yoga and thyroid problems

Yoga, Exercise and Thyroid Function
Tess Thompson
The thyroid is located on the front side of the neck and lies against and around the larynx (voice box) and trachea (windpipe). It is covered by two layers (internal and external) of a fibrous sheath.
As organs go, the thyroid is small, but compared to other endocrine glands, it rates as one of the larger glands. Big or small, all body organs have a role to play and are postulated for specific purposes. Proper functioning of every organ is crucial for your overall health. Thyroid dysfunction can particularly affect the speed at which your body burns energy and makes proteins. Its hormones also influence the body’s sensitivity to other hormones.
There are many ways by which you can maintain your thyroid health so as to avoid using medication for restoring thyroid dysfunction. For example, nutrition for various thyroid conditions, herbs for thyroid and other alternative therapies like homeopathic remedies are some ways in which you can ensure good thyroid health. Yoga and exercise are other ways to improve thyroid functioning.
Bodily organs are intricately related to each other, and a problem in one can have a domino effect, leading to problems with other associated organs as well. A fit and healthy body ensures that all organs function the way they are meant to.
The various organs in the body require oxygen that is supplied by oxygen-laden blood cells. Mild exercises like swimming, walking, jogging and aerobics improve blood circulation by increasing heart function and supply blood to the farthest corners of the body.
Yoga has recently caught the fancy of the Western world, and is being used by many simply for its ability to treat many physiological ailments, including thyroid problems. Yoga is actually a traditional physical and mental discipline that originated in India and is mentioned in many other cultures, also. Besides its spiritual connotations, the main goal of Yoga is to improve overall physical as well as mental health. The discipline is not limited to yogic postures only. The therapy includes breathing exercises, meditation and a host of other processes like dietary discipline, positive thinking and affirmations.
The thyroid, located as it is near the windpipe, can greatly benefits from breathing exercises that promote oxygen supply. There are also specific yogic postures like the simhaasana (lion posture), the shavasana (lying down like a corpse) and sarvangaasana (all organ posture) that are meant to benefit and promote a healthy thyroid.
Exercise and yoga may not actually cure an existing thyroid problem, but if you follow a regular regimen of exercise and yoga, there is a strong possibility that you may not have to worry about thyroid dysfunction.

thyroid problems v/s ayurveda

According to information gathered by ayurvedic practitioners, thyroid problems are on the rise today. This increase is in part due to the more and more hectic lifestyles people engage in today, and it is also because of a lack of proper nutrients in the soil. Many people are affected by hypothyroidism, which is an under-productive thyroid condition, and do not even realize it.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is overactive. The thyroid itself is a small gland that is located near the base of your throat. While the thyroid is such a small gland, its importance to the body is actually quite enormous because it is the organ that regulates our hormones. When the thyroid is not working properly, our body is not producing, or in some cases, is overproducing, certain hormones.

This imbalance can cause all sorts of problems for us. Ayurvedic medicine seeks to restore balance to our bodies by returning the doshas, or humors as they are called in Western medicine, to their correct levels.

Here are some signs associated with a low-functioning thyroid

* High levels of lethargy
* Coldness in the hands and/or feet
* Frequent constipation, headaches
* Dry skin
* Obesity is also sometimes related to thyroid dysfunction

The thyroid also controls the hormones that determine obesity and your cholesterol level, so it is important to keep your thyroid in check for many reasons.

Some of the recommended remedies for thyroid condition include:

* Coconut oil for hypothyroidism
* Practicing yoga; in particular the position Sarvangasna, or the shoulder stand
* Include guggul in the diet to stimulate the thyroid, if needed

First, a word of caution about adding the guggul extract to your diet. Before making any changes to your diet make sure you first consult with your primary physician or practitioner in case you are currently taking a medication that might have a negative interaction with the supplement.

Other herbs ayurvedic medicine suggests for thyroid condition include shilajita, jatamansi, and punarnava. These can be obtained by visiting your local health food store, herbalist, or a variety of Internet websites.

Other diet suggestions that might help your thyroid condition:

* Drink lots of hot ginger tea
* Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables
* Avoid dairy and wheat products
* Avoid salty foods

Another beneficial yoga position is the hala asana, or plow position. Again, a note of caution must be inserted here. It is recommended that a woman who is menstruating should not perform this position. If you are interested in learning how to do these moves, there are many websites available that can teach you the proper techniques for doing them. Some of the better websites even have pictures to help you out.

Constipation is often a huge problem for people who suffer from thyroids. Triphala is an ayurvedic remedy for constipation. Triphala is made up of three fruits, amalaki, haritaki, and bibhitaki, which come from India. It is thought to balance the three doshas, or humors, in ayurvedic thought and is used as a remedy for many other things as well.

