Diabetes is a multi factorial disorder essentially resulting from lack of proper exercise, inappropriate food habits etc. Modern day 'stress' only aggravates the challenge. All these aspects point to 'life style'. Besides medical attention, addressing life style is of paramount importance. With the fast-paced life that we lead, finding the time and often the place itself to address 'life style' can be a challenge. In this context, addition of pranayama, yoga & meditation, simply called 'yogic practices', to the daily regimen is a step in the right direction. This is not to discount the daily walk. Let us include yogic practices to the daily walk and beat diabetes.

For sterling results with yogic practices, build in regularity & consistency. As far as possible, stick to a daily fixed schedule. It could be mornings or evenings depending on your other daily demands. Set aside the time and be disciplined about it. You will be amazed at the results.

Here are few specific asanas to tackle diabetes better:

1. Kapal Bhati pranayama (Skull Shining breathing technique)

The Skull shining breathing technique helps energize the nervous system and rejuvenates brain cells. It is very helpful for patients suffering from diabetes, as it stimulates abdominal organs. This pranayama also improves the blood circulation and uplifts the mind.

2. Chakrasana (Lying-down body twist)

The Lying-down body twist massages the internal organs and improves digestion. This posture also exerts pressure on the abdominal organs and is hence very helpful yoga posture for people suffering from diabetes.

 

 

3. Dhanurasana (Bow pose)

The Bow pose strengthens regulates the pancreas and is highly recommended for people with diabetes. This yoga pose also strengthens the abdominal muscles and is a good stress and fatigue buster.

4.Paschimottanasana (Two-legged forward bend)

The Two-legged forward bend massages and tones the abdominal and pelvic organs, and helps people suffering from diabetes. This yoga posture helps balance the prana in the body and also calms the mind.

 

5. Ardhya Matsyendrasana (Sitting half spinal twist)

The Sitting half spinal twist massages the abdominal organs, increases the oxygen supply to lungs and makes the spine supple. It also helps calm the mind and improves blood flow to spine.

 

6. Shavasana (Corpse pose)

The final resting yoga pose, Corpse pose, takes the body into a deep meditative state, letting it relax and rejuvenate.

 

 

For proper understanding of diseases processes, we need to understand 'free radicals'. Free radicals are negatively charged atomic entities that exist in nature for extremely short time, in nano-seconds. Since they carry a negative charge, they are 'hungry' for neutralization. Free radicals are necessary. For example, body's defense mechanism employs free radicals to control microorganisms. Body balances the free radicals with antioxidants. Body balances free radicals with antioxidants. Three important antioxidants generated in the body are glutathione, catalase, super oxide dismutase (S.O.D). Antioxidants from external sources comprise of vitamin-C, vitamin-E, certain minerals etc.

 

Sudarshan Kriya, the hallmark of Art of Living's programs, increases levels of glutathione, catalase & S.O.D. Sudarshan Kriya also improves concentration of antioxidants from external sources. Thus, Sudarshan Kriya has a direct impact on disease process itself and is relevant in diabetes management.