Certain yoga poses twist and move the body in a way that may benefit the organs. Many practitioners of yoga recommend certain poses for better digestion, alignment, and more flexible hips.
These five yoga poses are particularly helpful for people with diabetes.
#1 Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
Bow pose is said to improve the functioning of the intestines and the pancreas. The alignment of this pose helps boost functioning so that the pancreas is more responsive to blood sugar. In the end, this helps regulate blood glucose levels.
#2 Halasana (Plough Pose)
By throwing your feet overhead, you are shifting blood flow in reverse, thanks to gravity. This sudden rush of backward blood stimulates the spleen, the pancreas, and the immune system. Kidney and liver functioning are also improved with plow pose.
#3 Gomukhasana (Cow Head Pose)
The twisting and holding of this position stimulates the kidney and boosts both the bladder and the digestive system. Improving organ function is key in diabetes as all of your organs must work a little bit harder when dealing with swinging glucose levels. Plus, this position loosens and strengthens your spine, making everyday movements a lot more comfortable, as well.
#4 Vrikshasana
This pose is said to stimulate hormone production of the pancreas, which is responsible for creating insulin. Not only that, but it helps strengthen the core, the muscle group deep inside your abdomen. By strengthening your muscles and stimulating your pancreas, your body is better equipped to handle the demands of diabetes.
#5 Ardha Matsyendrasana (Spinal Twist)
This deep twist gives a gentle “massage” to the pancreas, gall bladder, liver, and kidneys. It is said to stimulate digestion and remove toxins (by stimulating the organs that remove toxins from the body).
Yoga is said to be a powerfully restorative practice, both physically and emotionally. Though we are certainly not medical professionals here, and we wouldn’t recommend replacing your professional medical care with yoga. However, we do believe that a healthy lifestyle is key to combatting diabetes, and yoga is certainly a part of that.
[expand title=”References“]
Times of India. URL Link. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
Yoga in Daily Life. URL Link. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
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