Ayurveda is based on the doctrine that certain substances of vegetable, animal and mineral origin have curative values. These medicinal values have been well documented by various writers and compilers of Ayurvedic literature who observed and experimented with herbs, minerals, metals, animal parts, cooked food articles, natural foods and fruits. The details of these substances are given according to their nature, effects, and curative properties.
Thyroid disease is mentioned in detail by Charaka, one of the writers of the Ayurvedic materia medica. There is a mention that milk, barley, green grams, Bengal grams, sugarcane juice, cucumber and milk products are good for thyroid health. Sour products, on the other hand, aggravate thyroid conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce the level of hormones that are required for the proper functioning of bodily organs. In other thyroid conditions, the gland may produce more hormones or may be inflamed or enlarged. Each of these conditions manifests in a wide variety of symptoms. The thyroid hormones are essential for metabolism, and like all other hormones, thyroid hormones must also be produced and released in definite quantities. Their excess or deficiency has a detrimental affect on various organs and their functioning.
The Ayurvedic cure for specific thyroid problems involves the use of a potent herb, Kaanchanara ( Bauhinia veriegata ). Another herb of the genus of East Indian and African trees that yields balsamic products known as Guggulu ( Commiphora mukul ) is widely used for addressing symptoms of thyroid problems like weight gain. Among other herbs, jatamansi, shilajita ( purified asphaltum ), gokshura and punarnava are also used for their curative properties and the management of symptoms associated with thyroid malfunctioning.
Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary to each other. Yoga relies on dietary advice contained in Ayurvedic literature. Similarly, the yogic postures that aid in restoring thyroid function form an integral part of Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid disease.
Herbal and dietary advice and massage therapy based on Ayurvedic principles are fast becoming popular in America and Europe. In reality, this ancient Indian therapy can only make a back door entry into this part of the world, as medical practices in America and Europe are governed by strict regulations that are difficult to meet. Alternative medicine like Ayurveda lags behind due to lack of adequate research and an absence of institutional support. However, Ayurvedic medicine has a strong historical background of effective treatment of various diseases, including thyroid disease.


Thyroid Disease
It has come to my attention that a good number of individuals suffer from Thyroid Disease, of some sort or another, and it appears as though women are more likely to have difficulties than men. Weather it is an underactive thyroid, or an overactive thyroid the imbalance in the endocrine system is simply devistating to ones health. This ailment faces my mother and one of my co-workers as well, so it really hits home for me.
As I work through my studies of Kundalini Yoga I am researching the human endocrine system, and outlining some thoughts for chakra-neuroendocrinology, (a science that the yogis have understood for some time, but requires additional Western study.)
My study now takes me to the Thyroid. I seek to gain an understanding of its function and make the case for Kundalini Yoga as a Preventative Maintenance program to keep thyroid disease and disorders away. (Yoga is a maintenance program for the body, mental, emotional and spiritual, as well, but let’s stay focused on this aspect for the time.)
In my previous post on chakra-neuroendocrinology I referenced a resource book that is helping me understand the system. My high level overviews of the tyroid, based on the book, and other insights are as follows:
The thyroid is related to the 5th chakra, or center of communication located around the throat. It is good to keep in mind that the element associated with the 5th chakra is ether. Technically speaking all of our chakras are rooted on the subtle plane of the ethers and bridge the vital gap into physical manifestation. But the 5th chakra is of much interest to etheric relations. It makes one ponder upon the etheric implications of under active and over active 5th chakras.
The human thyroid is the gland that is very closely associated with metabolism. “A primary role of the thyroid is to increase energy expenditure and thermo-genesis.”
That being said the pituitary gland, (or Master Gland,) is responsible for stimulating the thyroid hormone secretion. An imbalance in the thyroid or pituitary gland can lead to challenges in the system.
Hypothyroidism- Underactive thyroid
This implies an individual has thyroid hormone levels that are too low for proper flow in the endocrine system. A common cause of this is the presence of antithyroid antibodies. A common symptom of this is sluggishness, (yoga helps make the body move.)
Hyperthyrodism- Overactive thyroid
This implies that an individual has thyroid levels that are higher than appropriate for the proper flow of energy. There are technically 2 types of this disorder, the type that is caused from within the body and the type that is caused from outside of the body. A common symptom of this is weight loss. This dis-ease can also lead to increased speed in mental processes, but with the propensity to create errors within the thinking. Again, one cause of this is a mis-aligned anti body within the system.
Preventative Thyroid Maintenance
It is my thinking that Yoga, (I am partial to Kundalini but all forms of Yoga are appropriate,) is the optimal means of preventing thyroid disease and disorders. It’s kind of like a car, one takes in their car on a regular basis so that maintenance work can be done. The result of this maintenance is a car that runs smoother, lasts longer and is less likely to die on you. The same is true of the human body and they thyroid.
Kundalini Yoga provides lovely specific means to maintain proper balance within the thyroid. The best way to cure thyroid disease is to never allow the root cause to develop in the first place, thus I stress maintenance.
Food that nurtures the Thyroid
Eating the right foods is also important for proper flow through the thyroid. Mark Hyman M.D. has noticed that thyroid disorders are on the rise, and he brings an interesting and valid perspective as to the cause. He focuses more on the environmental and dietary factors that enter into the thyroid system:
“For example, food allergies, like sensitivities to gluten and other foods, also negatively affect thyroid function-and are frequently undiagnosed. Likewise, deficiencies in nutrients important to good thyroid function-like selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids. and iodine and tyrosine-can trigger thyroid problems.”
Fight Thyroid Disease
Mark Hyman has very sound tips for fighting thyroid disease. I would suggest that we focus on preventing them in the first place.
But if you find yourself in a situation where you need to fight the dis-ease review his suggestions and might I suggest integrating a strong Kundalini Yoga practice into your life cycle.
I have another future proposed test for testing the validity of healing via chakra-neuroendocrinology. There are a couple tests that can be done to measure the levels of thyroid hormones in ones system. I propose a controlled test with 3 groups:
1. Group of people with over active thyroid (n=60)
2. Group of peoplw with under active thyroid (n=60)
3. Control group (n=60)
Measure the levels of thyroid hormone prior to testing. One half of each group will live out their lives normally, or under go the typical Western treatment. The second half will practice Kundalini Yoga on a Daily basis with a strong focus on 5th chakra exercizes and a little 6th chakra work here and ther. (We could add thyroid specific eating into the equation at a future date perhaps.)
I find it interesting that one of my first major energetic blockages in this life time, that I was consciously aware of, was in my throat center. (Sarah, thanks again for the release.)
The timing of this post is also rather interesting, as I am 18 days into a 40 Kundalini Yoga kriya that focuses on the 5th chakra.

