Managing your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar with Yoga: Yoga and Diabetes

Managing your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar with Yoga: Yoga and Diabetes
By Vivian Brennan

Like with any other exercise regime, when you begin yoga, begin slowly at your own pace. Don’t push yourself too hard. If you find a pose difficult, maintain it for a shorter length of time. Increased flexibility and strength will come from practice. Monitor your blood glucose levels before and after any period of exercise. If you feel lightheaded, or experience any unexpected symptoms during exercise, stop to monitor your blood glucose and act accordingly.

Here are a few poses that have been found to be beneficial for people with diabetes.

Uddhiyana Banda: the stomach lift

Stand with your feet spaced shoulder width apart. Lean forward at your waist and place your hands on your knees. Inhale deeply by pushing your abdomen forwards, then exhale deeply by pulling your abdomen in. Pause for five to ten seconds. Inhale deeply by pushing your abdomen forwards, then exhale deeply by pulling your abdomen. During this pause, rapidly push your stomach in and out while you are not breathing. Repeat three or four times. Stand and resume normal breathing. This pose strengthens your abs, massages your organs, and assists your nervous system.

Yoga Mudrasana: the symbol of yoga

Sit up straight with your legs crossed. Clench your fists and place them on both sides of the abdomen, just below your bellybutton. While exhaling, bend forward as low as you can, pushing your fists against your abdomen. This pose is good for helping your nervous system and preventing possible complications of diabetes. This pose can be held for three minutes once you have had much practice. Begin by simply holding it for ten seconds, however.

Dhanurasana: the bow pose

Lie on your stomach. Lift your feet towards your knees, and reach back to grasp your ankles. Lifting your legs, chest, and head, arch your back into a bow. Hold for five seconds to begin, and work your way up to thirty seconds or more at later sessions. Repeat this action four or five times. Once you have mastered this pose, try rocking gently forwards and backwards, and from side to side. This pose massages your organs. This pose is of moderate difficulty.

Halasana: the plow pose

This pose is one of the most used yogic poses. It is complicated and so should not be attempted right away. Begin by lying on your back. Raise your feet to a ninety-degree angle to your body. If you are just beginning this pose, stop here, and hold your feet. If you are more advanced, lower your feet towards your head. Your pelvis will curl up and your lower back will lift from the floor. Touch your toes to the floor behind your head. If you cannot reach your toes to the floor, then simply hold the stretch where it is comfortable. Support your lower back with your hands if necessary. Once you no longer need to support your buttocks or lower back with your hands, place your hands on the ground beside your body. This pose can be held for around four minutes once you are an expert. In your early tries, begin with ten seconds or however long feels comfortable for you. This pose is not for any woman who is menstruating. This pose stretches the spine, and so helps the central nervous system. It is beneficial to all areas of the body.

At the end of any yoga practice, particularly if you are diabetic, it is important to do Savasana, the corpse pose. This is a pose of total relaxation. Lie on your back, with your eyes closed, your legs slightly spread, and your feet dropping to the sides, completely relaxed. Allow your arms to rest comfortable at your sides. Relax, simply focusing on your breathing for one to three minutes. This pose helps you focus after a yoga session and relax the muscles that you have worked.

The Sun Salutation is also recommended for diabetics. It is a series of yoga asanas. You can find many variations of the sun salutation. Try one that works best for you.

If you are uncertain about trying yoga, go to a gym or alternative medical practitioner to see if there are any yoga classes being offered in your area. There are often many classes, and you can probably go to the first class free. You can also join a pay-by-class gym where you can stop by if you want. Tell your instructor that you have diabetes, and your instructor will be able to assist you by teaching you the above poses, and by suggesting other poses such as Paschimottanasana, the sitting crane, Padangusthansana: the standing crane, Bhujangasana the serpent pose, Sarvangasana: the shoulder stand, Ardha-matsyendrasana: the spinal twist, Chakrasana: the wheel pose, and Shalabhasana the grasshopper pose. There are other poses that are beneficial to diabetics, or that will be able to help you prevent or manage any complications you might encounter.

Vivian Brennan is an expert on diabetes. She is currently living with and managing her diabetes, and has been actively practicing yoga for many years. She likes to keep abreast of new treatments and research. For information on diabetes medicine, treatment, research, and more, visit The Guide To Diabetes. This site includes many informative articles, and even recipes!

