JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Yoga for Kidney Stones: Soothe Your Symptoms Mindfully
Practicing yoga for kidney stones can help alleviate discomfort holistically. Also, learn the various benefits yoga poses offer in improving your overall renal health.
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that offers a myriad of benefits to our overall health and wellness. Here, we will discuss yoga for kidney stones, including the various aspects and important asanas for improving the symptoms and renal function. Kidney stones develop when excessive amounts of crystal-forming substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid occur in the urine. When these crystals slowly leave the kidneys, one may experience symptoms, including pain, blockage of urine flow, and feeling pain while urinating (1).
Since these crystals enter extremely narrow tubes, they induce excruciating pain and discomfort, along with other symptoms that will be discussed further. Therefore, along with clinical treatments, regular yoga practices may also be extremely helpful in managing the aching symptoms. So, let us discuss how yoga exercises for kidney stones may help improve your quality of life. However, since these are serious health issues, one must always consult a healthcare provider first to attain professional guidance rather than solely relying on yoga.
Top 5 Benefits of Yoga for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones lead to certain distressing symptoms like dull pain in the lower back or side, nausea, discomfort while urinating, etc. Since yoga asanas contain gentle flowy movements and deep breathing techniques, these may offer certain benefits in reducing painful symptoms. Here are some key benefits yoga offers for kidney stone patients:
1. May Help Boost Kidney Health
Regular yoga practice can improve blood circulation, bring more fresh oxygen to the cells, and support the body's natural detoxification processes. Poses that focus on stretching and strengthening the lower back and abdominal muscles may indirectly benefit kidney health by promoting better blood flow and overall kidney function (2). In a study done between two groups of patients, one performed yoga regularly along with conventional treatment, and the other was a control, given only medical treatments. After a period of 6 months, the first group displayed improved renal functions as compared to the latter (3).