Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease in which the main problem is the inability of the body cells to use glucose. Actually, we can understand the puzzle of this disease in two parts. Firstly, what is glucose or sugar? And secondly, what goes wrong in its use by the body? Whatever starch or sugary substances we consume in our food are known as carbohydrates and are mainly converted into glucose by digestion process.
This glucose is absorbed from the intestines and goes to the liver and from there it spreads throughout the body through blood in required quantity. This glucose is used as fuel to run all the organs, cells and various processes of the body.
Cells cannot use glucose on their own. Glucose needs a hormone called insulin to enter the cells. If insulin is not present or is present in small quantity, then the cells will be unable to use glucose as fuel despite the presence of it. So we can see that glucose metabolism is dependent on insulin and this hormone is secreted by the pancreas gland.
Pancreas is a large and flat shaped gland which is located in the dorsal part of the stomach. When this gland is not able to function properly due to illness or stress, the production of insulin decreases completely or relatively.
As a result, due to the inability of cells to use glucose, the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood starts increasing. This condition of uncontrolled and high blood sugar level is called diabetes and most of the symptoms of diabetes arise due to this high sugar level in the blood.
Diabetes is one of the most common diseases nowadays, especially in the so-called affluent sections of our society. The number of patients suffering from this disease is increasing as the society becomes prosperous.
Yoga practices deal with the problem of diabetes in two ways. Firstly, they revive the beta cells located in the pancreas gland, which have become prematurely dead due to stress.
Revival of these cells means improvement in the production capacity of insulin and better timely balance of this production with blood sugar, so that the level of sugar in the blood remains in the proper amount continuously. As the flow of life force in the digestive system and related areas starts increasing, the energy blockages of the glands are removed and functioning becomes smooth.
It is possible to gradually improve the secretion capacity of the pancreas which is weakened in diabetes through various exercises. The practice of specific asanas, pranayama, kriyas and bandhas etc. supply more blood and life force to the cells.
Regular practice of Hatha Yogic kriyas like Shankha Prakshalana and Kunjal etc. play a vital role in the cleansing of harmful waste materials from the entire digestive system and rejuvenation of pancreas by massaging the related organs and glands.
Diabetes- Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
Frequent Urination: Increased need to urinate, especially at night.
Excessive Thirst: Feeling constantly thirsty, even after drinking plenty of fluids.
Increased Hunger: Constant hunger, even after eating.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying, despite increased appetite.
Fatigue: Feeling tired and fatigued, often throughout the day.
Blurred Vision: Vision problems, such as blurred vision, can occur.
Slow Healing: Wounds, cuts, or bruises that are slow to heal.
Numbness or Tingling: Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
Recurrent Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, such as urinary tract or yeast infections.
Dry Skin: Dry, itchy skin, often with areas of darkened skin.
Causes
Diabetes can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, have different underlying causes:
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in little to no insulin production, leading to high blood sugar levels. The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as viral infections.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet (high in processed foods, sugars, and fats), genetics, and age.
Yogic Management of Diabetes
Yoga therapy for diabetes focuses on a holistic approach to managing the condition through physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), relaxation techniques, and meditation. Some specific yoga exercises that may be beneficial for diabetes management include:
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations): Helps improve overall blood circulation and increase flexibility.
Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): Aids digestion and stimulates the pancreas, which may help control blood sugar levels.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Helps massage and stimulate abdominal organs, including the pancreas and kidneys.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Stimulates digestive organs and may improve metabolism.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Strengthens abdominal organs and improves pancreatic function.
Kapalabhati Pranayama: A breathing technique that helps detoxify the body and improve pancreatic function.
Anulom Vilom Pranayama: A breathing exercise that helps balance the autonomic nervous system and reduce stress, which can indirectly affect blood sugar levels.
Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Helps balance the body’s energy channels and promote relaxation.
Yoga Nidra: A guided relaxation technique that can help reduce stress and promote better sleep, both of which are important for diabetes management.
Shatkriyas: Neti, Kunjal & Laghu Shankhaprakshalana.
How does Anulom Vilom cure diabetes?
Stress management is important for people with diabetes because stress can affect blood sugar levels. Anulom-Vilom is believed to balance the body’s energy flow and enhance the functioning of various organs, including the pancreas, which plays a role in insulin production.
How can I reduce my sugar level fast?
Lowering your sugar levels quickly requires immediate changes in your diet and lifestyle. here are some tips:
♦ Drink plenty of water to help flush excess sugar from your bloodstream.
♦ Engage in physical activity to burn excess sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
♦ Fiber slows down sugar absorption and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.
♦ Minimize consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods/drinks.
♦ Include protein in your meals to stabilize blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
♦ Stop drinking soda, fruit juices and other sugary beverages.
♦ Stress can affect blood sugar levels, so practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
♦ Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support adequate overall health and blood sugar regulation.
Important for Diabetes
Low carbohydrate and low starch, sugar free, vegetarian diet should be adopted from the beginning. Rice, potatoes and all sweets should be stopped. Use spices, oil and milk or its products as little as possible.
Chapatis made of bran flour and green leafy vegetables should be taken in lightly boiled state. Salad and one or two fruits can also be taken.
Walking and walking in open air every day is beneficial.
From the second week of yoga practice, when blood and urine tests show that the practices are effectively reducing the sugar level, the amount of insulin should be gradually reduced as per medical instructions.
Sugar reducing tablets should be reduced and gradually stopped during the yoga practice period.
Yoga program and food routine should be continued for at least 6 months or for a longer period so that the disease does not return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which yoga is best for diabetics?
Breathing exercises like deep breathing, alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana), and Kapalabhati can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce stress. Poses such as Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), and Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) can aid in stimulating the pancreas and improving insulin sensitivity.
Is Surya Namaskar good for diabetes?
Yes, Surya Namaskar can be beneficial for diabetes management as it involves a sequence of yoga postures that improve blood circulation, promote flexibility, and reduce stress. Regular practice may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
Is kapalbhati good for diabetes?
Kapalbhati, a breathing technique in yoga, can potentially benefit individuals with diabetes. It is believed to improve pancreatic function and insulin sensitivity, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Can we control diabetes by yoga?
Yoga techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation can help reduce stress levels. Lowering stress can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
Which yoga is best for pancreas?
Asanas like Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose), and Paschimottanasana (Forward Bend) are known to stimulate the pancreas and improve its function. Additionally, practicing pranayam (breathing exercises) such as Kapalabhati and Anulom-Vilom can also support pancreas health by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the area.
Read Also
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