For more natural ways to combat high cholesterol, and to manage glucose, check out The Guide To Diabetes' Diet and Exercise Pages

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Pranayama : Ujjayi Breathing

By Beryl Whiting

Pranayama Yogic Breathing – Ujjayi

Ujjayi breathing is one of the main varieties of pranayama and is sometimes referred to as the Victorious breath. It can be used at any time, being particularly powerful during asanas to enhance your stretch and concentration and increase your energy levels. Ujjayi breathing is easy to learn and can benefit the body by increasing the flow of prana (life force); oxygenating and purifying the blood; clearing phlegm; increasing the flexibility and strength of the thoracic area; improving digestion; toning the nervous system; and as the thoracic area strengthens, building self-confidence.

Bear in mind that you will be partly closing the epiglottis. This will allow the air to enter the windpipe more slowly and you will notice a particular feeling and a distinctive sound which accompany this. Making this sound will focus your awareness on your breath and allow you to dwell in the moment.

Start is by sitting in a comfortable position, checking that the spine is vertical. Allow the hands to rest comfortably in the lap. Relax.

Exhale fully through the nose. Inhale, and as you exhale, partially open your mouth and allow a gentle “ha” sounds to escape. It sounds much like the breathing ‘Darth Vada’ favours. You will notice the sensation of the air vibrating in the back of your throat. Allow the inhalation to come comfortably into the lungs, but not overfilling them. Once you have understand the principle, close your mouth so that the air is moving in and out through your nostrils, with the sound and vibration continuing on both the inhalation and exhalation. Allow the breath to be long, deep and relaxing.

Avoid trying too hard. By letting go, relaxing the shoulders, softening the mouth and allowing the ujjayi breath to happen with minimum effort, you will succeed. With practice you will be able to enjoy the rhythm of the ujjayi breath and your lungs and diaphragm will strengthen as they work with the narrowing of the throat. Your energy levels will increase whilst still retaining a sense of centredness and emotional balance.

Beryl Whiting is an experienced and qualified Yoga Instructor offering Hatha Yoga classes in the South Beds and Milton Keynes area of the UK. Beryl's teaching style encourages her students to enhance the awakening of an awareness of what is happening in their mind and body. She is particularly noted for her soothing voice and relaxation sessions. A Relaxation CD is available from her webblog at http://www.yoga4healthyliving.com. This webblog is full of ideas of practical ways to develop and maintain a sense of emotional and physical well being.

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What Else Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know about Pranayama?

By Paul Jerard

Since Yama literally means “control,” you could say that Pranayama is control of “vital energy.” When teaching Yoga classes, the four stages of Pranayama should be thoroughly explained. If you think in terms of a pendulum, it is much similar to the four stages of Pranayama. The pendulum moves in one direction, pauses, then moves in the opposite direction, and pauses again. This is the same action that occurs in the lungs, when a Yoga student practices Pranayama.

The following are the four stages of Pranayama. Puraka is the inhalation stage. Antar Kumbaka is the pause that happens when we retain the inhalation. Rechaka is the exhalation stage of a breath. Bahir Kumbaka is external breath retention and occurs after the exhalation stage.

Why should we get so technical about Pranayama techniques in the average Yoga class? Many Yoga students will come to your classes for a variety of pain relieving methods, and some Pranayama techniques usually help alleviate pain.

When a person has pain, he or she can think of nothing else. Pain is the companion you wish you never met. Pranayama can help us say goodbye to pain, but it must be performed technically and safely.

Here are some of the many forms of Pranayama a Yoga teacher should know. There are more, but this is a good foundation. It should also be noted that Yoga students are advised to seek guidance from a competent Yoga teacher.

Pranayama methods deserve much more respect and should not be taken lightly.
One Pranayama session of 20 minutes, would make any Yoga beginner realize the hard work that goes into this practice. The value of Pranayama, and quality of life it can bring, cannot be overstated.

Ujjayi Pranayama: Also known as victorious breath is often seen in Vinyasa style Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga classes, but can be found in other Yoga styles, as well. This technique allows the Yoga student to concentrate deeper on his or her practice. However, this is also a calming form of Pranayama that can be performed before bedtime, relaxation, or meditation.

The glottis is gently contracted to draw the length of your breath out. Yoga students should seek guidance from a certified Yoga teacher when integrating bandhas with Ujjayi Pranayama.

Natural Breath: This is the breath of a new born baby. It is a full breath in the upper, middle, and lower compartments of the lungs. The stomach, intercostals, and chest should expand equally during an inhale. If a student is naturally short of breath and nervous, he or she may have difficulty learning this technique, even with the guidance of a certified Yoga teacher. However, this same student is relieved to master natural breath, as this Pranayama will also calm those who feel anxiety, nervousness, and hypertension. This Pranayama technique is not a cure for nervousness, but some Yoga students have had amazing relief from natural breath.

Dhirga Pranayama: Is a three part breath, where awareness is developed through all three lung compartments from the bottom up on an inhale and from the top down on an exhale. This is a very common practice within a Hatha Yoga class.

