Yogic management of diabetes mellitus comprises various components, including cleansing processes (kriyas), postures (asana), regulated breathing (Pranayama), relaxation (Yoga Nidra), mediation (dhyana), and a yogic diet (Yuktahara). By practising Yuktakarma (right action), one can develop a deeper sense of the connection between actions and consequences. Ultimately, cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning in life the goal of Yuktakarma emphasises the vitality of performing actions that are aligned with our values and intentions, contributing to our spiritual growth and evolution.
Detoxification (Shat Karmas)
Cleansing methods like Dhauti aid in boosting insulin synthesis and regulating blood sugar levels. The capacity of the organs to function is improved by routine interior cleansing. Diabetes patients’ fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels showed a significant decrease. By lowering the quantities of circulating free fatty acids in the body, it is thought to improve glucose absorption, reduce insulin resistance, and stimulate the activity of insulin. Kapalbhati’s abdominal pressure during exhalation increases the effectiveness of the pancreatic beta cells.
Asana
Asana practise on a regular basis helps to enhance body alignment. By concentrating on the synchronisation of breathing and movement, it emphasises the connection between the body, mind, and consciousness. As a result, the organs receive more blood and oxygen, which improves their effectiveness and functionality. The endocrine system’s effectiveness is boosted by stretching different glands. In addition to increasing muscle activity, strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance, asana practise (upright, forward, backward, and twisting postures) also modulates gene expression. As a result, body weight, adiposity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance are all positively impacted.
Pranayama
Increased parasympathetic activity and decreased sympathetic activity are benefits of regular pranayama practise. Reduce stress and increase insulin sensitivity by practising breathing techniques including sectional breathing, Anulom Vilom, and Bhramari. The pineal, pituitary, and adrenal glands, which are crucial in the control of metabolism, can be regulated with the aid of bhastrika pranayama.
Meditation
Stress reduction, increased self-awareness and self-control, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices are all benefits of meditation. Meditators benefit psychologically because they react to stimuli more quickly and are less likely to experience different types of stress. In the management of diabetes, visualisation and focusing on the pancreas during meditation have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga nidra aids in improving patients’ overall health. It includes metabolic and psychological profiles, increasing insulin sensitivity, improving glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, and decreasing sympathetic activity while increasing parasympathetic activity and the related anti-stress mechanisms.
Stress Reduction
Stress is a significant contributing factor to the onset and progression of diabetes. Yoga encourages relaxation and mindfulness, which can lower the amount of the stress hormone cortisol.
Physical Activity
Diabetes management requires regular physical activity. Yoga is a low-impact type of exercise that is easy to customise to specific needs and skill levels.
Improve the quality of sleep
Diabetes can worsen and develop as a result of sleep deprivation. Yoga can enhance the quality of your sleep by encouraging relaxation and lowering tension.
What does science say about yoga? : Yoga appears to reduce the activation and reactivity of the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as increase feelings of wellbeing. These benefits appear to occur via two main mechanisms. Regular yoga practise may help with stress reduction, metabolic profile improvement, autonomic nervous system regulation, and changes to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which are neurological mediators of hyperglycemia. It causes people with diabetes to have lower blood sugar levels. Encourages the pancreas, which is in charge of making insulin, to increase insulin sensitivity, increasing the body’s ability to use the insulin it produces more effectively. Through stress reduction and relaxation, yoga lowers blood pressure. In the long run, yoga can help with diabetes management by lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering blood pressure, and improving rotation.
The Author is Director Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.