Diabetes Mellitus is a very common disease. It affects about 1 in 15 people and if not treated appropriately can be life threatening.
Type I diabetes is the form that occurs in younger people, usually before the age of 30. It is caused by an autoimmune process that destroys the cells that make insulin.
Type II diabetes is usually diagnosed after the age of 30, but can occur at any age. It accounts for more than 80% of all cases and is caused by the combination of insulin resistance and a relative lack of insulin, making it very difficult for glucose to enter the cells. Lack of exercise and obesity tend to make this problem worse. Uncontrolled diabetes occurs when the blood sugar is consistently above normal. This can damage the heart, kidney, nerves, eyes and blood vessels.
Sign Chi Do is a relaxation exercise form that can help control diabetes through several different mechanisms. The practice of Sign Chi Do stimulates the autonomic nervous system to release certain chemicals that affect the body. The calming effect that Sign Chi Do has on the body results in the parasympathetic system releasing chemicals that decrease blood pressure, decrease heart rate, enhance digestion and relax the blood vessels. At the same time, there is a decrease in the stress-related hormone called cortisol. When cortisol levels are low, blood sugars are better controlled.
The deep, diaphragmatic breathing exercises practiced in Sign Chi Do are very beneficial to people with diabetes. Deep breathing increases oxygen in the bloodstream, which improves circulation. In addition, the massaging effect on the intestines that occurs with each breath as the diaphragm moves, helps the digestion of food.
Proper balance is very important in preventing injuries especially in diabetics who have peripheral neuropathy. Sign Chi Do was designed to improve balance by introducing the concept of shifting stances. This stimulates the brain’s proprioceptive mechanism. Proprioception is the body’s ability to gather information from the muscles and joints, then translate that information so that we can sense the position of our body while at rest, as well as with movement.
Practicing Sign Chi Do will improve balance by strengthening this proprioceptive mechanism in the brain so that we become more aware of our own body. This can ultimately help prevent diabetic foot ulcers and improve circulation.
