions for workshop participants prior to the retreat, which allows me to tailor the experience to the needs of those who attend. I can also create individual wellness protocols for each participant, if desired.