• It improves digestion, circulation, and immunity
• Yoga enhances function of neurological and endocrine organs
• It can prevents and provides relief from chronic illnesses
• Overall the body feels healthier, more energetic

Diabetes is of two types – Type 1, where there is no production of insulin and Type 2, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. In many cases, it is also easy to ignore diabetes in its early stage, especially, when you do not experience any symptoms.

The practice of yoga is effective as a preventive measure and also to treat Type 2 diabetes, where the causes are attributed to life style and stress.

Art of Living Yoga attends to every aspect of an asana from start to finish, as well as the breath-work. So correct training is essential, before individual practice. The following asanas and pranayamas are effective for diabetes. They should be learned with proper guidance, before putting them into practice:

• Vajrasana
• Mandukasan (the version with fists in stomach region)
• Supta Vajrasan
• Viprit karni – Sarvangasan – Halasan – Sarvangasan
• Lie down and relax for a minute
• Chakrasan
• Natrajasan (both legs on one side)
• Purna Shalabhasan
• Triyak Bhujangasan
• Dhanurasan
• Upward facing dog (Udharmukh swan asan)
• Child pose
• Udiyan Bandh
• Paschimottanasan
• Ardhmatsyendrasan
• Parvatasan-Yog Mudra
• Kapalbhati Nadisodhan pranayam

How to do Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)

• Fold both legs, keeping your hips on the heels. Toes pointing out behind you and big toes touching each other.
• Sit on the pit formed by the parted heels.
• Keep the head, neck and spine in a straight line. Palms facing up, placed on your thighs.
• Hold the pose and take long deep breaths.
• Breathe out relax. Straighten your legs.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

This yoga posture has been named after the shape it takes – that of a bow.

 

How to do Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

 

• Lie on your stomach with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by the side of your body.
• Fold your knees and hold your ankles.
• Breathing in, lift your chest off the ground and pull your legs up and back.
• Look straight ahead with a smile on your face. Curve your lips to match the curve of your body!
• Keep the pose stable while paying attention to your breath. Your body is now taut as a bow.
• Continue to take long deep breaths as you relax in this pose. But don’t get carried away! Do not overdo the stretch.
• After 15 -20 seconds, as you exhale, gently bring your legs and chest to the ground. Release the ankles and relax.