Thyroid cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the thyroid gland. the thyroid gland is at the base of the throat. It has two lobes, one on the right side and one on the left. The thyroid gland makes important hormones and helps the body function normally.
There are four main types of thyroid cancer
1. papillary
2. follicular
3. medullary
4. anaplastic
Some types of thyroid cancer grow faster than others. The prognosis is better for patients younger than 40 years who have cancer that has not spread beyond the thyroid.
The genes in our cells carry the hereditary information from our parents. An abnormal gene has been found in patients with some forms of thyroid cancer. If medullary thyroid cancer is found, the patient may have been born with a certain abnormal gene which may have led to the cancer. Family members may have also inherited this abnormal gene. Tests have been developed to determine who has the genetic defect long before any cancer appears. It is important that the patient and his or her family members see a doctor about tests that will show if the abnormal gene is present.

(2) Risk factors: -
Certain factors may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
a. Thyroid cancer occurs more often in people between the ages of 25 and 65 years.
b. People who have been exposed to radiation or received radiation treatments to the head and neck during infancy or childhood have a greater chance of developing thyroid cancer. The cancer may occur as early as 5 years after exposure or may occur 20 or more years later.
c. People who have had goiter (enlarged thyroid) or a family history of thyroid disease have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
d. Thyroid cancer is more common in women than in men.
e. Asian people have an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.

(3) Signs & Symptoms: -
1. A lump in the front of the neck, near the Adam's apple
2. Hoarseness
3. Swollen glands in the neck
4. Difficulty swallowing
5. Difficulty breathing
6. Pain in the throat or neck
7. A cough that persists and is not caused by a cold
(These symptoms may be caused by thyroid cancer, or they may indicate another less serious condition, such as an infection, benign goiter, or other problem.)

(4) Diagnosis as per modern science: -
a) Fine needle aspiration biopsy
b) Thyroid scan
c) Ultrasound
d) Computed tomography
e) MRI
f) Blood tests

(5) Staging: -
(i) Stage I: - The cancer is less than 2 cm and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
(ii) Stage II: - The cancer is 2 to 4 cm. and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites.
(iii) Stage III: - The cancer is larger than 4 cm or has grown slightly outside the thyroid and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant sites; or it is any size and has spread to local neck nodes but not to distant sites.
(iv) Stage IV: - Tumor of any size and has grown beyond the thyroid gland to invade nearby tissues of the neck and has spread to lymph nodes in the upper chest, tumor has grown either back to the spine or into nearby large blood vessels, it has spread to distant sites.

(6) Treatment as per Ayurveda: -
Results of 770 patients of various types of cancer treated at DARF during Jan.2004 to Dec.2004.
(1) Total no. of Primary cancer 504. In all 504 patients with primary cancer of various types were treated at DARF.
• 13% patients were rendered disease free
• 20.63% patients were markedly improved
• 65.27% patients were improved
• 0.9% patients were uncured
(2) Total no. of Secondary (metastases) cancer 266. In all 266 patients with metastases of different types were treated at DARF.
• 12.03% patients were rendered disease free
• 18.04% patients were markedly improved
• 68.79% patients were improved
• 1.12% patients were uncured
The above results show the high effectiveness of DARF anti cancer therapy.

