Diabetes mellitus is a disease which has plagued man for centuries through its incidence at present, especially in the more developed areas of the world, is higher than it has ever been in the past. The reason for this is that, through technological achievement, both stress and affluence have become increasingly widespread, and people have developed the tendency to avoid strenuous physical exercise and to overeat. Thus the recent flourishing of diabetes can be considered to be a side effect of the twentieth century technological age. The ancient science of yoga has successful method of management which is thousands of years old. It is based upon the internal readjustment of physical organism through stimulation of the body’s own regenerative process. There are many yogic processes through which we can stimulate body’s won regenerative abilities. In a nutshell I am trying to put light on the four major yogic processes which help us to fight against this killing disease.
Meditation:
The mind, through the nervous system, controls every action and reaction that occurs in the human body. It keeps a record of everything that a person and his body have undergone in the past and relates it to the present conditions. From this function come the decisions which rule every action that a person makes, whether voluntary or involuntary. This control extends from the unconscious and automatic control of the organs and muscles right up to the decisions that are made with the conscious intellectual mind. Every person’s whole existence is based upon the correct function of the nervous system.
The science of yoga holds that the nervous system (and the body that it rules) can be brought under a high degree of control and can be made to operate with the greatest possible degree of efficiency through the practice of meditation. This ancient theory has been bolstered by scientific research done in India, Europe and the United States. The bulk of this research has shown conclusively that the daily practice of meditation brings about harmonious changes in the physical organism.
In regard to diabetes, meditation practices have been shown definitely to help the endocrine glands through relaxation of the sympathetic nervous system arising from practices such as ajapa japa. Regulation of the anterior pituitary hormones, which are under the direct control of the hypothalamus, is greatly affected by yoga nidra. Also, a general increase in mental efficiency is brought about.
Ajapa Japa:
Japa is the constant repetition of Mantra. Japa become ajapa( spontaneous) when the mantra repeats itself automatically, without Conscious effort. This techniques uses the spontaneous mantra of the , soham, to calm the mind and to transfer this mental tranquility to the body, effecting healing at the deep level of being. During the preliminary practice of ajapa japa, the practitioner should try to feel the prana( healing bioenergy) flowing in the frontal psychic passage that runs between the naval and the throat. Your teacher will help your locate this passage. In the beginning you will need to use your imagination, but later this pranic passage will become a definite reality.
Awakening prana in the frontal psychic passage and in the spinal cord rebalances the body , increases energy and purify the mind so that the whole organism function at a healthier , more efficient level.
Yoga Nidra:
Yoga nidra is a systematic method of inducing complete metal, physical and emotional relaxation. It is a state of relax awareness on the borderline between sleep and wakefulness, allowing contact with the subconscious and unconscious minds, while remaining awake and aware. Yoganidra is the yogic tranquillizer, the natural means to establish harmony and well- being through the entire system. It is a superbly effective system of meditation and , for people who are diabetic or sick. It rejuvenates the nervous system, awakening prana and great healing power. Yoga nidra is especially useful in overcoming psychosomatic disease like diabetic .
2.Hatha Yoga
Of equal importance in the treatment of diabetes are the hatha yoga practices of shankhaprakshalana is the system cleansing of the alimentary tract, which runs from the mouth to the anus. In this kriya a large amount of warm saline water is ingested, two glasses at a time, alternated with five special asanas. These asanas open the sphincter muscles, which control digestive motions and move the water rapidly down the alimentary canal. After a few glasses, the practitioner automatically starts to go to the latrine to pass the water mixed with the former contents of the stomach and intestines. By the end of the practice the whole digestive system has been flushed out and pure water is being passed. After this is completed, the practitioner rests totally for forty-five to sixty minutes. This period is the only opportunity that the digestive system (including the pancreas and liver) ever gets to really rests, because only when the intestines are completely empty, do digestive nerve impulses and glandular secretions stop. In this short time, the internal organs are able to revitalize themselves and when the rest period is finished the practitioner eats a simple meal of khichari (rice boiled with lentils and ghee). This allows the system to start up again in the easiest and most balanced way. Shankhaprakshalana is then continued in its brief form (laghoo shankhaprakshalana) every day for 40 days, and during this time the blood sugar lever of even serious suffers of diabetes often drops of normal, or close to normal, and can remain there indefinitely unless the system is again thrown out of balance. Therefore, it is important to monitor the blood sugar levels regularly during this time so that medication and be adjusted following the yoga practices.
3.Asana In conjunction with meditation and shankhaprakshalana, a series of asanas is to be practised in the treatment of diabetes. These asanas adjust the function of the organs involved by regulating nervous impulses and blood flow to the glandular areas and by gently massaging all the glands and organs. Major advice of the practice
Slow, controlled movements: In order to bring harmony and to gain the most benefit from asana they should be practice with slow, controlled movements that are coordinated with the breath. Fast movements imply excessive tension, and quick, sudden movements’ use up excessive energy. Asana aim at conserving energy and developing muscular control, both of which came from slow, mindful practice. During slow movements, it is possible to relax the maximum numbers of muscles that are not directly involved in the particular asana. Breathing instruction have been included to facilitate this coordination and relaxation ,and they should be follow as closely as possible
Maintenance of final position: The final position is the most important part of the practice . This period of immobility is the time when profound and beneficial changes are occurring in the body.
Awareness: While learning the asana your attention should be on correct performance. In final position you can be aware of the breath, chakra or particular parts of the body that the asana especially influences. Such awareness is most useful in directing the body’s natural healing energies. Asana are powerful force in healing. They work on many different levels, although you must experience this for yourself. It is only through experience that you come to understand the relief from suffering that comes with the regular practice of yoga poses. Under the guidance of a competent teacher, diseases such as diabetes can become problem of the past.
4. Pranayama: Pranayama controls the body’s energy, allowing vital forces to flow to those areas that require extra energy. The brain, pancreas and other organs can then be revitalized consciously and systematically. Pranayama, correctly used , is the bridge between body and mind. It should be perform gently and with awareness. It should never be forced in the expectation of better results, as this is a block to success. It is better to practice bellow your maximum capacity at first so that you do not suffer strain.
Pranayama also brings tranquility and restricts interference from the through process. It stills the disturbances of the mind, freeing us to tune into the subtle aspect of our being. Pranayama is the therefore a vital techniques for all those suffering for diabetes.
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