Yoga
& Diabetes
Diabetes Mellitus is a disease related to the
impaired glucose tolerance of the body, insulin functioning
is affected. Symptoms of diabetes can be excessive thirst, excessive
hunger or excessive / frequent urination.
Diabetes Mellitus can be of Type 1 or Type 2
or pancreatic diabetes or gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by No production of
insulin and this is very difficult to treat with Yoga. Type
2 diabetes which is caused by life style, stress related diseases
can be effectively treated with Yoga.
Sun
Salutation – Sun Salutation is very good exercise
for people suffering from diabetes, it increases the blood supply
to various parts of body, improving insulin administration in
the body, it gives all the benefits of exercise if practiced
at 4 rounds per minute. If practiced at slow speed, it offers
the benefits of asanas.
Asanas
–
Asanas are beneficial in treatment of diabetes. Important aspect
of Asanas is stability and comfort experienced in the position.
After attaining the position, one needs to relax all the muscles
and try to maintain the positions for long. Due to various twists,
stretches and strains in the body, the internal organs are stretched
and subjected to strain. This increases the blood supply, oxygen
supply to the organs increasing the efficiency and functioning
of the organ. Stretching various glands result in increased
efficiency of the endocrine system. Asanas like Dhanurasana
(Bow pose in prone position), Ardhamatsyendrasana (Half spinal
twist), Vajrasana Yoga Mudra, Pavan Muktasana, Sarvangasana,
Halasana, Matsyasana have been found useful in diabetes. These
asanas have positive effect on pancreas and also insulin functioning.
But to get this result, one needs to maintain the asana for
longer duration while relaxing the muscles.
Pranayama
–
There are 8 types of Pranayama mentioned in Hatha Yoga. One
of the basic preparations for Pranayama is Nadi Shodhan Pranayama
or alternate nostril breathing, this type is found useful in
diabetes as Alternate nostril breathing has calming effect on
nervous system, which reduces stress levels, helping in diabetes
treatment. Also research has shown that Bhramari and Bhasrika
Pranayama help in diabetes. Bharamari has calming effect on
mind, brain and nervous system. Bhasrika Pranayama is revitalizing
Pranayama, which increases oxygen levels and reduces carbon
dioxide levels in the blood. In bhasrika Pranayama, the abdominal
muscles and diaphragm are used which puts pressure on the internal
organs. But before practicing these Pranayama, one must learn
and practice deep breathing, fast breathing, alternate nostril
breathing, Bandhas (Jalandhar bandha or chin lock, moola bandha
and Uddiyan bandha or abdominal lock) from expert Guru.
Note – Pranayama should be practiced under
the expert guidance of Yoga Guru.
Meditation
–
Practice of meditation is especially useful in management of
stress. Relaxed and Concentrated state of mind is the aim of
any form of meditation which creates calming effect on nervous
system, brings balance between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
nervous systems. Initially meditation may be difficult, and
one can practice Omkar Chanting, concentration on breathing.
Especially for diabetes, concentration on pancreas during the
meditation practice has shown positive effects on sugar levels.
One can even visualize the proper functioning of pancreas, proper
insulin administration in the body can help in treatment of
diabetes.
Yoga
Nidra – Yoga Nidra is very important process
of deep relaxation, it helps alleviate the stress and has very
good positive effects on the entire body – mind complex.
Cleansing
Processes –
Master cleansing or Shankha Prakshalana is recommended for diabetes,
complete Shankha Prakshalana takes 1 day and is recommended
once in 6 months, but smaller version of it can be done 3 times
a week. This process cleanses the Gastro Intestinal tract completely.
This process is done by drinking 2 glasses of warm, salty water
and lemon juice is added to it. Then performing 6 different
exercises, this exercises speed up the peristaltic movements
and one needs to evacuate bowels. In 2 hours about 7 to 8 bowels
are completed till the clear water is evacuated.
Note- This is a process which is to be practiced
only under the expert guidance and under observation of medical
professionals.
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