Yoga for Diabetic Neuropathy

High glucose content in the blood can damage the peripheral nerves in the body, resulting in decreased sensation in the hands and feet and issues with the heart, urinary tract and digestive system. Fortunately, it is easy to control diabetic neuropathy by maintaining blood sugar levels regularly.

While complementary therapies and lifestyle changes effectively improve diabetic neuropathy, yoga for diabetic neuropathy is the best treatment. The ones suffering from peripheral neuropathy should consider regular yoga sessions.

Peripheral neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, pain in the feet and hands and sensitivity to touch. It develops due to diabetes complications. It can also cause autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions and different infections. Yoga for peripheral neuropathy can help you move and feel better.

Yoga helps in improving the flow of blood to the extremities, insulin sensitivity and the body's glucose tolerance. Read on to know more about the best yoga exercises for peripheral neuropathy, how to get started, and how they can ease your symptoms.

5 Best Yoga Exercises for Diabetic Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a common health issue that causes tickling, numbness, sensitivity, sharp jabbing pains and even paralysis, and poor coordination in extreme cases. Thus, indulging in yoga for neuropathic pain is effective.

The severity of the condition determines the intensity and style of yoga. Start with these five yoga poses for neuropathy. Practice them at least once or twice during the week. 

Yoga 1: Spinal Twist or Supta Matsyendrasana

Though a bit strenuous, the spinal twist is the best exercise for diabetes neuropathy. Sit on the floor, cross one of your legs on top of the other, and support the pose with your hands. This mild stretch prepares the muscles, and you can further progress to the complete pose.

Once you have crossed your right foot on the left thigh, make sure your right hand and right foot touch the floor, and the left elbow is on the right knee. Swap the legs after some time and repeat the pose as many times as possible. Stretch your back a bit to achieve good results. Move the head to stretch the muscles in the neck area.

This yoga pose for peripheral neuropathy has many benefits like nervous system relief and proper blood circulation. 

Yoga 2: Child’s Pose or Balasana

The Balasana is one of the easiest exercises you can engage in when dealing with peripheral neuropathy. This is an easy exercise that re-energises and stimulates the body and the nerves, one of the most significant steps for healing peripheral neuropathy.

Start with the pose by kneeling and tucking your stomach towards the thighs. Next, bend forward until your forehead touches your yoga mat.

Yoga 3: Three Part Breathing or Dirgha Shwasan

The Dirgha Shwasan yoga pose does not require a lot of effort. This pose helps release toxins and stretch the back muscles of the body, providing relief from neuropathic pain. The pose is also good at relieving backaches. It promotes the proper circulation of blood and oxygen through breathing. To do this pose, simply sit upright and concentrate on taking fast deep breaths.

Yoga 4: Bow Pose or Dhanurasana

Dhanurasana is an effective yoga pose that stretches and tones the body muscles, relieves back pain, and increases the strength of the muscles. This yoga pose allows good quality inhalation and exhalation ensuring sufficient oxygenation and blood circulation.

Start by lying on your back and stretching. Next, lift your legs high to form a complete curve.

You can also push your legs further by holding your feet with your legs and then staying in that pose for about one or two seconds. You can practice this pose several times to get the stretch your body desires.

Yoga 5: Corpse Pose or Savasana

Savasana can deal with the complexities of peripheral neuropathy. This yoga pose helps recover the energy used in different yoga exercises. Since you do not need to put a lot of effort into practising this pose, it is a good resting pose to include in the middle or the end of your yoga session.

You need to lie down on your back like a corpse to practice this pose. Make sure your hands are at the side, and the parts of your body do not touch each other. Maintain this position for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Benefits of Yoga for Neuropathy

Some of the greatest benefits of yoga for neuropathy are as follows:

• Yoga strengthens the pathways between the brain and the nerves. Thus, it helps manage the signs of neuropathy and reduces the condition's progression simultaneously.
• Besides relaxing the body and mind, yoga increases resilience by regularly tending to the mind. Deep breathing improves energy and promotes relaxation by helping the acceptance of neuropathy.

Bottomline

In association with medical treatment, yoga for peripheral neuropathy can be highly effective in improving pain and life quality. However, always consult your doctor before trying anything new.

FAQs

Does yoga help neuropathy?

As per research, yoga is advantageous in reducing blood pressure, inflammation and stress levels, all of which can slow down the progression of neuropathy.

Is yoga good for nerve damage?

Yes, yoga relieves nerve pain with movements known as nerve glides and is thus good for nerve damage.

Is exercise good for neuropathy in the feet?

Exercises cannot reverse or reduce neuropathy in the feet. But, you can stay physically active and manage diabetes. So, exercising every day is good. 

What is the best exercise for neuropathy?

The best exercise for neuropathy is stretching along with balance and aerobics.