6 Yoga Poses that Help Control Diabetes

The ADA (American Diabetes Association) recorded an increase in diabetes by 0.2 million people between the years 2010 and 2012. Diabetes remains the 7^th leading cause of death in the USA.

The rising number of people with diabetes is what’s causing doctors and scientists all over the world to look for new ways to treat the disease. This is where yoga comes in. In the ancient times, yoga was something only a select few spiritual Indian’s practiced, which is almost 5000 years ago.

Now, however, yoga is practiced all over the world and well-recognized for its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits. The various body postures, movements, breathing techniques and meditation not only expands “mental awareness”, but also improves physical capabilities, relieves chronic illnesses, improves the immune system, promotes concentration and feelings of well-being.

So, How Does It Really Help Diabetes?

Good question. How does yoga, and hence an improved mental and physical state, help treat or prevent the disease? Why not just try a mental therapy or regular exercise? The answer is that the benefits of yoga are an all-encompassing cure for the causes and effects of diabetes. The relaxation, meditation, physical benefits from stretching, and other health benefits work to:

1. Reduce tension and depression which is the main cause of diabetes.
2. Rejuvenates pancreatic cells and stimulates insulin production due to all the stretching and posing.
3. Breathing exercises encourage proper functioning of the endocrine glands through relaxing the sympathetic nervous system.
4. Exercising the muscles help lower blood sugar levels.
5. Keeps obesity in check and encourages weight loss which contributes to type 2 diabetes and worsening conditions.

While yoga poses can help control diabetes, living with diabetes can be still tough health wise and financially tough too. One option is taking a look at online platforms that allow diabetics to sell their spare test strips in return for cash. Click here to see such a service.

Which Asanas Are The Best For Diabetic Patients?

Let’s move on to the best yoga postures (asanas) that accomplish all of the above.

• Prayanama:

Prayanama is the most commonly seen yoga posture. The key here is to concentrate on the breathing techniques and meditation. The breathing will add more oxygen to the blood and improve blood circulation. This will assist in calming the mind and reducing nervous tension. 

• Setu Bandhasana:

Setu Bandhasana, also known as the bridge pose, is great for keeping blood pressure in control. It also exercises the abdominal muscles which help improve pancreatic cell production. The stretching of the neck and spine in this posture is also known to reduce menopause symptoms in middle aged women who could possibly contract the disease.

• Balasana:

The Balansana, also known as the child pose, is a number-one stress relieving posture. It includes all the aspects of true yoga healing. The bent forward position stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles. The head touching the ground helps calm the mind and relieves stress and fatigue. This is also good for lower back pain problems that results from long hours of sitting or standing.

• Halasana:

Halasana, also known as the Plough pose, is great for back pains. Additionally, the Halasana pose stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands and improves lung and abdominal organ function. Since this pose stimulates blood rush to your head and face, it works to improve the digestive system and keep hormonal levels in check.

• Dhanurasana:

This posture resembles a taught bow and is also known as the bow pose. This pose is good for pain in the neck, back, and lumbar regions. It can also relieve rheumatic pain. Women with abdominal flab or wide waists and hips should perform this pose to reduce fat in those regions and counter obesity. Dhanurasna posture puts pressure on the heart, liver, spleen, bladder, genital organs and the solar plexus, and therefore, improves overall digestive system.

• Paschimotasana:

The paschimotasana, or forward bending pose, certainly requires a lot of flexibility. However, it can be practiced overtime to achieve perfection. Even if you aren’t able to touch your knees with your toes, you can try to bend forward as much as possible until regular practice allows you to improve overtime. The forward bending helps flow blood to the face and the stretching of the stomach improves stomach function and strengthens muscles. Pancreatic cell stimulation eventually results from the stretch and promotes insulin production.