Yoga Poses For To Control Sugar Levels

(February 17, 2009)

Which yoga to do control sugar in blood?

It is said that around 18 million American are suffering from Diabetes, of which about 5.2 million still continue to go undiagnosed and around 90-95% suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes is known to be among the leading causes of death all over the world, and in the United States in particular. This is a condition whereby your body does not produce or use the adequate levels of insulin. This hormone is responsible for converting sugar, starches and other foodstuffs into energy. The causes of Diabetes are many, including by genetic factors; then again, lack of exercise, stress and obesity could also contribute greatly to the cause or worsening of the condition. Since stress is known to increase the levels of blood glucose, subsequently the risk for infections, Heart Disease, and stroke are also higher.

Here are some basic Asanas (Yoga Postures) and Pranayamas (breathing exercises)for Diabetes:

Warming up exercises

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations)
Shoulder Stretches
Single and Double Leg Raises

Poses

Sukhasana (Easy Pose)
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)
Stand Spread Leg Forward Fold
Tadasana (Tree Pose)
Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
Relaxation Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Pranayama (breathing exercises)

Kapalabhatti (Skull Cleansing)
Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing

Simple Meditation

This largely consists of breath awareness. Breath meditation is said to be the best meditation. If you find yourself easily distracted, try playing some soft, soothing classical or trance music in the background. This is known to and has proved to work wonders because Diabetes is predominantly a psychosomatic disorder stemming from a disturbed, tense and stressed out mind. So to calm the body (here, specifically, the pancreas) we start by calming the mind.

Yoga diet

Remember, a natural diet is the best way for a healthy life. Always avoid artificially prepared foodstuffs and those containing preservatives. Likewise, steer clear of all junk / fast foods and confectionery products. The best foods are those that are prepared fresh and eaten while still warm and fresh.

Also, stay away from artificial sugars – sometimes aptly called white poison – and highly refined foods as far as possible. This applies not just to diabetics, but to normal so called healthy individuals too. A regular Yoga practitioner will, of necessity and habit, abstain naturally from all stale foods and those containing artificial additives, including sugar.

Above all, avoid overeating. Diabetics often tend to be emotional eaters, so it is important for you to exercise restraint when it comes to food. This will go a long way in maintaining well regulated eating habits. It is extremely important that you know your hunger signs well.

Submitted by A on February 17, 2009 at 01:25