body
ASANA
www.yogisofeast.com
Y GA
Asanas For
Diabetes
SHASHI KUMAR
W
ith the rising number of people being
diagnosed with diabetes, it is no wonder
people are looking for newer methods to
treat the disease. One of the cornerstones of
controlling one’s blood sugar is the regular and holistic practice
of Yoga. Yoga is one such ancient measure to effectively control
your blood sugar levels. Everyone benefits from yoga - if they
undergo proper training and continue with the practice.
Regular practice of yoga benefits the body in the following
ways:-
Benefits of Yoga for Diabetes
It improves digestion, circulation, and immunity.
Yoga enhances function of neurological and endocrine
organs.
It can prevent and provide relief from chronic illnesses.
Overall the body feels healthier, more energetic.
16 YOGIC HERALD JAN 2018
The practice of yoga is also
proven to reduce weight as well
as control increasing weight,
which is particularly important to
keep diabetes in check”.
How Yoga Can Help Fight Diabetes
Regular yoga practice can help reduce the level of sugar in the
blood, along with lowering blood pressure, keeping a weight
check, reducing the symptoms and slowing the rate of
progression of diabetes, as well as lessening the severity of
further complications.
Like for most lifestyle diseases, stress is one of the major
reasons for diabetes. It increases the secretion of glucagon
hormones in the body, responsible for increasing blood
glucose levels. Consistent practice of Yoga Asanas, Pranayama,
and a few minutes of daily meditation can help reduce stress in
the mind and body. This, in turn, reduces glucagon and can
also help improve insulin action.
The practice of yoga is also proven to reduce weight as well as
control increasing weight, which is particularly important to
keep diabetes in check.
Diabetes can also be worsened with the occurrence of high
blood pressure, or hypertension. Yoga Asanas, such as the
Corpse Pose, Bridge Pose, Child Pose, and Yoga Nidra are all
helpful in controlling hypertension. A few examples of Yoga
Asanas that are helpful in diabetes include Paschimottanasana,
Mandukasana, Bhujangasana and Dhanurasana.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is also good for diabetics. It helps
release stress and flush out toxins from the body.
A few minutes of regular meditation practice also acts as an
excellent stress-buster for the mind and body. Interestingly,
while stress is the major cause of diabetes, the condition in
turn results in patients getting highly stressed about it, which
further aggravates the problem. This is where meditation can
help – restoring their confidence level so that they gain the
strength to fight the condition and live well.