Prof. J.P.N. Mishra
Glucose is a prime substrate to be utilized for the production of heat energy in a normal person. The blood glucose concentration is very narrowly controlled, usually in range between 80 & 90 mg/ dl of blood in the fasting state. This concentration increases to 120-140 mg/dl during the 1st hour or so following a meal, but the feedback systems for control of blood glucose returned the glucose concentration very rapidly back to the control level, usually within 2 hours, after the last absorption of carbohydrates. In our findings the fasting blood glucose level, in the experimental group of subjects practicing Preksha Meditation module, has shown slight but consistent and significant declining trend at all follow-up schedules, when compared with its basal value. Inns (2005) in his review have also stated that yoga can improve many physiological indicators of insulin resistance including blood glucose level.
Mishra and Pandey (1996) have observed a reduction in blood glucose level following a short term yoga practice in the subjects suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Decrease in fasting blood glucose level, after a short-term pranayama and asanas in the normal middle aged healthy volunteers was reported by few other investigators (Jain et al, 1993 and Singh el at, 1982). These findings suggest a ghycemic control and parasympathetic dominance following selected yogic practices. The exact mechanism as to how these postures and controlled breathing interact with somatoneuroendocrine mechanism affecting metabolic and autonomic functions remains to be worked out.
Malhotra at el (2002) investigated the benefits of yoga in diabetic patients and observed decrease in fasting blood glucose level ind marginally significant trend of reductions in post-prendial blood glucose levels. Several other studies have also investigated the association between different indicators of physical activity and prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and also an inverse association between self-regulated physical activities and diabetic subjects. The results of these studies indicate that regulation of physical activity and practice of selected asanas exhibit a better control on blood glucose level (Bann, 2001 and Wei et al, 2000)
Khalsa at el (2004) have taken up the topic "yoga as a therapeutic intervention", a bibliometric analysis of published studies and have stated that yoga even being a spiritual discipline it has also been used clinically as a therapeutic intervention. They have reported better control over glucose tolerance in the diabetic as well as normal adult volunteers practicing yogasanas and pranayama.
Rizkala at el (2004) have undertaken the task of scientific investigation on improved plasma glucose control, whole body glucose utilization and lipid profile on low glycemic index diet. They reported that low glycemic index diet when combined with yogic practices induces lower post-prandial plasma glucose level. Wolever (2003) has stated that there is an interrelationship between carbohydrate and regulation of blood glucose and metabolism. Adamo (2005) have postulated that physical exercise of very low intensity improves glycemic controls in normal adults.
Changes in blood glucose concentration have exactly the opposite effect on Glucagon as well as Insulin secretion. As the glucose, being the precursor of chemical metabolism, all the cells of the body utilize it. Factors that increase the chemical activity in the cells also increase the metabolic rate. The factor that causes by for the most dramatic effect on metabolic rate is strenuous exercise. Also stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system with liberation of the hormones Norepinepherine and Epinepherine increases the metabolic rates of most tissues of the body. This leads to the elevation of blood glucose because the excess amount of blood is released from liver and muscles. These hormones directly affect cells to cause glycogenolysis, and this, along with other intracellular effect of these hormones, increases cellular activities.
Preksha Meditation module causes inhibition of sympathetic nervous system and activation of parasympathetic nervous system (Muni Mahendra Kumar, 1992), which ultimately decreases the metabolic rate, this may probably be the reason of lower blood glucose level. Changes is blood glucose concentration have exactly the opposite effect on Glucagon secretion i.e. a decrease in blood glucose increases Glucagon secretion. However the Preksha Meditation practice module, through parasympathetic dominance, may probably not allowing increase in Glucagon secretion which may cause a sustained lower blood glucose level. Maintaining a constant blood glucose concentration seems to be important, particularly since most tissues can shift to utilization of fats and proteins for energy in the absence of glucose. It is so because the glucose is the only nutrient that can be utilized by the brain, retina and germinal epithelium of the gonads in sufficient quantities to supply them with their required energy (Guyton, 1982). Minimum level of energy is required by brain and retina during the practice of Preksha Meditation because both these organs are remain in dormant phase. This maybe the reason that lower blood glucose level might have been reached following the practice of Preksha Meditation.
