YOGA TIPS

YOGA FOR DIABETICS

Yoga is known to help with many health problems including back pain and stress-related illnesses. More than 300,000 people die from diabetes or related illnesses every year in the United States. Unknown to most people, however, are the benefits that may by reaped from yoga. Certain types of yoga, such as Hatha yoga, are believed to help with the effects of diabetes and some people have even seen their bodies recover from diabetes altogether.

Doctors will suggest that certain types of exercise will help with diabetes, because the energy the body uses during exercise reduces the amount of insulin required to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Yoga is generally a low-impact exercise and beginner’s yoga is able to be performed by a wide variety of people.

As certain muscles are stretched and relaxed during yoga, it stimulates the pancreas by increasing the flow of blood to the abdomen and the pancreas. Certain Hatha yoga positions (asanas) have been shown to focus on areas of the body that are affected by diabetes, particularly the pancreas which produces insulin. Some suggested asanas are the Half-Tortoise pose, the Rabbit pose, and the Half-Moon pose.

During these poses the erector spinae (the largest muscle in the back), latissimus dorsi (a triangular muscle covering the lumbar region), obliques (located in the abdomen), intertransversarii (small muscles between the vertebrae), and the abdominal wall are all stretched, which brings stimulation not only to the pancreas, but other organs which otherwise may receive no stimulation.

Yoga also helps increase circulation throughout the body and as many diabetics know, circulation problems are frequent with diabetes. Poor circulation during diabetes can lead to further complications such as blindness and even in extreme cases amputation of lower extremities.

The various asanas and breathing exercises allow blood and oxygen to flow to parts of the body that may not generally receive them in sufficient quantities. Bikram yoga, developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970’s, is often seen as the best form of yoga for diabetics. Bikram yoga (often known as Hot Yoga) is performed in a room that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. The increased heat helps to burn more calories and intensifies the workout.

Your doctor has probably even recommended a special diet and regular exercise to help regulate your diabetes. Why not include yoga in your fitness program? Yoga helps to increase body strength and flexibility and can even facilitate weight loss. Generally, weight loss is seen as the number one factor in helping to keep diabetes in check. A regular yoga workout can burn as much as 230 calories per hour, while an intense yoga workout could burn up to 400 calories per hour.

As with any exercise program, be sure to consult your physician and make sure that you are properly prepared before you begin a program of yoga. Regular yoga workouts will not only help reduce the effects of diabetes and other ailments, your emotional well-being and overall health will be sure to improve as well.

Christine Dignam

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