Diabetes is a blood sugar disease in which the body either does not produce or does not properly utilize insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Because diabetics have a problem with insulin, when their body does not use glucose for energy and it results in elevated blood glucose levels. Diabetes may be caused by genetic factors, though lack of exercise, Obesity and stress may also cause this disease. Regular practice of yoga reduces the risk of diabetes and it can even cure this disease. Doctors all over the world recommend diabetes patients to practice yoga. Because yoga can normalizes blood-glucose level by gently massaging as well as stimulates the internal organs responsible for diabetes. Yoga poses also increase the blood and oxygen supply to the glands which results in increased efficiency of the endocrine system. Stress hormones also increase the blood sugar level in the body. So pranayama and meditation plays important role to reduce the glucose level in the body by stabilizing and relaxing the mind.
Yoga techniques to cure diabetes
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Ardha Matsyendrasana begins from the sitting resting position. Sit extending both the legs together in front, hands by the side, palms resting on the ground. Fold the right leg at knee. Slowly set the right heel at the perineum. Now folding the left leg, bringing it from above the right knee, places it by its side on the ground. The knee of the left leg should remain towards sky. Now bring the right hand on the left side of the left knee. The left knee should remain at the left side of the right armpit. Now straighten the right hand and hold the toe or ankle of the left leg. Twisting the body to the left side, look backwards, place the left hand bringing it from the back on the right thigh. Gaze should be towards back. While returning to the original position, first release the hand from the thigh and turn head forward. Now bring the back to normal position after loosening the right hand. Bring the left leg in original position. Now bring the right leg also in the original position. Repeat it similarly from the other side by folding the left leg first. It is very beneficial for the muscles of shoulder and back but those suffering from stiffness in spine should practice it very carefully.
Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana
To start with, sit on the mat with your legs stretched straight in front of you. Bend your right knee and bring the sole of your right foot to the inner left thigh. Lean your torso over to the left, and hold the big toe from the inside of your left foot with your left hand, bringing the back of your left forearm to the floor inside your left leg. Begin to twist your torso away from the left leg, opening your chest to the right. If your left arm is inside the left leg, you can press the arm into the leg for resistance as you twist. Bring the gaze forward, letting the head and neck follow the twist in the spine, but do not over rotate the neck. Raise the right arm overhead and let the right biceps come over the right ear. Keep the left foot flexed. After 4-6 breaths, release your big toe and come back up to sit and switch the position of your legs for a twist to the other side.
Naukasana
To start with, lie flat on the back with the legs and feet together, and the arms and hands beside the body palms facing downward and the eyes open. Take a deep breath in, hold the breath inside and then raise the legs, arms, shoulders, head and trunk above from the ground. The shoulders and feet should not raise more than 15 cm above the ground. The arms should be held at the same level and in line with the toes. The hands should be open with the palms down. Balance the body on the buttocks and keep the spine straight. Look towards the toes. Keep shoulders, neck and face relaxed. Remain in the final position for a comfortable period with holding the breath. While exhaling slowly bring down your legs and hands and lie on the ground as in the first position. To increase core strength, release very slowly from the pose and take 10 to 15 seconds time in bringing the legs and torso down towards the floor.
This can be an advanced pose for beginners. If holding yourself 15 cm above the ground is intense, you can lower your legs and upper body until you feel more comfortable. In time you will gain strength and form a perfect boat with your body.
Dhanurasana
Lie flat on the stomach with the legs and feet together, and the arms and hands beside the body. Bend the knees and bring the heels close to the buttocks. Clasp the hands around the ankles. Place the chin on the floor. This is the starting position. Tense the leg muscles and push the feet away from the body. Arch the back, lifting the thighs, chest and head together. Keep the arms straight. In the final position the head is tilted back and the abdomen supports the entire body on the floor. The only muscular contraction is in the legs; the back and arms remain relaxed. Hold the final position for as long as is comfortable and then, slowly relaxing the leg muscles lower the legs, chest and head to the starting position. Release the pose and relax in the prone position until the respiration returns to normal. Repeat this pose 2 to 3 times.