June 25, 2010
Health Sciences Campus, Kochi
 

The Department of Holistic Medicine at Amrita’s Health Sciences campus organized a one-day camp on Yoga Therapy for Diabetic Patients on June 20, 2010.
 

Sayujya – the perfect yoking for betterment – stressed on the holistic understanding of positive health and harmonious living.
 
Dr. B. Rajeev Pillai, Consultant, Holistic Medicine enlightened the gathering about the concept of yoga and using integrated yogic therapy for intervention in diabetes.
 

“It is more important to maintain health rather than manage the disease,” he stated.
 

The regular practice of yoga is said to help diabetic patients in many ways. Adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol in the blood are reduced, helping improve insulin action.
 

Improved blood supply to muscles possibly helps enhance muscular insulin receptor expression, causing increased glucose uptake in muscles, thus reducing blood sugar.
 

Many yogic postures stretch the muscles in the pancreatic region, possibly stimulating the pancreatic function.
 

Yoga helps regulate blood pressure levels as well as cholesterol levels; thus freeing diabetic patients of these complications.
 

Dr. Namitha M. A., Consultant, Yoga and Naturopathy, conducted an introductory session on Yoga Asanas that are said to be beneficial for diabetic patients.
 

She also led an interactive session to explain pros and cons of yogic practices, diet counseling, and naturopathic views on health and its management.
 

“The main focus was to create awareness about lifestyle management and various ways to mitigate diabetic issues,” she explained.
 

Mr. Ramesh Babu, Chief Coordinator for the Yoga Camp, conducted a session on Yoga Nidra, a pre-meditative relaxation technique.
 

“Yoga can prevent most psychosomatic disorders and help with better management of diseases,” he stated.
 

The camp was organized with the support of the Dr. Harish Kumar, Professor and HoD, Department of Endocrinology and Podiatry and Amrita Diabetic Welfare Association (ADWA).