Diabetes is the most severe and common disease throughout the world. Reports say majority of the world's population is affected by diabetes of various forms. World Diabetes Day (November 14) emphasises on the responsibility to pass on a healthy disease-free gene code to the next generation. Yoga is said to be India's oldest natural solution.
Regular practice of yoga reduces the risk of diabetes and yoga can even cure diabetes, said secretary of Thrissur District Yoga Association Balakrishnan Pallath. Yoga normalises blood glucose level by gently massaging and stimulating the internal organs responsible for the carbohydrate metabolism. The exercises should be customised for diabetics and it should involve stretching exercises, relaxation exercises and meditation.
Balakrishnan says understanding is the first step towards change. Good health is acquired when one follows a healthy diet, regular exercise and positive thinking. Yogic discipline with its asanas, pranayama and meditation is the way to good health. Yoga eventually improves personal efficiency and assists in achieving mental peace. When yoga becomes a lifestyle, it creates massive transformation in an individual.
Course director Gopinath Edakkunny said unlike the usual exercises, yoga asanas are much different because each asana is performed synchronising the body, breath and the mind. There are varieties of yoga asanas that improve the health of our pancreas and also enhance the blood circulation. Yoga for diabetes stimulates and normalises endocrine glandular system that release chemicals into general circulation. Endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, adrenals, pancreas and sex glands.
Breathing exercises or pranayama play a crucial role in the treatment of diabetes. This is not an exercise but a series of controlled inhalation and exhalation of breath. The inhalation and exhalation of breath has the power to nurture the body and relax the mind. Pranayamas will reduce stress and enhance the endocrine functions of the body, said Gopinath.
Balakrishnan assures that medications can be stopped in the long run. But continuous practice should be done to attain benefit. Some diabetes yogas are difficult to perform and a master to guide is essential. Yoga helps to harmonise the functioning of the body and maintain an excellent state of energy at all times by reducing stress.
Stress hormones increase the blood sugar level in the body. So stabilisation of mind and relaxation plays an important role in reducing the glucose level in the body. Maintaining a fiber and protein rich diet is also essential, said the director.