High Blood Sugar Control: 5 Easy Yoga Asanas That May Help Manage Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood remain elevated. The food we eat gives us glucose, and the hormone insulin helps transport that glucose into our cells so they can use it for energy. If the body has too little insulin or if it cannot use insulin properly, this leads to high blood sugar or diabetes.

Aside from your diet and medication, practicing yoga can go a long way in helping manage your diabetes. Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, Himalaya Yoga Ashrama, World Yoga Organization shares, “Yoga asanas stretch the internal organs with a series of twisted postures. As a result, blood flow increases and organs receive more oxygen, which improves their functionality. The endocrine system works better as a result.”

High Blood Sugar: Here are some yoga asanas that you can practice if you have diabetes

Yoga expert Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar lists the following yoga asanas for diabetes:

1) Marjariasana (Cat-Cow Pose)

Urdhva Mukhi Marjari Asana

Kneel with your knees under your hips and your palms under your shoulders. Take a deep breath, arch your back and look up.

Adho Mukhi Marjari Asana

Exhale, arch your back and tuck your chin into your chest. Bring your attention to your navel.

Also Read: Hypertension Control: Yoga Asanas to Treat Hypertension – Practice Regularly

2) Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

The first thing to do is stretch your legs forward. Make sure your knees are slightly bent. Raise your arms while maintaining a straight spine. As you exhale, begin to bend forward at the hips and place your upper body on top of your lower body. Place your fingertips anywhere you can reach, such as your big toes.

Word of Warning: Practitioners who are pregnant, have herniated discs, suffer from sciatica, have asthma, or have an ulcer should not perform Paschimottanasana.

3) Ado Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

Begin by getting on all fours and placing your knees under your hips and your palms under your shoulders. Straighten your elbows and knees while lifting your hips. Apply pressure to your palms as you open your shoulder blades. Try to keep your heels firmly on the floor. Concentrate on your big toes.

Word of Warning: Avoid this position if you have diarrhea or carpal tunnel syndrome. Avoid assuming this position if you are pregnant or about to become pregnant. Avoid this asana if you move slowly, have high blood pressure, have a headache, or have a recent or ongoing arm, hip, shoulder, or back injury.

4) Balasana (Child Pose)

Kneel on the mat while sitting upright on your heels. Exhale as you raise your arms above your head and bend your torso forward. Rest your forehead on the floor while supporting your pelvis on your heels. Make sure your back is not arched.

5) Mandukasana (Frog Pose)

As you sit in Vajrasana, stretch your arms out in front of you. When you clench your fist, your remaining four fingers should be positioned over your thumb. Bend your arms at the elbows and place your clenched fists over your belly button. You should have your upper body bent and over your lower body. Look ahead while straightening your neck.

Word of Warning: Pregnant women should avoid this pose. If a person has ankle pain or injury, or has just had ligament surgery, they should avoid this position. If one has problems with ulcers, this pose must be avoided. If you have knee or back problems, please refrain from this pose.

Hold each position for three sets of 30 seconds. Practice each of these positions consciously, taking your time and focusing on your breathing as you hold each position.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the cited expert and do not reflect the views of Zee News. Always consult a doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise program.)