Given that 30 million people in the United States suffer from an eating disorder, it’s highly likely that if you’re a yoga teacher, you’ll come across students who are affected. Learn some general knowledge about the physical and mental complications of eating disorders.

Too many myths circulate about eating disorders, which affect over 70 million people worldwide. Here I discuss two myths that need busting, so that those who are affected can feel safe to come forward and receive the care they very much need and deserve.

Research has demonstrated a strong link between trauma exposure and other severe adverse experiences in both childhood and adulthood with eating disorders. In her latest blog, Niya Bajaj explores how the experiences of systemic exclusion and associated trauma impact how people seek help and how yoga therapy can support inclusive eating disorder recovery.

Guest contributor Bridget Clawson shares how, 5 years into her eating disorder recovery, she found herself in a cooking class to face a disconnect she feels with engaging with food, whether through grocery shopping or in the kitchen. Read her experience of making “imperfect” pancakes and how she is remaining open to facing challenges while acknowledging her ongoing progress.

In her latest blog post, Niya Bajaj highlights how the experience of intersectionality--or multiple social identities--impacts eating disorders and recovery outcomes. She explores how the yoga concept of svādhyāya (self-study) guides us to deepen our awareness of what influences our identity and body image. Niya also explains how researchers and care providers can apply svādhyāya to help address eating disorders in a truly inclusive way by including systemically excluded populations in the eating disorder community.

Guest contributor Kimberly Botta shares how yoga is helping her heal from an eating disorder and postpartum depression, and how the practice has taught her to respect the strength of her body.

“My identity as a victim transformed into one of a survivor, allowing me to feel empowered because of the things I have done in order to heal.” Learn more about guest contributor Kailey Fitzgerald’s powerfully inspiring story of finding sobriety and recovery from an eating disorder. Kailey shares how treatment helped her rebuild her life and appreciate her body.

Learn how to practice the Yoga philosophy of nonattachment and let go of the eating disorder behaviors and rituals that hold you back.

Tune into my fantastic interview on Real Body Talk with Erin Byron, author of "Yoga for the Creative Soul," and learn how expressive arts can help us practice self-acceptance.