The Doctor who introduced Yoga in Diabetes treatment

The significance of Yoga therapy in the management of diseases, especially, the lifestyle diseases like diabetes have been well acknowledged across the world these days. The celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21st is a vindication of the significance of Yoga as an integral way to maintain a healthy body and mind.

In this context, it is highly relevant to acknowledge the efforts of the diabetologist, Dr C S Mohandas, who has done significant research and recognized the importance of Yoga therapy in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus, 40 years ago. In 1978, while Dr Mohandas was working as a Civil Surgeon at the ESI hospital, Chennai, he published a thesis on the significance of Yoga therapy in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus at the 4th National Congress on Diabetes Mellitus conducted at Bangalore. 

Yoga and Diabetes

“The studies on the effect of Yoga therapy in Diabetic patients at the Diabetic clinic in the ESI hospital showed remarkable improvements not only in Sugar levels but also in overall health and personality,” says Dr. Mohandas. In the first stage of his study, he gave yoga training to selected Diabetic patients with the help of an instructor. One factor that he could establish clearly, was that the drug requirements of these patients were considerably reduced when combined with Yoga practice. He also observed that the metabolic and vascular complications of the disease had reduced much. According to him most people will get disciplined once they start Yoga practices. 

Dr Mohandas advises some specific Asanas (yogic postures for exercise) to control diabetes. Apart from Savasana or Santhi asana ( the rest pose which has to be done in between the Asanas), these Asanas include  Suryanamaskar, Padmasana,  Vajrasana, Supta Vajrasana, Paschimothasana, Halasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Bhujangasana,  Dhanurasana and Ardha Matsendrasana. He also recommends Pranayama and meditation for better results. 

According to him usual body exercises develop the outer muscles and induce a beautiful athletic figure, whereas yoga posture tones up not only the exterior but also the internal organs- the liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, heart, lungs, brain and the important endocrine glands. Dr. Mohandas says “Yogic poses can make the spine supple and strengthen the abdominal muscles. They massage and knead the hollow abdominal viscera and make them regain their normal rhythm and avoid constipation and thereby auto-intoxication.”

The Doctor - Dr. C S Mohandas

Dr Mohandas belongs to Chembolli Tharavad, situated at Kanniampuram, Ottapalam. His father G. Sankaran Nair was a member of the Planning Commission's Land Reforms panel and had played an important role in the formation of the Malabar Tenancy Bill.

Dr Mohandas joined the Government health service at Chennai in 1958. Later he completed his higher education in General Medicine, MD, and joined the ESI hospital at Chennai as a Civil Surgeon in 1975. It was under the influence of his professor Dr Sam P.G Moses that Dr Mohandas opted to become a diabetologist. At the ESI hospital, he began a diabetic cell and initiated his research work. After nine years of commendable service, he was transferred to Stanley Medical College and started working there as the Head of the Diabetology Department.  After retirement from the Tamilnadu Government service, Dr. Mohandas reached back Kerala by the early 90s and settled down at his ancestral house, Chembolli Tharavadu at Ottappalam in Palakkad district and started a Diabetics clinic there. 

 During his service, Dr Mohandas also initiated a Diabetic Care Club and a Juvenile Diabetic Care Club at Ottapalam and was involved in various charity services.  Eventhough Dr Mohandas had to resort to a wheelchair due to an unfortunate accident that occurred last year, many patients and other diabetologists used to visit this scholar of 86 years for his consultation and advice. 

Dr.Mohandas quotes the stanzas from the ancient Tamil text, Thirukkural, which says the ignorant man who eats beyond 'the measure of the fire', ie, beyond his power of digestion must be prepared for all sorts of ailments. 

(Dr. C S Mohandas can be contacted through ph: 0466-2244483)