Ancient wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda
Ayurveda master Sushruta ( 600 BC) terms Diabetes as Madhumeha( seat urine disease) as they used to check the ants if attracted to urine. He claims sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stress are the causes and reversing them is the cure.
Ayurveda recognizes this as Kapha disorder ( kapha builds up foods, liquids, lifestyle , stress etc) which diminish the functioning of Agni ( gastric fire). Management of diabetes by Ayurveda includes diet modification, eliminating sugar and simple carbohydrates, limiting protein to prevent any damage of kidneys, limiting fats due to inability to digest, cleansing program ( due to auto antibodies in diabetics) , herbal massage, herbal cleansing of digestive tract and rest and relaxation at physical, muscular and emotional levels.
Yoga is a science of consciousness aims at spiritual awakening, and realization. However, many texts have mentioned that regular practice of Asana, Pranayama Mudra, Pratyahara, Dhyan, Measured diet will manage Diabetes effectively. A deep understanding of Hatha Yoga declares that any blockage, excess and less supply of Prana causes all diseases and its management is a cure. Further, higher practices of yoga aims at consciousness using the brain and mind rather than brain and mind using the consciousness is a definite cure for any disease, however, difficult to achieve. It demands regular meditation, a wakening to higher states of consciousness and consciously working with body , life and mind.
Integral Management of Diabetes
Modern age is the age of anxiety and stress. Yoga and Ayurveda can treat the lifestyle disorder by following the below regime in life:
1. Regular physical exercise program that brings harmony of body, life and mind (minimum 2.5 hours /week but more the better). The physical program must increased cardiovascular activity, massaging endocrine glands, relaxation of brain and nerves, raising energy level, reducing fatigue. It is recommended that 4.5 hours of weekly program in the beginning until body starts responding to the treatment should be undertaken. The physical exercises /practices are divided into different categories – Physical relaxation, subtle practices for major parts of the body, stretching and joint exercises , raising cardio pulmonary output, awakening physical consciousness etc will help manage diabetes.
2. Sat Karma and/or Panch karma –Panch karma of Ayurevda is little cumbersome process but Sat Karma of Yoga is easier and can be done easily. Kunjal, Sankh Prakshalana, Agnisar, Nauli should be performed daily.
3. Mudra- Hatha Yoga Mudra are different than that of Kar Mudras. Hatha Yoga Mudra involves physical practices; breathing and specific positions of the body that helps nervous, endocrine system brain and mind. The specific Mudra will help manage Diabetes.
4. Dietary change – measured diet for Diabetes – Preventive diet, health promotive diet and curative diet based on tridosha and triguna. Herbal remedies should initially be single herb mixed with food items taken during the day. Second level should include herbal mixtures and third level proper Ayurvedic prescription medications.
5. Adjunctive management is the best way to manage diabetes. The modern medication should not be stopped abruptly. It should continue with integral management and practices, until certain visible, subjective changes take place. Once these changes are visible, clear and subjective changes are dominant, modern medication may be decreased slowly.
6. Meditation practices should become integral part of the lifestyle to influence the body through higher consciousness. Active, conscious and regular practice of meditation is suggested until one discovers the inner consciousness, clam, poise, peace and calm is established.
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