May, 2002
While watching Angela Balestrieri practice Bikram’s Yoga with room temperatures hovering in the high 90’s to low 100’s, you would never guess she has a hard time tolerating heat. But, in fact, Angela’s body can not regulate temperature well. Due to a series of mistreatments given for a thyroid condition, Angela was left with a compromised circulation.
Mostly because of the heat, Angela says her first Bikram’s class was the hardest thing she has every done. She left that class, however, instinctually knowing she had found exactly what she needed. She says she had a “strong sense that the heat would aid in healing,” and now, one year later, Angela feels that it has done just that. Angela claims that probably fifty percent of her symptoms associated with poor circulation (e.g. pins and needles in shoulders, arms, and hands) have subsided. “In a year from now,” Angela states positively, “I expect to be 100% cured.”
Physically cured or not, Angela will continue practicing Bikram’s because of the deeper healing it offers. “Bikram’s is the most all-encompassing healing system in movement that I have found. It brings together body, mind and spirit, allowing people to get back to their authentic selves. That’s what makes me tolerate the heat.”
Keep taking the heat, Angela. Your example inspires us all.