Yoga for diabetes

With the cases of diabetes hitting a record high in recent times, newer methods of treating the disease are being looked up. India is not only the diabetes capital of the world, but also the land that introduced the world to the healing powers of yoga. And when the two meet, the results can be really impressive.

Simply put, diabetes is a metabolic condition that occurs either when the body can’t produce the hormone insulin necessary for converting sugar into energy or when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces in the proper manner. When we say that yoga has the cure to diabetes, it doesn’t mean that it is an alternative to medical treatment.

The practice of yoga helps in managing and controlling diabetes and acts as a preventive measure for Type 2 diabetes, which is often caused by hectic lifestyle and eternal stress. Including yoga in your daily regime can help reduce the level of sugar in the blood, along with a lowered blood pressure rate and weight. Along with proper medication, yoga can help reduce the severity of diabetes, while avoiding possibilities of any further complications.

Here are a few yoga asanas to help tackle your high blood sugar levels:

Surya Namaskar (sun salutations)Surya Namaskar is an extremely beneficial yoga practice for people suffering from diabetes as it improves the blood circulation and the management of insulin in the body. If performed at a slow pace (six rounds a minute), these asanas work best to give you major benefits.

Trikonasana (the triangle pose)This yoga pose is beneficial for those trying to reduce the risk of damaging the kidneys – a risk every diabetic is likely to experience. It works on all the areas of your abdomen and further helps in keeping the kidneys in good working condition as well as improving the digestion and absorption. 

Padahastasana (hand under foot pose)This forward-bending pose stimulates the organs and glands in the abdominal region, such as the kidneys, liver and pancreas. The contraction caused to the abdomen by this asana makes the muscles around the stomach develop and improve the functionality of the abdominal organs.

Pavanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose)This gas-releasing posture braces up the entire system of the body, including the pancreas, liver, spleen, abdomen and abdominal muscles, and relieves flatulence by helping to release excess gas from the abdomen. It also relieves constipation, a common problem faced in diabetes. This results in strengthening of the digestive system, which is of great help to diabetics.

Viparit Karani (legs up the wall pose)This pose stimulates the pancreas, as they exercise glands and other internal organs together, bringing significant improvement in the body.
Bhujangasana (cobra pose)This asana is known to strengthen the internal nervous system and improve the efficiency of the abdomen, thereby aiding digestion.

Matsyasana (fish pose)This asana stretches the belly muscles and also helps in toning the abdominal organs. When combined with deep-breathing exercises, this asana tackles diabetes efficiently.

Shalabhasana (grasshopper/locust pose)This asana is extremely beneficial in the treatment of diabetes as it stimulates abdominal organs, exercises the leg and back muscles, and helps relieve stress.

Vakrasana (twisted pose)This pose stimulates the pancreas and controls the enlargement of the liver by removing excess fat around the waist.

Mandukasana (frog pose)This is an ideal asana for people suffering from diabetes as it exerts pressure on the pancreas and improves the function of all organs.

Pranayama (breathing) Pranayama involves simple breathing exercises. Deep breathing helps oxygenate the blood, thereby improving circulation and stimulating the central and peripheral nervous system. Pranayama has the power to cure the body of a wide range of diseases, including diabetes. There are few major pranayama techniques like bhastrika, kapalabhati, nadishodhana and bhramari, that are considered beneficial.

If there’s one thing that finds a place in the list of causal factors of most diseases today, it is stress. Diabetes is no exception. The key to managing diabetes successfully is to beat stress, as it is not only a major cause, but also an aggravating factor.

Practicing meditation regularly for a few minutes acts as an excellent stress-buster for the mind and body. It also helps in restoring one’s confidence levels to fight any condition, including a diabetic’s craving for sweets. Meditate everyday religiously to experience the change.It’s time to stretch those muscles, quiet your mind and leave diabetes behind.

(The author is a senior consultant, naturopathy, Action Group of Hospitals, Delhi)