Yoga for Diabetes

Diabetes is catching up fast as one of the deadliest diseases afflicting us.

With more and more people turning to alternative therapies for recovery, yoga is fast becoming a viable option for treating the same. Here are some quick postures to aid in eventual relief.

1. Downward Facing Dog Pose

Though fairly easy to perform, this posture offers benefits far beyond its simplistic implementation. It helps to alleviate hypertension and the effects of type 2 diabetes.

a. Step One

Stand on your knees and hands and slowly lift your hips up in the air, while you exhale sucking your stomach in.

b. Step Two

Keep your spine straight, hands outstretched, knees straightened and your palm as flat on the ground as possible.

c. Step Three

Let your head hang freely and keep your eyes at your navel.

d. Step Four

Hold this position for a couple of breaths and exhale as you relax into your starting position.

2. Big Toe Pose

One of the most basic yoga poses, this exercise aids in improving digestion and liver functioning. Since diabetes results mostly in renal failure, practicing this posture on a regular basis might improve chances of bypassing kidney-related diseases.

a. Step One

Stand with your feet apart, keeping your thigh muscles relaxed and gradually bend down to touch your toes, inhaling as you go.

b. Step Two

Take care to keep your hips in an upright position, your knees bent and your elbows folded. Place your index finger between the toes and hold this position for some time.

c. Step Three

Exhale as you begin to stand upright, releasing the tension in your spine and returning to your starting position.

3. Triangle Pose

This position is particularly helpful in strengthening the spinal column and the abdominal area, thereby promoting greater insulin production. Greater insulin levels result in a marked reduction of Type 2 diabetes.

a. Step One

Stand with your left foot in front of the right one. Make sure your knees are straight.

b. Step Two

Bend to touch your left foot with your left hand. Then slowly turn your torso in the diametrically opposite position, with your right hand reaching for the sky. If your balance is unstable, you can take the support of the wall.

c. Step Three

Hold this outstretched position for a couple of breaths and then slowly exhale and reach your relaxed position.