Therapeutic Hatha Yoga v/s diabetes

Is Therapeutic Hatha Yoga A Cure for Diabetes?
by Julian Goldstein
Diabetes kills more than 350,000 Americans every year, while slowly ravaging the bodies of its surviving victims. This year alone approximately 700,000 Americans will fall victim to their diabetic onset. For 90 percent of the roughly 14 million people who are Type II diabetics, the onset will have occurred in the prime of their lives. Diabetes causes complications such as blindness, kidney failure, stroke, heart disease, hypertension and circulatory disorders leading to amputation of toes, feet and legs -- ultimately causing premature death.
But are diabetes victims or perpetrators living lifestyles that beg for this malady to manifest itself? Having diabetes for over 28 years has given me some insight. But not until I discovered how to reverse this chronic disease did it become clear that I was not a victim of diabetes, but rather a casualty of my own lack of knowledge of how to care for my physical system properly.
You might ask, "Didn't you go to the doctor and have regular physical checkups?" Certainly, I did. Sadly, it's not until something specific arises, a manifest symptom or negative test result, that medical science steps in. Our doctors are the best in the world when it comes to treating trauma, and curing and preventing infectious disease. Chronic diseases like diabetes, however, have everyone stumped. Our doctors are able to keep us alive only with insulin and anti-diabetic medications. Continued long-term use of these medicines, unfortunately, creates complications of their own. But what if there was a way not only to reverse diabetes, but prevent its manifestation as well?
There is a Way to Reverse Diabetes
I tripped over a treatment quite by accident after having suffered a herniated disc in my lower back. Three doctors proclaimed, "Surgery!" This is a risky alternative in any case, but even more so because of my diabetes. Then I heard that regular practice of hatha yoga may help my back problem.
Of far greater benefit, I soon learned, was that performing the yoga postures daily for five months eliminated my need to take insulin or any other anti-diabetic medications! I had required 75 units of insulin daily. Insulin kept me alive, but not healthy. Hatha yoga put me back on the road to good health.
This method is a therapeutic form developed by Bikram Choudhury, a yoga master from India and my teacher. His method consists primarily of two pranayamas (breathing exercises) and 26 asanas (postures). How can yoga reverse diabetes? Isn't it just another form of exercise? Well, yes--and no. All diabetics know that daily aerobic exercise helps control blood sugar and improve circulation (poor circulation is a major complication of diabetes). Though the exact mechanics are not precisely known, exercise reduces the amount of insulin required to maintain normal blood sugar levels. For some adult onset diabetics, proper diet and exercise are all that's required to regulate normal blood sugar. But for the vast majority, oral medication or insulin injection is necessary to maintain life. Many who at first can control blood sugar with diet and exercise find that, in later years, they also require medication.
What does hatha yoga offer that ordinary exercise doesn't? Certain postures have a therapeutic effect upon various organs and glands. Those postures that benefit the pancreas and its functions are of the greatest interest to diabetics and pre-diabetics. It is the correct application of these postures that can reverse diabetes.
Among these are the backward bending postures such as the Ardha Chandrasana (Half-Moon pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Salabhasana (Locust Pose), Poorna Salabhasana (Full Locust Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) and Ustrasana (Camel Pose). These postures bring stimulation to the pancreas, as they exercise the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, obliques, deep intertransversarii and posterior abdominal wall. Also, most of these postures cause the internal viscera to stretch, bringing stimulation to the pancreas and other glands and organs that otherwise receive no stimulation.
Other postures such as Dandayamana-Bibbaktapada Pashimotthanasana (Standing Separate Leg Head-to-Knee Pose), Ardha Kurmasana (Half Tortoise Pose), Sasangasana (Rabbit Pose) and Janushirasana with Pashimotthanasana (Head-to-Knee with Stretching Pose) provide stimulation and rejuvenation to the cells of the pancreas and other endocrine glands by way of compression. Compression of these glands, followed by relaxation, causes an increased volume of highly oxygenated blood to reach the cells, bringing nourishment that rejuvenates atrophied cells.
Diabetes appears to be primarily a deficiency of the pancreas. Yet our body's internal feedback system is so complex that, when modern allopathic medicine prescribes a drug for one problem, it causes a myriad of other complications, some worse than the original symptoms. Hatha yoga is a body balancing system. Its therapeutic application utilizes the body's power to generate its own medicines that have no negative side effects. Therapeutic hatha yoga may be considered as complementary medicine, adjunctive to modern allopathic medicine.
Since stress further complicates diabetes, the calmative effects of performing hatha yoga and the specific practice of Savasana (Dead Body Pose) at correct intervals also contributes to the reversal of this so-called chronic, incurable disease. And when certain other postures, such as Trikanasana (Triangle Pose), or Tuladandasana (Balancing Stick Pose) are applied in the therapeutic manner, aerobic conditioning occurs, eliminating the need for other exercise forms as therapy. Since hatha yoga improves flexibility and overall muscle tone, however, most everyone finds their overall athleticism improved. Additionally, age is no barrier. Though many diabetics find it difficult, if not almost impossible, to maintain a regular exercise regimen as they grow older, they are still able to maintain an effective therapeutic hatha yoga regimen.
The application of therapeutic hatha yoga to reverse "incurable" disease is relatively unknown in the West, but that is changing. Dr. Deepak Chopra, the famous endocrinologist and author of Quantum Healing, combines Western medical technology with ayurvedic medicine. A significant part of his patients' treatment includes this form of yoga. Dr. Dean Ornish, who is famous for his radical techniques for reversing heart disease, states, "Increasing evidence indicates that medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol prevent or reverse heart disease in only a small percentage of people. These drugs sometimes make people worse." Therapeutic hatha yoga, diet and meditation form the major part of his treatment.


