Asanas to help control your blood sugar level

So far we have tried asanas that include forward bends and twisting positions. The good part about yoga is that it helps you exercise your body and improve the flexibility of your spine. Besides, it also works at a deeper, internal level to improve the functioning of the pancreas, organs and glands connected with diabetes. Today, we will practice four exercises that stretch the spine, tone the body and work on the endocrine system to improve their functioning.

Cautions: Those with severe back conditions and hernia or those who have undergone abdominal surgery should take care or avoid these exercises. Those with enlarged thyroid should also seek expert guidance.

Exercise 1

*  Sit on your knees, placing them apart and stretch your feet out
*  Lean back, hold the right heel with your right hand and the left heel with your left hand
*  Push your abdomen forward, dropping your head back and arch your back as far as you can
*  Hold the position as long as comfortable, breathing normally
*  Slowly release both the hands and return to the starting position.

Exercise 2

*  Sit on your knees, placing them apart and stretch your feet out
*  Turn your body slightly and reach back with your right hand to hold your left foot
*  Stretch the left arm over the head, as shown
*  Hold the position as long as you can, breathing normally
*  Slowly return to the starting position.

Exercise 3

*  Lie on your stomach, with your legs straight, feet together and arms by your side
*  Place your palms by your chest and tuck your elbows in
*  Inhale and raise your upper body till your navel
*  Straighten your arms, raise your torso, tuck your toes in and look up, as shown
*  Hold the position for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally
*  Slowly resume the starting position.

Exercise 4

*  Lie on your stomach with your legs straight, feet together, soles up and forehead on the floor
*  Place your palms beside your shoulders and elbows close to the body
*  Inhale, slowly raising your head and upper body, but keep your navel placed on the floor and your elbows bent, as shown
*  Hold the position, breathing normally
*  Exhale as you slowly return to the starting position.