Diabetic Students and Yoga - What to Expect

By: Paul M. Jerard Jr.


The effects of Yoga, on persons with diabetes, are extremely healthful, and sometimes, cause the unexpected. Be conscious of potential effects of yoga on diabetic students.

Diabetes has become a more prevalent disorder, over the last decade, than ever before. While many struggle to control their diabetes, sometimes, simply following the doctor's orders, are frustrating and not enough.

Many studies show that yoga postures impact fasting blood glucose levels, reducing them in some studies by as much as 50 milligrams per deciliter (or 50 points) in type II research subjects. In addition to this drop in blood sugar, there is an increase in nerve function.

Certain postures and movements stimulate the glands of the body and have the most profound impact. Asanas, the Yogic postures that induce relaxation, and certain breathing exercises, stimulate the pancreas. This is theorized to occur because of alternating contraction and release of the abdominal muscles; thus, the pancreas is stimulated. An increase in blood flow and oxygen to the organ increases efficiency.

The rotation of the body, as well as holding the position and stretching the body, in these positions, increases circulation. Poor circulation is a major side effect of diabetes and leads to long term complications. Increased circulation and oxygen to the body helps everything function better; and several glands within the endocrine system are vitalized. Yoga helps retain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces high blood pressure, in some cases. Additionally, lethargy and depression are relieved by these effects on the body.

Practicing yoga, on a regular basis, helps diabetics increase nerve function and relieve the symptoms of sub-clinical neuropathy, as well as prevent some at the onset.

Meditation is an imperative part of yoga practice. Attaining a relaxed and concentrated mental state relieves stress and brings about a calming effect on the nervous system. High stress levels cause drastic changes in blood glucose levels in some diabetics, so learning to meditate effectively is a useful management method.

It's difficult for yoga to have much impact on type I diabetes, due to the fact that the body does not produce any insulin at all; therefore, stimulation of the endocrine system is not as effective. That does not mean there is no effect, but the impact of Yoga on type II diabetes is much more dramatic.

However, in studies, a decreased dosage was needed by many participants who were insulin- dependent. A study, comparing aerobic activity, found that direct stimulation of the pancreas, by yoga positions, were more effective in stimulating the endocrine system than more exertive activity.

These positive impacts are very encouraging; however, diabetic students must regularly monitor their glucose levels and take proper medication. It is likely that, after practicing yoga on a regular basis, the amount of the required medicine will decline.

Many diabetic students may not be aware of the potential decrease in their blood glucose levels. Educate them of this possibility and devote extra attention to their progress. Additionally, it is recommended that glucose tablets be kept on hand in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Yoga For Pregnant Women

Master your mind!
Gain control over your body!
Be relieved of your stress through the practice of gentle art of Yoga!

Pregnancy is a physical as well as mental experience. Women often becomes hyper aware of all the changes their bodies are going through. Yoga allows pregnant women to adapt to these changes more gracefully and to feel proud and a sense of appreciation for their bodies. Yoga exercises can increase flexibility, strength, circulation and balance. Many pregnant women find that regular yoga exercises help to reduce swelling, back and leg pain, and insomnia.

However, Yoga must be practised very carefully among pregnant women, as improper exercises will bring negative effect on both moms and babies. Here are some tips for pre-natal pregnancy Yoga practise:

1. The general yoga exercises are recommended for the first 2 months. You must consult your doctor and find very experienced Yoga teachers. With proper guidance, you can practice some yoga right into labor. If you new to yoga then you should start slowly.

2. Breathing exercises are beneficial if done twice a day. The breathing exercises provide more oxygen and energy both to the mother and the child.

3. Some yoga poses that can help a pregnant women dealing with the symptoms of pregnancy, ensuring smoother and easier delivery, and faster recovery after childbirth. Pregnant women should pay attention not to overstretch the body - the ligaments around the joints become loose and soft during pregnancy. The abdomen should stay relaxed at all times. Difficult and poses that put pressure on the abdomen and other should NOT be done during advance stages of Pregnancy. No any kind of pain or nausea should be felt during and/or after yoga. If this happens, you should stop yoga practise and contact your GP.

4. When carrying out standing poses with your heels to the wall or use a chair for support to avoid losing your balance and risking injury to both you and your baby.

5. Deep relaxation is crucial to give rest to body and mind, and you will benefit more from a good sleep. Deep relaxation helps the nerve system change from sympathetic to parasympathetic activity. Parasympathetic activity is associated with the restorative processes of the body, which is needed both by the pregnant woman and the child.

We also strongly recommend regular morning and evening walks. Yoga is very individual. For more great Yoga advice, and other pregnant women support services, e.g. domestic cleaning services, babysitter services, personal trainer, chef and many more great services just visit us at http://www.londonrate.com/.

Yoga To The Rescue!

By: Zach Thompson


Arthritis is one of the most common diseases today but surprisingly enough there are few real cures for it. Perhaps because there are several different forms of arthritis, it has proved somewhat difficult to cure and relief tends to be temporary. Yoga cannot cure but will certainly help arthritis sufferers.

How can it do this? There are several ways that Yoga can help this painful disease. Yoga is a holistic discipline, which means that it looks at the person's overall health and does not just zero in on a specific problem. This means that those practicing yoga look beyond their actual problems and can improve their overall health. This in itself will help anyone suffering from ailments like arthritis.

Stretching and relaxing muscles: The Asanas, or positions will help muscles and joints alike. This is because certain exercises will stretch muscles, others will strengthen them and still others release energy and relax the body.

When muscles are stretched and relaxed the joints will be affected as well. The Asanas will help joints to become more flexible by gentle stretching and movement from the positions. At first the postures will be hard to do, and might even be a little painful, but gradually you will find more mobility and less pain in your joints. This in turn will help arthritic conditions.

Examples of these postures will be "The Backward Dog", which helps to stretch muscles and will also help to make joints more flexible. The "Seated Forward Bend" will also do this. Some positions will help to relax muscles and ease tension; this will also help with painful joints. An example of this is the "Lotus" position. There are many more postures that will accomplish this and help to gain some relief from the symptoms arthritis.

Breathing exercises: Pranayama Yoga is concerned with breathing. It helps you to control your breathing and helps your whole body feel better. You learn to breathe more deeply and will therefore release more toxins from the body. It will also release energy to the body.

There are two types of Pranayama exercises. Those that warm the body like Kapalabhati Pranayama and Ujjayi Pranayama. These are fast breathing exercises, which energize and warm the body. This type of Pranayama exercises help conditions like osteoarthritis. Pranayamas like Sit Cari Pranayama.are slow breathing exercises. These will help to cool the body and can help with rheumatoid arthritis.

It is important to note that these breathing exercises are advanced Yoga and should not be done without a professional yoga teacher. In fact before you even do Asanas you should consult your doctor to be sure there are no underlying problems that can be aggravated by Yoga exercises.

Article Source: http://www.myarticlemall.com


Zach Thompson is a Waiora Representative. His clients range from actresses to pro athletes. You can get a free consultation on Waiora by visiting his web site.