If heart disease can be "reversed," "cured," "controlled," "managed without medications," etc., then why not diabetes? Dr. Phulgenda Sinha, director of the Institute of Yoga in Patna, India, and Washington D.C., and author of Yogic Cures for Chronic Diseases, states, "The yogic treatment restores the normal functioning of the pancreas and other glands of the endocrinal system. When these glands begin to function properly, the individual is fully cured of the diabetic disorders and his health is restored to normal level."
Is a cure for diabetes too much to hope for? Diabetes is an age-old disease that has been treated successfully in the Eastern world by methods we in the West are just beginning to try, let alone understand. Amazing as it may seem, therapeutic hatha yoga has been shown to:
1. Control diabetes at significantly reduced insulin levels for Type I diabetics;
2. Control diabetes without any external medication for Type II diabetics;
3. Prevent and heal the ravages of the complications caused by diabetes with the body's own medicine.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bose, Buddha,
Key to the Kingdom of Health, Calcutta, India, Statesman Press, 1938.
Chopra, Deepak, M.D.,
Quantum Healing: Exploring the Frontiers of Mind/Body Medicine, New York, Bantam Books, 1989
Choudhury, Bikram,
Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class, New York, Putnam Publishing Group, 1978
Funderburk, James, Ph.D.,
Science Studies Yoga, A Review of Physiological Data, Glenview, IL, Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science & Philosophy of USA, 1977
Jain, Suresh C., et al.,
"A Study of response pattern of non-insulin dependent diabetics to yoga therapy," Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 1993, 19, 69--74
Mishra, S.K.,
"Diabetes mellitus in Indian medicine and its management by yoga," Excerpta Medica ICS, 1979, 454, 373-378
Monro, Robin, et al.,
"Yoga Therapy for NIDDM: A controlled trial," Complementary Medical Research, 1992, 6/1, 66-68
Ornish, Dean, M.D.,
Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease, New York, Ballantine Books.
Sinha, Phulgenda,
Yogic Cure for Common Diseases, New Delhi, India, Orient Paperbacks, 1976.
Julian Goldstein, B.S., M.S., CYT, and member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, was a certified yoga therapist who had taught therapeutic hatha yoga to diabetics at the Yoga College of India in Encino, California. He published a support group newsletter for diabetics called Diabetic Backtalk and was the author of the book Diabetic Always -- Insulin no More! Or Any Other Darn Pills! He was also the founder of the non-profit Diabetes Alternatives Foundation.
(Mr. Julian Goldstein, who assisted Bikram in the publication of the Revised Edition of the Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class book, passed away in the summer of 2004 after teaching Bikram Yoga and assisting others with similar diabetic conditions for almost 20 years.)

RESULTS FOR DIABETES
I have had type I diabetes since I was 25 years old. I have had been on intensive insulin injection therapy since that time. My blood sugars have always wildly varied from highs of over 300 to less than 30 mg/dL. My hemoglobin H1AC results were over 8.0 (normal is 5.0 to 7.0). I experienced insulin shock 3 times a month on average. Some of these resulted in trips to the hospital. My weight had increased to over 220lbs and I had lost a great deal of flexibility in my upper torso and legs.

My doctors plan involved intensive insulin therapy through multiple daily injections of Lispro insulin, and a rigorous and difficult to maintain diet that involved carbohydrate counting.
The risk of long term complications such as blindness, neuropathy, and amputation was probable if the disease is not managed through tight control of blood glucose ranges.

I started Bikram yoga in April 2000 and since that time my HA1C level has dropped to 7.1, I have lost 15 lbs. I have had only one insulin shock incident. My flexibility and muscle tone have increased remarkably in only 3 months of practicing three times a week. My blood glucose now ranges from 60 to 200 mg/dL and my insulin dosage has decreased by 20%. I look forward to continued improvement in my glucose control. This really works.

