An Analysis upon the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus through Yoga Therapy: Exploring the Benefits of Yoga Therapy in Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Yoga originated in India more than 5,000 years ago and is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind, and emotions. Yoga practice is useful in the management of various lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Psycho-neuro-endocrine and im¬mune mechanisms are involved in the beneficial effects of yoga on diabetes. Incorporation of yoga practice in daily life helps to at¬tain glycaemic control and reduces the risk of complications in people with diabetes. There are different approaches to yoga including spiritual, therapeutic, and developmental. However, the underlying premise of mind–body exercise modalities like yoga is that the physiological state of the body can affect emotions, thoughts, and attitudes, which in turn have a reciprocal effect on the body. Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide as we enter the new millennium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented there is ‘an apparent epidemic of diabetes, which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change’. Over the next decade the projected number will exceed 200 million.Most will have type-2 diabetes, and all are at risk for the development of complications. Diabetes represents a spectrum of metabolic disorders, which has become a major health challenge worldwide. Yoga therapists prescribe specific regimens of postures, breathing, exercise and relaxation techniques to suit individual needs. Medical research shows that yoga therapy is among effective complementary therapies for several common ailments. Hence it has been concluded that Yoga cannot “cure” diabetes, but there are several ways yoga can be beneficial in controlling diabetes. If medically prescribed regimens are followed by diabetic patient, they can safely add yoga to their treatment. Due to the potential impact on their glucose levels, and overall body function, great strides can be made through regular committed yoga practice. Therefore, regular practice of yoga may prevent and control the status of diabetes mellitus and produce optimum healthy population.