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Qi Gong Ancient
Technology Treating Disease:
Managing Diabetes with Relaxation and Exercise
By Laddie Sacharko
The experts all agree;
exercise can be an effective, self-regulating
method for managing diabetes, especially type 2, the most common.
Diabetes mellitus manifests as one of two types:Type 1 and Type 2. With
Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin (insulin
deficiency) to manage blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes, in which blood
sugar is constantly high, is the result of the body's resistance to
insulin at the cellular level, which is produced in sufficient amounts.
In
a study, published by the American Diabetes Association, "The Effect of
Qi-Gong Relaxation Exercise on the Control of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus"
(Diabetes Care 25:241-242, 2002 American Diabetes Association, Inc.) ,
a significant finding of the study said: " Because obese patients
benefited more and the significant decrease in C-peptide was
demonstrated in this study, Qi-gong may improve insulin resistance. On
the other hand, several studies described the effects of relaxation
training for type 2 diabetes ..; thus, Qi-gong can improve glucose
metabolism by the benefits of relaxation response. In conclusion, these
findings suggest that Qi-gong relaxation exercise may be a beneficial
adjunctive treatment for individuals with type 2 diabetes." I think
this finding is important for a number of reasons; it suggests factors
which are inter-related, and cause a downward spiral in general health.
The spiral may start with one or more of the conditions: type 1 or 2
diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Any of these conditions can cause
a sedentary lifestyle, in which recreational or emotional eating is a
part, and can lead to any one or both of the other conditions. As
activity decreases, the conditions will probably worsen, as the
conditions worsen, life will become more stressful.
Type 1
diabetes, an immune deficiency disorder, cannot be prevented, but can
be managed with medication, diet, and exercise. Type 2 diabetes on the
other hand, is thought to be preventable and manageable. How? Your
doctor can help you detect pre-diabetic conditions: ask. If the
pre-diabetic conditions are detected, you doctor will recommend
lifestyle changes.The changes recommended will be profoundly simple,
but agonizingly difficult in the beginning: Diet and Exercise. In the
previous paragraph, reference was made to benefits found by obese
patients, it is well known that obesity is a set-up for heart problems
and type 2 diabetes. Diet of course, will consider both types and
amounts of food consumed.
Exercise improves the
uptake of
glucose, helps to control blood sugar levels. Exercise will help
produce muscle cells to replace the fat stored in your body: muscle
uses more sugar. "Exercise helps you lose weight or maintain your
weight by burning calories...If you have Type 2 diabetes, exercise
helps to increase the sensitivity of your body cells to insulin. With
this increased sensitivity, your own insulin works better and your
blood sugar levels get better. When exercise is done at least every
other day it is more likely to have this effect. Exercising regularly
and following a meal plan may get your blood sugars in the target range
without medication." University of Iowa Healthcare Hospitals &
Clinics, "Diabetes and Exercise",
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/diabetes/diabetesandexercise.html.
Start
up of exercise after injury, illness or long periods of sedentary
lifestyle should be monitored by your healthcare professional; too much
too fast can result in much more harm than good. Over-stress can lead
to failure of an exercise program (it hurts too much after, or is in
fact "too hard") as can unrealistic expectations. One type of exercise
is referenced above: Qi Gong. Re-read that paragraph, paragraph 2, and
look at how exercise and relaxation assist with control of sugar. Think
about the three conditions, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. What
single factor is most common among persons who have had encounters with
the three factors: stress. Stress is controllable. The anti-dote for
stress is real relaxation (not laying around the pool eating a bag of
bon-bons, surfing the 135 channel remote). What if you could get a dose
of exercise and real relaxation therapy at the same time?
Re-read
paragraph 2 again: Qi Gong ( pronounced: chee goong ) is exercise and
relaxation. Qi Gong is a very good method of exercise start-up, and can
be led up to higher degrees of intensity and duration without the need
for expensive equipment, or a gym or track to "work out". Most people
who practice some form of qi gong come to think of it more as play than
work. Qi Gong is becoming more popular in its own right, but many
people have gotten the benefits of improved health and sense of well
being by practicing Tai Chi. Tai Chi, is a form of Qi Gong : there are
literally thousands of Qi Gong forms and styles, but at the core they
are essentially the same: slow gentle movements synchronized with deep,
rhythmic breathing. Qi Gong routines run from very simple, basic and
easy, to thoroughly complex, confusing and difficult, there is
something for every personality. Qi Gong can be learned from books and
video tapes, but the easiest way to learn is to have fun with a group,
led by a competent instructor. You'll know during the first session if
your instructor is competent, you'll just know.
Where can you
learn Qi Gong, and join a group or class? Check your community center
program listing, your senior center, if you live near a college or
university campus, check their listings of "continuous learning"
programs, and you might call to enquire about qi gong from a local
martial art studio if they list Tai Chi. Some offerings are even
available on-line as paid courses of learning, or free basic samplings.
Check the author's
website for free example on-line video instruction, lesson downloads
and more. http://www.starfarmtaiji.com/yinyangmedical.html
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