“Yoga” a complimentary therapy for Diabetes Management

According to a study by the ‘International Diabetes Federation’ the number of diabetics globally has alarmingly risen from 30 million to 246 million over the past twenty years, the highest number of diabetics are found in the developing world, India and China claiming the maximum sufferers. WHO estimates that more than 180 million people worldwide have diabetes. The estimations are likely to more than double by 2030. On an average, around 18 million Americans suffer from it. Indians are more prone to diabetes the main reason being insulin resistance.

A good yogic regimen when prescribed to diabetes patients acts as a complimentary therapy and leads to a near control of sugar levels for them. It is the best mode of physical activity that helps muscle cells use blood glucose for energy by making the cells more sensitive to insulin.

A joint study conducted by a Biochemist, Dr. Robin Monro, the founder of Yoga Biomedical Trust, and the Indian Yoga Research Org. concluded that 30 minutes of Yoga practice daily is complimentary to the medicines and helps reduces the blood sugar levels significantly. They took a group of diabetics from which a few were given a session of 30 min of yoga 3-4 days a week for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks their blood sugar dropped down appreciably while for the others it remained the same.

Asanas help endure this incurable disease mainly by

Massaging the pancreas

By flexing the spine to stimulate nerve impulses

By stimulating the thyroid gland

By circulating healing energies to the pancreatic cells and heal them

Asanas that have proved beneficial in controlling and reversing type 2 diabetes are briefly described below:

Paschmoottanasana/The Forward Bend: Massages and regulates the functions of the pancreas.

Bhujangasana/ Cobra Pose

Rejuvenates the nerves and muscles of the spine by stimulating them. Muscular relaxation, development and improved blood supply to muscles might enhance insulin receptor expression on muscles causing increased glucose intake by muscles and thus reducing blood sugar.”

Dhanurasana / Bow Posture

Regulates pancreas, good for diabetics and also good for weight loss

Ardha Matsyendrasana/Spinal Twist:

Brings abundant amount of exercise to the pancreas and makes individual free from excess of sugar in the blood/urine. Highly recommended for the treatment of diabetes

Sarvanganasana /Shoulder stand

By chin pressing on the throat, the thyroid gland is massaged and regulated as this asana brings a rich blood supply to the thyroid, so it actively regulates the body's metabolism and thereby sends healing energies to the pancreatic cells.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana/Bridge pose

Reduces stress, improves digestion and stimulates thyroid and the abdominals

Halasana/Plough Pose

This Asana has proved very useful for the people suffering from thyroid defects, diabetes and hernia. All glands in the body are activated.

Shalabhasana/The Locust Pose

All parts of the abdomen get fully exercised. Pancreas is activated to function well.

Mandukasana/Frog pose

It activates the pancreas, increases secretion of insulin and hence helps in managing diabetes

Ushtrasana/Camel pose

Digestive power increases and it empowers all the inner organs of the body.

Balasana/Child pose

Massages the abdominal organs, a calming pose and helps relax the mind and body.

Matsyasna/Fishpose

According to a traditional text, Matsyasana is considered as the destroyer of all diseases. Good for the thyroid glands, useful for all abdominal ailments and boosts the immune system.

Surya Namaskar/The Sun Salutation

The most important yoga exercise for people suffering from diabetes is sun salutation. As it increases blood supply to various parts of the body, it aids in insulin administration to the cells of the body. It is a well-rounded and well balanced complete body work out comprising of 12 yoga postures that involve the flexion and extension of the muscles and the movement of the joints. It is an extremely effective series of asanas wherein the benefits can be experienced instantly if four rounds are done within a minute. It tones up the whole body & has a unique influence on the endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive system helping to correct metabolic imbalances that cause and perpetuate obesity.

All this followed by Pranayam and morning walk can do wonders in diabetes management!

Caution: Please do not attempt any of the asanas on your own unless you have been guided by a yoga guru or certified teacher.

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: - Courtesy:Raahat Yoga Studio

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