Five years back, Uchita Patel started her yoga journey as a student. She loved what she learnt and a few years later, she decided to turn it into a profession. Uchita has now been teaching classical yoga for the past two years.
"I started yoga for physical fitness. But post my teacher's training course, I realised yoga is not just about doing asanas; its scope is very vast. It helps in holistic development and works on your mind as well."
While Uchita gained flexibility, yoga also helped cure her knee aches. "Jal Neeti is very good for my sinus. I also do several shuddhi kriyas (cleaning practices) that have helped reduce my acidity."
Paschimottanasana or the seated forward bend offers a good stretch to the back. | Photographs by: Paresh Bhojane
Yoga For High Blood Pressure
"In yoga, to calm down your mind, there are certain relaxing asanas," says Uchita. "Shavasana is very good. But while doing it, make sure you leave your body loose and relax each and every muscle."
"Other effective calming techniques are Pawanmuktasana and Yog Nidra. In pranayama, you can do Nadi Shodhana or alternate nostril breathing. Bhramari is very beneficial for stress, anxiety and restlessness."
Other cooling pranayamas that contribute to lowering blood pressure and relaxing your body are Sheetali and Sheetkari.
According to Uchita, the longer you hold a stretch, the more beneficial it is. |
Yoga For Diabetes
"Pranayamas that generate heat in your body like Bhastrika, Suryabhedana and Nadi Shodhana will help. People with diabetes need to walk regularly. Their body needs to get some sort of movement, and they should avoid sitting for long hours."
Her advice: "I would tell them to get on to their feet and walk or twist and stretch a little while sitting. When they do any asanas, they should make sure to hold it for long. That won't happen on Day One, but they can initially start with 10 counts and gradually keep increasing their counts. Ideally, you should hold an asana for a minute. It is also very important to be consistent and practice regularly."
