Try Yoga For Diabetes

Malvika Dadoo Agarwal shows five yoga postures to control diabetes, a disease that is on the rise and has potentially serious complications.

- Malvika Dadoo Agarwal 

Diabetes, better known as the lifestyle disease, has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. An increasing number of people with diabetes mellitus are turning to yoga in an effort to keep their condition under control and improve overall quality of life. It is well known that regular practice of yoga can help reduce levels of stress, enhance mobility, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.

The twisting and stretching in many of the yoga postures massages the pancreas and stimulates the production of insulin. Here are five yoga postures which will help diabetics as well as high-risk individuals.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (half spinal twist) 

Sit with the legs stretched out in front of the body. Bend the right leg and place the right foot flat on the floor on the outside of the left knee. The toes of the right foot should face forward. Bend the left leg and bring the foot around to the right buttock. The outside edge of the foot should be in contact with the floor.

Pass the left arm through the space between the chest and the right knee and place it against the outside of the right leg. Hold the right foot or ankle with the left hand so that the right knee is close to the left armpit. Inhale and sit up as straight as possible.

Raise the right arm in front of the body and gaze at the fingertips. Slowly exhale and twist to the right, simultaneously moving the arm, trunk, and head. Use the left arm as a lever against the right leg to twist the trunk as far as possible without using the back muscles. Follow the tips of the fingers of the right hand with the gaze and look over the right shoulder. Breath normally and do not strain the back. Bend the right elbow and place the arm around the back of the waist. The back of the right hand should wrap around the left side of the waist.