Maintain Blood Sugar Level By Practicing Ardha Matsyendrasana -Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

Practicing Ardha Matsyendrasana -Half Lord of the Fishes Pose will help to maintain blood sugar level with type 2 diabetes patients, practicing pose alone does not cure diabetes, but practicing the pose in daily yoga routine for 10-15mins along with improved lifestyle like diet and lowering stress could lower blood sugar.

How may it help people with diabetes?

1. Support blood sugar management: Regular yoga practice, as part of a broader lifestyle plan, may modestly improve blood glucose control in some people with type 2 diabetes.
2. Help with stress: Gentle yoga and controlled breathing can reduce stress, which may indirectly support diabetes management.
3. Improve flexibility and mobility: The seated twist helps maintain spinal mobility and may be useful for general physical well-being.
4. Improve digestion and gut health: Practicing this pose regularly improves and activates digestive system.  

How to practice Ardha Matsyendrasana?

1. Sit comfortably -Extend both legs in front of you, keeping your spine upright.

2. Bend one knee- Bend your right knee and place your right foot outside your left thigh. Keep your left leg extended if that is more comfortable.

3. Gently twist-Inhale and lengthen your spine. Exhale and rotate gently to the right without forcing your neck or back.

4. Hold and repeat-Breathe normally for 10–20 seconds, return to the center, and repeat on the other side. Start with one round on each side.

How often should you practice?

Start gently for 5–10 minutes of yoga overall, including this pose and other comfortable movements. Gradually build a routine suited to your fitness and medical needs. Research suggests that yoga programs as a whole may improve blood glucose and HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Safety tips:

• Avoid deep twisting if you have significant back pain, a spinal problem or recent abdominal surgery.
• If you have diabetic neuropathy, reduced sensation in your feet, or balance problems, seek guidance from a qualified yoga instructor or healthcare professional.
• If you take insulin or medicines that can cause low blood sugar, follow your doctor’s advice on glucose monitoring around exercise.

Remember- Do not stop or reduce diabetes medication because you practice yoga. The benefits associated with yoga generally cannot be attributed to Ardha Matsyendrasana alone. Continue prescribed diabetes medicines and monitor your blood sugar as advised.

Image credit: Image created using Gemini on Oct 11th 2026