Meditation and Yoga for diabetes

(November 9, 2010)

How to control diabetes thro yoga and how to control the mind through meditation. what are the steps to follow

Diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce the hormone insulin which is necessary for converting sugar into energy. It also occurs when the body cannot use the insulin it produces in the proper manner. The pancreas are responsible for producing insulin and hence diabetes occurs due to deterioration of the pancreas. When the sugar cannot be broken down, it accumulates in the blood and leads to symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, excessive thirst and other complications. The use of yoga for diabetes is commonly practiced by many diabetic individuals today. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise which has many health benefits. It involves a series of fluid asanas or poses along with breathing exercises. Yoga postures for diabetes help to promote production of insulin by the pancreas by aiding in the repair of pancreatic cells. Although many people have obtained benefits from these exercises, it is important to consult a doctor before starting a yoga program since each person’s medical history and state of health is different. The use of yoga for diabetes is not meant to be an alternative to medical treatment, simply to act as means of managing and controlling diabetes. Yoga is a very vast discipline and it is important that you consult a qualified trainer before attempting to take up any routine of yoga for diabetes.
Pranayama refers to breathing exercises which are known to have several health benefits. It is a form of meditation and relaxation which helps to relieve the mind and body of stress. Meditation for diabetes helps to improve the health of the individual by alleviating the symptoms of the condition. Some of the major breathing techniques in yoga include Kapalabhati (Rapid Breathing), Anuloma Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Brahmari Pranayama (Humming Bee Breath). Regular practice of these exercises helps to reduce blood sugar levels and thus helps to manage diabetes. These also serve as beneficial breathing methods in yoga for hypertension. Rapid Breathing is a type of power breathing in which the breath must be exhaled in forceful contractions of the abdomen. Alternate Nostril Breathing is done by inhaling through each nostril alternately while keeping the other closed. Humming Bee Breath involves keeping the ears and eyes closed with the help of the fingers and exhaling while making a humming sound.
Bikram yoga for diabetes also involves poses such as Mandukasana (Frog Pose) which stimulates the pancreas by exerting pressure on it. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is also beneficial for diabetic individuals as it improves blood flow throughout the body and also improves the production and use of insulin. It involves a series of movements which focus on various parts of the body. Each Sun Salutation may be repeated four times for maximum benefit.

Submitted by A on November 9, 2010 at 04:59

Yoga can be described as an ancient science that can be used to improve a person’s overall health and quality of life. Over the centuries, it has helped people to overcome millions of health problems, by bringing about a vast improvement in their conditions. Yoga has been used for strengthening the body, reducing aches and pains, increasing flexibility, decreasing stress, boosting the immune system and many other health benefits. Yoga includes several poses, breathing techniques and exercises that are aimed at improving your mental, physical and emotional health. Given below are a few of the common health conditions that yoga can help treat or even cure.

Yoga for diabetes

Diabetes is a condition, caused by the impaired tolerance in a person’s body, where there is a problem with insulin functioning. Diabetes can be of two types, which are names Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. People have used yoga for diabetes, to improve the condition and have had varying degrees of success. The use of yoga for insulin regulation helps keep the levels of blood sugar, under control. However, in order to practice yoga for diabetes, it is first important to determine what type of diabetes you have, since yoga asanas cannot really help in case of Type-1 diabetes. However, since Type 2 diabetes is caused mainly by stress or a hectic lifestyle, it can be treated with the help of yoga. Some of the most common yoga for diabetes techniques are Pranayama (Breathing techniques), The Surya Namaskar (The Sun Salutation), Meditation and poses like Dhanurasana (The Bow Sequence Pose). Before using yoga for blood sugar control, it is important to consult a doctor.

Yoga for cancer

Since stress and cancer have been linked, it is possible to use the science of Yoga, to overcome cancer. Moreover, people who undergo chemotherapy as a part of cancer treatment often feel drained out and tired, because of it. Yoga can help increase strength and can give them more energy to endure the treatment. Exercises like the Prayanama (Breathing Technique) can help the body recover faster. However, yoga for cancer routines may vary, depending upon which part of the body is affected by the cancer.

Yoga for high blood pressure

Although high blood pressure is a very common condition, it can be quite serious since it could lead to other problems like strokes and heart related diseases. Therefore, people use yoga for high blood pressure, to keep this condition in check. Some of the most common yoga for high blood pressure poses include the Sukhasana (The Easy Pose), Bidalasana (The Cat Pose), Pavanmukhtasana (The Wind Releiving Pose) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (The Half Spinal Twist Pose).

However, before practicing Yoga for diabetes, cancer or hypertension (high blood pressure), it is important to check with a doctor.

Submitted by A on September 12, 2010 at 11:56

Meditation and Yoga for diabetes

Not all types of diabetes can be cured through the help of yoga. Please note that Type 1 diabetes which takes place due to absolute lack of insulin in the body is extremely difficult to treat with the help of yoga. However diabetes that belongs to Type 2 diabetes is treated with remarkable consequences through the help of yoga asanas. Yoga in itself is an art of meditation and maintaining a perfect balance between the body and mind.

Hence definite forms of yoga meditation, asanas or postures can have a curative impression upon the varied bodily parts both internal and external and also on the glands. Chief among these asanas are Ardha Chandrasana translated as the half-moon posture, Bhujangasana also known as the snake or the cobra pose, Salabhasana Ustrasana or the camel asana are some of the few backward postures that can cause the pancreas to stimulate and exercise the abdominal muscles. Saluting the sun which is a form of yoga asana is a great way to step-up the supply of blood to all parts of the body, which indirectly causes insulin improvement and assimilation.

Yoga Nidra is a very significant meditation procedure that enhances deep mental relaxation. Yoga Nidra as a form of yogic meditation assists the mind to get rid of all mental stress, and brings about a general overall feeling of good health and well being in the individual.

Submitted by C D on April 1, 2008 at 04:41