Yoga for diabetes: Try Kapalbhati and surya namaskar to manage blood sugar levels

Best yoga pose: Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation) is a dynamic sequence of 12 poses that energize the body (Image: Canva)

Managing diabetes involves more than just medication and diet—holistic practices like yoga can be extremely effective in controlling blood sugar levels and improving overall well-being. A study in the National Library of Medicine talks about the therapeutic role of yoga in type-2 diabetes, describe “the role of various yoga practices in the management of diabetes based on evidence from various clinical studies”.

With its focus on breath control, mindfulness, and movement, yoga provides a comprehensive approach to diabetes management. Several studies, particularly from India, have demonstrated yoga's effectiveness in lowering blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity.

The following yoga poses (asanas) are specifically beneficial for people with diabetes, helping to target the pancreas, promote digestion, and alleviate stress. Incorporating these into your routine can aid in better blood sugar management, along with providing mental and physical relaxation. Here’s how to do each asana and how they can help in diabetes management:

Kapalbhati (Breath of fire)

This pranayama technique involves forceful exhalations and passive inhalations.

• How to do it: Sit in a comfortable position with a straight back. Take a deep breath, and forcefully exhale while pulling your belly inward. Allow the inhalation to happen naturally. Continue this rapid breathing for 1-2 minutes.
• Benefit: Kapalbhati stimulates the pancreas and improves insulin function by boosting abdominal circulation and reducing stress.

A technique that involves rapid abdominal movements while holding the breath.

• How to do it: Stand with your feet apart, take a deep breath, exhale completely, and hold your breath out. Move your abdominal muscles in and out rapidly while holding your breath. Stop the movement when you need to inhale.
• Benefit: This kriya stimulates digestion and detoxifies the body, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels.

A dynamic sequence of 12 poses that energize the body.

• How to do it: Start in a standing position with hands in a prayer pose, then flow through a series of lunges, forward bends, and backbends, synchronizing the movements with your breath.
• Benefit: This sequence enhances metabolism, improves circulation, and supports insulin function.

A standing pose that involves a lateral stretch of the body.

• How to do it: Stand with feet wide apart. Turn your right foot outwards, stretch your arms parallel to the ground, and bend sideways from the waist, touching your right hand to the ankle or shin, while your left arm reaches upwards. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.
• Benefit: Trikonasana stimulates abdominal organs, including the pancreas, helping in better glucose control.

A foundational standing posture that improves balance and posture.

• How to do it: Stand with your feet together, arms by your side, and spine straight. Inhale deeply, lift your arms overhead, and stretch your body upward as if trying to grow taller. Hold for a few breaths.
• Benefit: Tadasana enhances circulation and improves posture, indirectly aiding glucose regulation by enhancing blood flow.

A seated spinal twist that stimulates digestion.

• How to do it: Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your foot beside the left knee. Twist your torso to the right, placing your left elbow outside your right knee. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.
• Benefit: Vakrasana massages and stimulates the pancreas, improving its function and aiding digestion.

A deep seated twist that massages internal organs.

• How to do it: Sit with your legs extended. Bend your right knee and place your foot near the left hip. Cross your left foot over your right knee. Twist your torso to the left, and place your right arm outside your left knee. Hold and switch sides.
• Benefit: This twist improves digestion and stimulates the pancreas for better insulin production.

A backbend that strengthens the spine and stimulates abdominal organs.

• How to do it: Lie face down, with palms under your shoulders. Inhale, lift your chest off the ground while keeping your lower body pressed into the mat. Hold the pose for a few breaths.
• Benefit: Bhujangasan improves circulation to the pancreas and helps in better digestion and insulin regulation.

A pose where the body forms a bow shape, stretching the entire front of the body.

• How to do it: Lie on your stomach, bend your knees, and hold your ankles. Inhale, lift your chest and thighs off the floor, creating a bow shape with your body. Hold for a few breaths.
• Benefit: Dhanurasan stimulates the pancreas and enhances its function by increasing blood flow to the abdominal organs.

A deep relaxation pose that calms the body and mind.

• How to do it: Lie flat on your back, arms and legs spread comfortably. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, relaxing each part of your body. Stay for 5-10 minutes.
• Benefit: Shavasana reduces stress, calms the nervous system, and lowers blood sugar levels by promoting relaxation.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.