diabetes v/s yoga

Diabetes in various forms affects up to 5percent of the world population with 12 million diabetics in Western Europe alone. Of the different ways in which diabetes presents, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is probably the most commonly encountered genetic disease. NIDDM or Type II diabetes is multifactorial, depending also on environmental factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyles and nutritional imbalances.
Yoga has shown some beneficial results in curing diabetes. The yoga exercises that are prescribed for curing diabetes is different from hatha yoga exercise because it involves positions tailored to treat certain conditions, as well as meditation, relaxation and stretching exercises.
One of the studies conducted to cure diabetes was the one set up by the Yoga Biomedical Trust, founded in 1982 by biochemist Dr Robin Monro, and an Indian yoga research foundation which discovered that practicing yoga for 30 minutes a day for one month helped reduce blood glucose levels in some diabetics.
The yoga patients took part in one or two 90-minute sessions a week and were asked to practice at home. The classes included the specific yoga exercises of the spinal twist, the bow and abdominal breathing.
At the end of the 12 weeks blood sugar levels fell significantly in all patients in the group and were slightly raised in a control group which had not joined in the yoga sessions. Three yoga students managed to reduce their medication, including one man who had not changed his drug regime for 20 years.
It has been known for a long time that exercise is helpful for diabetics. Yoga therapy may help reduce stress levels which could play a part in maturity onset diabetes. But one drawback is that some patients would find it hard to keep up the regular sessions needed to sustain the benefit. All the patients said they would like to see these classes set up on a permanent basis but we don't have the money.
It is not necessarily the exercise component of the yoga therapy package which is most important, because there is not enough physical exercise to account for the changes, but stress reduction has a lot to do with it. Stress hormones increase sugar levels in the blood. People also benefit from the stabilization of their moods which yoga brings, an increased feeling of well-being and a feeling of being more in control, which may help with their diet control.
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World Diabetes Day, November 14
The percentage of diabetic patients all over the world is increasing day by day.
Diabetes is the third widespread and serious disease after heart disease and cancer.
We need energy to carry out any activity by the body. Our body converts glucose into working power and remains active. Digestive process converts carbohydrates from our food into glucose. As the proportion of glucose in the blood increases, immediately pancreas gland situated behind the stomach releases hormones known as insulin. It converts glucose in the form of power and stores the extra glucose in the cells of liver and muscles. Thus the quantum of glucose in the blood remains balanced. Diabetes mellitus is a disease state in which pancreas not functions normally, no sufficient insulin is produced and so, the body is not capable to manage its food intake properly, body’s metabolism gets disturbed.
The sugar, starch and other carbohydrates are not burnt properly because of missing insulin, it leads high blood sugar. The kidneys cannot bear too much sugar (glucose) in the blood and as a result it is filtered out with the urine. Body therefore, utilizes fat instead of glucose. When glucose is converted to strength, the fuel is fully utilized but when fat is utilized as a fuel, poisonous gases like acetone are produced. A diabetic patient becomes comatose called as diabetic coma.

Two major types of diabetes mellitus are:
Diabetes Type I / also called as juvenile Diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

The patients belonging to this category have their pancreas damaged due to virus. In such cases the cells producing insulin normally get destroyed. Therefore, it becomes essential to get insulin injected from outside. So, It is called as insulin dependent diabetes.
It can occur at any age, though it most commonly occurs during younger age.

Diabetes Type II / also called as type 2 diabetes mellitus, adult-onset diabetes, Non-Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
This diabetes is more common than type-I. About 95 to 98% of diabetic patients fall in this class Type-II diabetes mostly occurs in people who are over 40 and overweight. In this type of patients, insulin is produce in the body but its quantum is lower than required. This diabetes can be controlled by proper food, exercises and performance of Yogic exercises.


Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes also involves a combination of inadequate insulin secretion and responsiveness, resembling type 2 diabetes in several respects. It develops during pregnancy and may improve or disappear after delivery. Even though it may be transient, gestational diabetes may damage the health of the fetus or mother, and about 20%–50% of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs in about 2%–5% of all pregnancies. It is temporary and fully treatable but, if untreated, may cause problems with the pregnancy, including macrosomia (high birth weight), fetal malformation and congenital heart disease. It requires careful medical supervision during the pregnancy.
Fetal/neonatal risks associated with GDM include congenital anomalies such as cardiac, central nervous system, and skeletal muscle malformations. Increased fetal insulin may inhibit fetal surfactant production and cause respiratory distress syndrome. Hyperbilirubinemia may result from red blood cell destruction. In severe cases, perinatal death may occur, most commonly as a result of poor placental profusion due to vascular impairment. Induction may be indicated with decreased placental function. Cesarean section may be performed if there is marked fetal distress or an increased risk of injury associated with macrosomia, such as shoulder dystocia.


Other types
There are several rare causes of diabetes mellitus that do not fit into type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes:
• Genetic defects in beta cells (autosomal or mitochondrial)
• Genetically-related insulin resistance, with or without lipodystrophy (abnormal body fat deposition)
• Diseases of the pancreas (e.g. chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis)
• Hormonal defects
• Chemicals or drugs

The tenth version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) contained a diagnostic entity named "malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus" (MRDM or MMDM, ICD-10 code E12). A subsequent WHO 1999 working group recommended that MRDM be deprecated, and proposed a new taxonomy for alternative forms of diabetes. Classifications of non-type 1, non-type 2, non-gestational diabetes remains controversial.
Diabetes insipidus (DI)
Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disease characterized by excretion of large amounts of severely diluted urine, which
cannot be reduced when fluid intake is reduced. It denotes inability of the kidney to concentrate urine. Diabetes insipidus (DI) is caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or by an insensitivity of the kidneys to that hormone.