Kapalabhati Pranayama, Sitali Pranayama, and Bhastrika Pranayama are also essential techniques. As stated earlier; there are many more Pranayama techniques that can be taught by Hatha yoga teachers, as quality of life can be rediscovered through their practice.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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What Else Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know About Teaching Yoga Classes?

By Paul Jerard

Yoga teacher ethics should be thoroughly covered in all Yoga certification programs. With the current laws about harassment, all Yoga teachers, and anyone who works with the public, should beware. The less said, in your Yoga class about trivial matters, the better.

Just like Yoga teachers often say to their students, “Stay in the moment.” Within your class, “it’s all about Yoga” and anything else beyond that can be open to misinterpretation. Walk the middle path, avoid extremes, show loving kindness, and maintain a standard of professionalism within all of your Yoga classes.

Communication should be clear at all times. You must demonstrate, communicate verbally, and assist, if you have permission to do so. Always ask permission before making a physical assist during Asana practice.

Chakras are the energy centers of the physical and astral body. Yoga teachers know about balancing and cleansing them. Most Yoga teachers are familiar with the seven main Chakras, but there are more. No one should play with “Chakra Awakenings,” with out guidance from a Guru.

Bandhas are the many locks, but Hatha Yoga teachers should know Mulha Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, and Jalandhara Bandha very well. These are the three main Bandhas.

Mudras are gestures and they are often integrated with specific Pranayama techniques for healing. Not all Mudras are performed with the hands. In Sanskrit Mudra means “seal.” There are many Mudras and learning this is part of a Hatha Yoga teacher’s continuing education.

Kriyas or Shatkarmas are the six hygienic “deeds” or “actions.” A Yoga teacher should be clean in mind, body, and spirit. Every Hatha Yoga teacher is familiar with these six Kriyas.

Meditation is a part of each form of Yoga. It is a tool for clearing, calming, and focusing your mind, but there are also many methods of meditation. Each path of meditation leads to tranquility. All Yoga teachers should practice meditation twice per day. Guiding Yoga students is one thing, but a Yoga teacher’s meditation practice should be regimented.

A Yoga teacher should also be familiar with relaxation methods, specially, stage-by-stage relaxation. This relaxation method should be practiced privately, and Yoga teachers should make their students familiar with this technique.

With all of the above points mentioned, you can now see why the jump from Yoga student to Yoga teacher will take some time and serious practice.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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What Should a Hatha Yoga Teacher Know about Pranayama?

By Paul Jerard

Pranayama is possibly the most overlooked aspect of Hatha Yoga. Every Yoga teacher training course includes a significant segment about Pranayama. Although B.K.S. Iyengar wrote detailed works on the subject, some Hatha Yoga teachers barely scratch the surface on the subject of cultivating vital energy through breathing. Why is this happening in Yoga classes?

Proper breathing is most likely the most important physical aspect of Hatha Yoga training. Yes, proper breathing is more important than fancy Asanas. Should this lack of attention to the importance of Pranayama, within the Yoga class, be corrected by those groups who certify Yoga teachers? Why do some educated, and competent, Yoga teachers “skip by” Pranayama during a Yoga class?

When an intern goes through his or her Yoga teacher training, the teacher trainer does cover many Pranayama techniques. For many Yoga teacher interns, this is a review. Each intern, who becomes a Yoga teacher, knows in detail the value of proper breathing, but when a Yoga teacher graduate goes out into the world, he or she finds that the student audience wants to learn “fancy tricks.”

This performance of fancy tricks has taken on a whole new identity and has become “advanced Yoga” in the minds of those who forget that Yoga is for the union of mind, body, and spirit. At no time is the ego part of any union.

The ego does not want to share anything. The ego wants everything, especially credit for beauty, material rewards, and feats of strength or flexibility. This is the reason why some beginner students are “bored” by Pranayama.

However, without Pranayama, we are not practicing Hatha Yoga. Therefore, students at all levels should learn all of the aspects of Hatha Yoga. The reason is simple: Hatha Yoga is not a gymnastics event.

Gymnastics is a wonderful sport, but if that is what a Yoga student wants, he or she should pursue that path. The fact is - Yoga is not a sport. Although Hatha Yoga is physical, it has many components, and all of them should be presented with the same enthusiasm as impressive physical feats.

Hatha Yoga teachers should still take the time to explain the laws of Prana to new students. Prana is more than just air, but proper breathing is the best method for cultivating it. If a new student has difficulty grasping the theory or philosophy of Prana, and Pranayama, at least he or she will learn how to absorb extra oxygen and oxygenate the blood much more efficiently.

For all of us, air is the most important resource we absorb. Water and food are also significant, but none of us will last long without air.

© Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: "Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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