Yoga and Diabites

There is a correlation between yoga and diabetes. There are certain yoga poses that can aid your body to control your diabetes to a certain extent. Of course you need to check with your doctor to see if these exercises are right for you.

In order to control diabetes we need to have a healthy pancreas. The pancreas produces two hormones insulin and glucagon which help balance which your blood levels. When the pancreas is functioning correctly sugars and starches are controlled in our bodies. The person suffering from diabetes is not able to process blood glucose because the pancreas is not producing enough insulin.

This is where yoga and diabetes meet. This is a natural way that can help control your blood sugar levels. The practice of a few yoga poses can help with the function of your internal organs, in this case your pancreas. Studies have shown that the regular practice of yoga has a significant benefit in helping with diabetes control.

These exercises help reduce this stress to our internal organs which in turn helps them to produce the correct amount of insulin production. They may be challenging at first, but they have been found to be beneficial to people with diabetes and yoga can help.

Yoga and Diabetes Poses

The Ushtrasana (the camel pose)

This asana tones up the abdominal viscera, particularly the liver, pancreas, kidney and bladder. It expands the chest and strengthens the ribs. It removes sluggishness of the liver. Ulcer and Hernia patients should not do this asana.

Steps

* Sit between the heels and toes in Vajrasana. Then raise your body up to the knees, laying the weight on the knees kept slightly apart.
* Now raise your hands over the head and, inhaling, slowly bend backwards.
* Hold the right heel and then the left with the respective hand. While exhaling, arch the spine and the neck fully.
* Push the pelvis forward. Retain the posture for some time and then return to the starting position.

The Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Persons suffering from heart diseases, high blood pressure, hernia, stomach and bowel ulcers and slipped disc should avoid this asana. This asana strengthens the abdomen, especially around the navel, and the chest muscles. It improves the flexibility of the arms, shoulders, thighs, legs, lower back and abdomen. The spine also becomes healthy and strong. It is good for relieving flatulence, constipation and menstrual irregularities. It also prevents sterility.

Steps

* Lie down with face and the forehead touching the ground, arms extended alongside the body and legs straight.
* Bend your legs at the knees towards the hips, bringing them forward so that they can be held firmly by the hands at the ankles on the respective sides.
* While inhaling, stretch your legs backwards and raise your thighs, chest and head simultaneously. Hands should be kept straight. The weight of the body should be on the navel. Knees should be kept close, if possible, with eyes looking upwards. This posture should be retained for at least a few seconds, holding the breath.

Here is an easier pose  for yoga and diabetes if these are too difficult for you.

* First of all lie on your stomach, keeping your arms up over your head, and palms facing each other. Your legs must be straight and must feel comfortably apart.
* Slowly raise your legs and arms, with the weight of your body only on your belly.
* Hold this position for as long as you can comfortably hold it. In the beginning don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
* The position is most effective when you can get to 40 seconds.
* Bring your arms and legs to the starting position.
* Repeat 6 to 8 times, increasing as you gain strength and are comfortable. Don’t overdue; this is supposed to be stress free.

In Conclusion

These yoga poses will improve the digestive system and help your pancreas and other internal organs function correctly. Remember to check with your doctor before you start your journey into yoga. Yoga and diabetes for most people are compatible.