Effects of uncontrolled diabetes
Diabetes Type 2 may affect all parts of the body causing serious complications as, Atherosclerosis, Retinopathy, Neuropathy, Foot problems, Nephropathy etc...
In comparison to the healthy man, the possibility of having high blood pressure and ailment of heart is 2 to 3 times more for a diabetic patient.




Diabetes may lead to gangrene, damage of retina, kidneys.
If diabetes is not properly controlled then in the long run fat gets deposited on inner layer of arteries and the possibilities of occurrence of paralysis increase.
Complications of diabetes include eye problems and blindness, heart disease, stroke, neurological problems, amputation, and impotence.




Causes for Diabetes:
Although the causes of diabetes are still unknown, medical science does know that certain factors contribute to its development.
Heredity
Food
Stress that affects the cells of the body seems to set the stage for diabetes in these people.. Obesity

Diagnose
Symptoms of Diabetes:
Unusual thirst,
frequent and profuse urination,
loss of weight despite increased appetite and food intake,
weakness and drowsiness,
itching of the skin and boils.
TABLE FOR CONTROL OF DIABETES:
CONDITION BEFORE MEALS AFTER MEALS(2 hr after meals)
Normal 65 - 100 mg/dl 100 mg/dl 120 mg per day
Acceptable 120 mg/dl 150 mg per day
Poor More than 120 mg/dl More than 180 mg/dl


Yogic Treatment for Diabetes:

Above asanas have great effect on the pancreas and other glands, such as adrenal, thyroid and sex glands. The muscle and organs of abdominal area are fully activated due to this asana. Because of this activation the condition and functioning of the pancreas is energized and strengthen. It increases the blood supply to various parts of body, improving insulin administration in the body, it also cures the constipation, and corrects the malfunctioning of stomach. Above pranayamas found useful in diabetes as Alternate nostril breathing has calming effect on nervous system, which reduces stress levels, helping in diabetes treatment.
Beside the above mentioned asana and pranayama practice of yoga nidra, concentration and meditation gives the best result. Creative visualizing the proper functioning of pancreas and concentration on pancreas during the meditation practice has shown positive effects on sugar levels.
Diet for Diabetes :
Low carbohydrate, sugar-free, low cholesterol vegetarian diet
To avoid potatoes, rice, sugar and sugar products
Salads of leafy green vegetables and lightly boiled vegetables should be preferred
Spices, oil and ghee should be consumed in minimum quantity
know more about Diet. menu recipes

Prevention of Diabetes:

As little is known on the exact mechanism by which type 1 diabetes develops, there are no preventive measures available for that form of diabetes. Some studies have attributed a protective effect of breastfeeding on the development of type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced in many cases by making changes in diet and increasing physical activity. A review article by the American Diabetes Association recommends maintaining a healthy weight, getting at least 2½ hours of exercise per week (marathon intensity or duration is not needed; a brisk sustained walk appears sufficient at present), not over much fat intake, and eating a good amount of fiber and whole grains. Although they do not recommend alcohol consumption as a preventative, they note that moderate alcohol intake (at or below one ounce of alcohol per day depending on body mass) may reduce the risk. They state that there is not enough consistent evidence that eating foods of low glycemic index is helpful, but nutritious, low glycemic-index (low carbohydrate) foods are encouraged. (It should be noted that many low-GI foods are not recommended, for various reasons.)
Some studies have shown delayed progression to diabetes in predisposed patients through the use of metformin, rosiglitazone, or valsartan. Breastfeeding might also be correlated with the prevention of type 2 of the disease in mothers.
Facts about Diabetes:
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death among Americans, and the sixth leading cause of death from disease. Although it is believed that diabetes is under-reported as a condition leading to or causing death, each year, 180,000 deaths are reported as being caused by diabetes or its complications.

Diabetes in cats (feline) and dogs (canine):

Diabetes mellitus strikes 1 in 400 cats and a similar number of dogs, though recent veterinary studies note that it is becoming more common lately. Symptoms in dogs and cats are similar to those in humans. Generally, most dogs and about 5-20% of cats experience type-1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, rather than the type-2 that's now becoming common in obese humans. The other 80-95% of cats experience type-2 diabetes. The condition is definitely treatable, and need not shorten the animal's life span or life quality. In type-2 cats, prompt effective treatment can even lead to diabetic remission, in which the cat no longer needs injected insulin. Untreated, the condition leads to blindness in dogs, increasingly weak legs in cats, and eventually malnutrition, ketoacidosis and/or dehydration, and death.
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy
For women with diabetes mellitus, pregnancy can present some particular challenges for both mother and child (infants childhood). If the woman who is pregnant has diabetes or develops diabetes during pregnancy, it can cause early labor, birth defects, and very large babies.
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy- Risks for the child:
Miscarriage, growth restriction, growth acceleration, fetal obesity (macrosomia), polyhydramnios. Birth defects are not currently an identified risk for the child of women with gestational diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus and pregnancy- Risks for the mother:
Disturbed blood glucose levels. Hypoglycaemia can occur without warning.
Treatment of pregnant women with diabetes:
Blood glucose levels in the pregnant woman should be regulated as strictly as possible. In diabetes mellitus type 2, oral antidiabetic drugs should be replaced with insulin

