Kidney stones can occur in anyone regardless of age or health status. While kidney stones generally cause no permanent damage to your health, they are very painful to pass. Modern medicine calls for the passing of small kidney stones on their own, while large kidney stones may require surgical removal. If you are looking for an alternative to conventional medicine or would like to reduce your pain as you are passing a kidney stone, yoga may be an option. Before beginning self treatment, always consult your physician.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, commonly referred to as renal lithiasis in the medical field, are small and hard deposits that form inside the kidneys. Usually comprised of minerals and acid salt, kidney stones form as the result of urine becoming concentrated. The minerals and acid salt stick together to form kidney stones. Symptoms of a kidney stone include pain and abdomen pain, pain during urination, the frequent urge to urinate, discolored urine, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Your doctor will conduct blood and urine tests to confirm diagnosis.
Modern Medicine Treatment
Many small kidney stones pass on their own. However, you are likely to experience pain in your back, ribs, lower abdomen and groin as the stone makes its way through your urinary tract. Your doctor will encourage that you drink plenty of water. Drinking two to three quarts of water each day can help to flush out your urinary tract, according to MayoClinic.com. Pain relievers can also help to reduce the discomfort felt as the kidney stone passes. Larger stones can be broken up using sound waves. Your doctor will order a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which uses strong vibrations to help break the stone into smaller pieces so that you can pass it more easily. Surgery may also be required to remove extremely large kidney stones. A surgeon will remove the stone through a small incision in your back or using a scope that is inserted into your urethra and bladder.
Yoga as Treatment
As of January 2011, no medical research has been conducted on the use of yoga for the passing of kidney stones. Certified yoga instructors, including V.K. Ahluwala and Krishan Kumar Shuman, authors of "Yoga Therapy," indicate that there is no harm in performing yoga while attempting to pass a kidney stone. These instructors believe yoga is a natural and inexpensive way to remove kidney stones. Individuals using yoga to pass kidney stones should avoid performing poses that place pressure on the abdomen. Yoga experts indicate the wind-relieving pose, bow pose, raised feet pose and the plough pose can help you to pass a kidney stone. The mind-body connection of yoga can also help relieve the stress and take your mind off the act of passing a kidney stone.
Warnings
It is important to remember that yoga for kidney stones is a natural health and home remedy for kidney stones. There is no backing from modern medicine that indicates yoga can help to remove kidney stones. You should always consult your doctor before starting your own remedy for kidney stones.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Kidney Stones
- Yoga Therapy; V.K. Ahluwala and Kirshan Kumar Suman; 2006
- Yoga The Path to Holistic Health; B.K.S. Lyengar; 2007
