Which yoga is good for a diabetic patient?

Question

My grandma is suffering from diabetes.Her age is 65.So which Yoga will be the best one for her?

Answer 1

In view of the age of your grandma, i would like to suggest as follows that should be done in consultation with your family physicians and without stopping the medicines or prescriptions given by the doctor.

1. Simple movements - suksham vyayama which is comfortable and easy to be done as per the stamina or capacity.
2. Sectional Breathing - Abdominal breathing, thoracic breathing and clavicular breathing.
3. Naadi Shuddhi Pranayama
4. Brahmari Pranayama
5. Chin and Vayu Mudra for 15 minutes in morning, after noon and evening in any pose even during tv serials or talking
6. Yoga Nidra
7. Om Meditation for 15-20 minutes

Remember no exertion be made during any of the above practices. The Patanjali Yoga sutra says Asanam Sthiram Sukham - means - yogic posture is that which is comfortable and stable. So do not go out of comfort zone. Never use the theory of 'no pain no gain'.

Though you have asked about the yogic practices for diabetes, I would recommend to focus on diet and lifestyle to manage diabetes. Diabetic diet should be individualised based on the nutritional status of the patient, so, diet chart should be prepared by some nutritionalist or dietitian. Keep weight under control too.

• You should also pay attention on preventive measures; encourage your grandma to
• maintain ideal body weight - you can get this information by checking her BMI-body mass index. Its chart is available at this website at http://www.askyogaexpert.org/answers2questions/116/pranayam-esp-kapalbhati-after-3-5-months-of-c-section#a118
• Avoid excess sugar, salt and oily foods.
• Chew the food thoroughly. I have wrote one article about this in yoga news. You can search there also.
• Avoid aerated drinks

If you have any question, please feel free to share here, i will be happy to answer.