Yoga for diabetes

Diabetes is a psychosomatic disease, ie a disease that affects the mind-body matrix. These factors are both genetic and environmental, hence we list diabetes as a lifestyle disease. Yoga works successfully in the management of type 2 diabetes because it taps the body’s innate regenerative ability. Rather than approaching the disease from the outside, yoga approaches it from within, relying on re-balancing the nervous system, re-stimulating the endocrine glands and the pancreas. Know that all diabetics are advised to exercise every day. This is a vital cog in the management of diabetes, along with medication and diet. However, there is still a missing element in diabetes management — relaxation. Stress causes an increase in the activities of the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal gland. This results in the release of more glucose into the blood. Next, the hormonal secretions of the pancreas are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Mental or emotional tension can disturb the normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system and of the endocrine glands, inhibiting the secretion of insulin. Hence, we find that prolonged stress can lead an individual to develop diabetes. Relaxation is a deep unwinding and release of physical, mental and emotional tensions. The mind is all-pervasive and in yoga we say that the body and mind are aspects of the same phenomenon. Hence stress caused to one aspect will adversely affect the other. In the coming weeks, we will look at yoga poses that will help in the management of diabetes. Though these postures are easy to do and can be done by all at home, as with all exercise, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before starting them. Meru Vakrasana (Sitting Spinal Twist) Spinal twists are considered important in the programme for a diabetic, as they apply a beneficial pressure on the internal organs of the body, especially the pancreas. Procedure Sit with your legs outstretched and your back straight. Bend the left knee and place your left foot next to right knee. Bring the right hand to the outer side of the left knee by twisting the trunk. Place your left palm on the floor about a foot behind your back for support. Inhale and pass the right arm over the left knee, exhale and take hold of the left ankle with the right hand. While using your right arm as a lever, exhale more and slowly twist to the left, simultaneously turning your head to look over your left shoulder. Stay in the pose for one minute with normal breathing. Repeat the pose by interchanging the position of legs and twisting to your right side. Tip: try to bring your shoulders in line with your knee. Benefits • Stretches the spine, loosens the vertebrae and tones the spinal nerves • Exerts a mild pressure on the pancreas • Relieves sciatica, lumbago and neck pain Caution People with severe back problems, a stomach ulcer or a hernia should avoid this posture. From gulfnews