diabetes curing via yoga

Yoga Poses for Diabetes Patients

Diabetes is a disease that results when the body does not produce sufficient hormones to break down the sugar that is ingested. This is a deficiency of the pancreas which normally produces a hormone called insulin. This hormone helps regulating the sugar in the blood by converting it into energy. When the insulin is not sufficient and the sugar does not get converted, it get accumulated in the blood causing a number of symptoms such as fatigue, unusual thirst, excessive urination, loss of weight and if it is not treated can cause coma and death.
Yoga and diabetes
Yoga is an ancient method of exercising body and mind for maintaining all its functions at their optimum level. Almost all the diseases known to man can be addressed by yoga – and diabetes can be controlled by it as well. There are many postures and breathing exercises in yoga which would induce the pancreas to produce enough insulin to regulate the sugar in the body. These asanas (postures) not only repairs the pancreatic cell but also induce them to secrete insulin. Some of the asanas that have proved beneficial for controlling and reversing diabetes are briefly described below:

Caution: Please do not attempt any of the asanas on your own unless you have been guided by a yoga guru or certified teacher. Practicing any of these postures in a wrong way can be detrimental to your health.

1. Pachimotasana (Forward Seated Bend posture) – this is a posture which promotes the function of the pancreas, liver and the kidneys. You will have to start by sitting on a mat with your legs stretched in front of you. Take in a deep breath. Then, slowly bend forward exhaling placing your head on your knees and reaching for your toes. Touch your toes and keep this posture for 2-3 breaths then return to the sitting position. This asana should be repeated two or three times.

2. Mayuryasana (Peacock posture) – this postures helps in digestion and tones up the liver, kidneys and the pancreas. Though this posture looks a little difficult with a little practice it can be mastered by most people. You will need to start by lying face down on your mat. Put your palms at your sides facing forward and then lift your whole body off the ground keeping it completely parallel to the ground.

3. Shalabhasana (Locus posture) – this posture is especially effective for treating acidity and indigestion. In combination with the other two asanas it helps the digestive system and support the liver and the pancreas toning up. You will need to start face down on your mat. Ensure that your feet are together. You would need to lift your legs off he floor from this position while inhaling. Close your hands into fists at the side of the body and use them for leverage while you lift your legs. Keep your legs in the air for a few seconds and then put them down. Relax and repeat 2-3 times.

These three posture are extremely beneficial and can be further complemented by Bahya Pranayama or external Kumbakha (retention of breath). What you have to do is very simple. Sit in the normal cross-legged position for yoga. Close your right nostril and breathe in counting 3; then close your left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Now count 12 before you inhale again. This is very simple to do yet it is very powerful in regulating the energy flow in the body and expelling the toxins from the body.

Liver
Liver the largest organ of our body. Liver participates in virtually every thing that we d. Liver provides muscles for our physical works, digest our food and manufacture the vitamins. Like a big chemical factory liver produces about 1000 different enzymes to handle our chemical conversions. It makes the antibodies that protect us from disease.
We eat chocolate or any sweet; the cane sugar is changed into blood sugar-glucose in the intestine. Let too much of this glucose be fed into the blood stream and we may get into come as diabetics might without insulin. Liver sees that it does not happen.
One of the major role of liver is that it provides the food contents( gray matter) to the brain, in form of energy. How much the brain works, the sufficient amount of gray matter is provided by the liver.
The Cause Of Diabetes
Man in is in continuous process of thinking. Sometimes he plans heavily, and subsequently more amount of heat is generated by the liver to fulfill the requirement. This extra amount of heat is very hazardious. Sometimes this heat produced effects other organs of the body. In this case if the heat reaches the pancreas, this organ gets effected manifesting in the Disease called pancreas. Subsequent to the emergence of this disease the blood sugar contents in the human body rises.
The Cure
Medically as such there is no cure to Diabetes. As a prevention insulin are prepared that acts as SOS.
But, by the blessings of H.H.Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, through her unique discovery called Sahaja Yoga, where one is taught to be in inner balance, through meditation. Through Sahaja Yoga Meditation, after the person gets his Self-Realization, he gets a state called "Thoughtless Awareness", the person learns to work without intensive planning, and as a result the liver is subsequently relaxed, its intensity of hotness is reduced, and thus diabetes gets completely cured from its roots.
Sahaja Yoga is indeed a path for Total Human Transformation