Diabetes: Yoga exercises that can help manage blood sugar levels

New Delhi: Yoga is one of the oldest forms of physical exercise and is widely practised in India and across the globe. Apart from focusing on the physical body, yoga also incorporates the spirit and mind which makes it a perfect workout for the body, mind, and soul. When talking about diabetes management, physical activity is given significant importance. The stress relieving and relaxing abilities of yoga have been shown to be beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. 14 November is observed as World Diabetes Day. This day aims at spreading awareness about diabetes mellitus, the chronic condition that is one of the leading causes of death across the world. Read on to know about some yoga poses that can be effective against combating diabetes.

Yoga for diabetes

Here are some yoga poses that can benefit people suffering from diabetes:

Halasana

This is also known as the plough pose. You can do this yoga in the following steps:

• Lie down straight on a yoga mat.
• Keep your hands straight on your side.
• Lift your body waist down and slowly bring it over your head until your toes are touching the mat.
• Try to not bend your knees.
• Hold the position for at least 20 seconds.

Vrikshasana

This is also known as the tree pose. You can do this yoga in the following steps:

• Stand straight and relax your body.
• Lift one leg and rest it on your other leg.
• Balance your body on one leg.
• Stretch your hand upward and join them.
• Hold the position for at least 10 seconds.

Paschimottanasana

This is also known as the seated forward bend pose. You can do this yoga in the following steps:

• Sit down straight with your legs stretched outward.
• Stretch your hands up and bend forward.
• Try to touch your toes with your fingers without bending your knees.
• Return to the initial position.
• Repeat the steps at least 10 times.

Balasana

This is also known as the child’s pose. You can do this yoga in the following steps:

• Sit comfortably in a kneeling position.
• Bend forward with your hands stretched outward.
• Relax your body and regulate your breath.
• Return to kneeling position and repeat steps at least 10 times.

Sarvangasana

This is also known as the shoulder stand pose. You can do this yoga in the following steps:

• Lie down straight on a yoga mat.
• Put your hand on your waist with your thumb facing upward.
• Slowly lift your legs while supporting your lower body with your hands.
• Try to keep your legs straight while lifted.
• Hold the position for as long as you are comfortable.

Source: www.timesnownews.com