Posted on May 26, 2009 in Latest News
Diabetes mellitus is a disease that influences how our body uses sugar in our blood. There are two types of diabetes – Type I diabetes (juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes) and Type II diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes). While it is suggested that healthy meal plan and yoga can have remarkable effect on type II diabetes, yoga may not be so effective in treating type I diabetes. In the United States, nearly 23.6 millions (constituting 7.8 percent of the total population) was estimated to have diabetes in the year 2007.
Type II Diabetes and Yoga
Type I diabetes is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. In Type II diabetes, the pancreas can still produce insulin but the function of the insulin is not as effective as it should. Type II diabetes is mainly caused due to stress-related diseases and other lifestyle factors. This can be checked with regular practice of yoga and meditation.
- Pranayama for Diabetes: Nadi Shodhan Pranayama or alternate nostril breathing is suggested to have calming effect on our nervous system. This can help in reducing stress, thereby helping in treating type II diabetes.
- Yoga Asanas for Diabetes: Various types of asanas – Dhanurasana ( Bow pose), Vajrasana, Halasana, half spinal twist, Pavana muktasana etc can help in muscle relaxation and in stretching and toning the internal organs such as pancreas, liver, etc. This can increase blood supply and oxygen supply to the internal organs, thereby improving their overall activities and treating type II diabetes.
- Sun Salutation for Diabetes: It is suggested that through increased blood supply, sun salutation may improve the activity of insulin in the cells. This may treat type II diabetes.
Type II Diabetes and Meditation
Stress is considered to be a leading cause of diabetes. Studies have suggested that regular practice of meditation can reduce our body’s response to stress. This can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and convert our brain waves to a more relaxed state. Together, these may help in treating type II diabetes. Regular Meditation can also improve our ability to handle stressful situation by being aware about ourselves. This can help us to stay focused and relaxed in all situations.
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