Diabetes management in Siddha

Commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.

Blood Sugar Levels

There are two main types of Diabetes mellitus (DM) :

• Type 1 DM results from the pancreas’s failure to produce enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (IDDM) or “juvenile diabetes”. The cause is unknown.
• Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop.  This form was previously referred to as “non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus” (NIDDM) or “adult-onset diabetes”.  The primary cause is excessive body weight and not enough exercise

Simple management of Diabetes mellitus in Siddha

• Take 10 grams whole plant powder of senna with hot water.
• Take decoction of Seenthil (Tinospora) climber in empty stomach.
• Take two fresh coccinia daily.
• 15  ml of gooseberry juice, 15 ml of lemon juice mix together and take twice a day.
• Take powder of fenugreek twice a day with hot water.
• Take young leaves of Aegle marmelos.
• Take bitter gourd juice and leaves juice.
• Take 6 fresh leaves of Andrographis daily.
• Take decoction whole plant of Indian Phyllanthus.
• Take Triphala powder twice a day with hot water.
• Add lady’s finger every day in the diet.

Yoga for Madhumegam - Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

KALAPPAI ASANAM -HALASANA (PLOUGH POSE)

Benefits

It stimulates the pancreas, spleen and activates immune system by massaging all the internal organs including pancreas. It also rejuvenates the mind.

Method

• Lie on your back with your arms beside you, palms downwards.
• As  you  inhale,  use  your  abdominal  muscles  to  lift  your  feet  off  the  floor, raising your legs vertically at a 90-degree angle. Continue to breathe normally and supporting your hips and back with your hands, lift them off the ground.
• Allow your legs to sweep in a 180-degree angle over your head till your toes touch the floor.
• Your back should be perpendicular to the floor. This may be difficult initially, but make an attempt for a few seconds.
• Hold this pose and let your body relax more and more with each steady breath. After about a minute (a few seconds for beginners) of resting in this pose, you may gently bring your legs down on exhalation. Avoid jerking your body, while bringing the legs down.

Precautions

• Avoid practicing Halasanam during neck injury, spinal disorders, diarrhea, menstruation, pregnancy and high blood pressure.

VILLASANAM- DHANURASANAM

Benefits

Improves digestion and appetite improves the functioning of pancreas, liver, enzyme producing organs, kidney and intestines. Helpful in stimulating the reproductive organs.

Method

• Lie down on the abdomen.
• Fold your both knees and hold the legs just above the ankles by both the hands.
• Breathing in, lift your chest off the ground and pull your legs up and back
• Look straight ahead .In this position your whole weight will come on your abdomen
• Hold this position for few seconds and continue taking a deep breath.
• Exhale slowly and come back to starting position.

Precaution

• Avoid practicing dhanurasanam during high blood pressure, back pain, hernia, headache, migraine and abdominal surgery.

PAVANAMUKTHASANAM

Benefits

• It cures acidity Indigestion and Constipation, good for all abdominal organs.
• Helpful for arthritis pain and heart problems.
• Strengthens back muscle and cures back pain.
• Gives flat stomach.
• Beneficial for reproductive organ and for menstruation disorder.

Method

• Lie flat on your back and keep the legs straight and breath deeply.
• Inhale slowly and lift the legs and bend in the knee. Bring upwards to the chest till your thigh touches to stomach
• Hug your knees in place and lock your fingers.
• Try to touch the knee with your nose tip. Hold this position for few seconds.
• Now exhale slowly and come back to the initial position.

Precaution

• Avoid this asanam in high blood pressure, Slip disc, gastritis, pregnancy and menstruation.

ARDHA MATSYENDRASANAM (Half Spinal Twist)

Benefits

• Makes spine supple
• Increases the elasticity of the spine
• Opens the chest and increases the oxygen supply to the lungs

Method

1. Sit up with the legs stretched out straight in front of you, keeping the feet together and the spine erect.
2. Bend the left leg and place the heal of the left foot beside the right hip (optionally, you can keep the left leg straight).
3. Take the right leg over the left knee. Place the left hand on the right knee and the right hand behind you.
4. Twist the waist, shoulders and neck in this sequence to the right and look over the right shoulder.
5. Hold and continue with gentle long breaths in and out.
6. Breathing out, release the right hand first (the hand behind you), release the waist, then chest, lastly the neck and sit up relaxed yet straight. Repeat to the other side.
7. Breathing out, come back to the initial stage and relax.

Precautions

• Avoid this asana in spinal injuries and back pain.

Siddha principles and lifestyle management for longevity

• Serve food with love and affection
• Consume food only if hungry
• Always consume boiled, water diluted buttermilk and melted ghee
• Never consume food cooked on the previous day
• Avoid curd in dinner
• Take only cow’s milk at night
• Do have a short walk after dinner
• Don’t walk in polluted areas
• Don’t sleep during daytime
• Never indulge in immoral sexual activities
• Don’t hold nature’s call like urination, defaecation for longer time
• Take oil bath in warm water once in four days
• Always give respect to your parents and teachers

- Siddhar Theriayar

Source : National Institute of Siddha