Yoga Balances for Bunions

A bunion is an abnormal bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions can cause swelling, pain and restricted movement. One of the best ways to prevent and treat foot pain is with yoga, a holistic form of wellness, according to New York-based holistic podiatrist, Robert Kornfeld. Consult your doctor before seeking alternative treatment.

Mountain Pose

To prevent bunions, you'll need to start by building awareness of how you stand. Mountain pose, or tadasana, is a simple standing pose. Stand with your feet together and your arms down at your sides. Pay attention to how you are distributing the weight in your feet. Try keeping your arch activated and your weight distributed evenly between the front part of your feet and the back part.

Tree Pose

While standing on your left foot, bring the sole of your right foot to the inner thigh of your left leg. While balancing on your left foot, focus on spreading your toes and distributing the weight evenly. Keep the arch activated and stay in the pose for up to one minute. Take a rest and repeat on the other side. Tree pose, or vrksasana, is a balancing pose that can help prevent bunions if proper awareness is given to the balancing foot.

Downward-facing Dog Pose

Downward-facing dog pose, or adho mukha svanasana, prevents over-pronated feet, which can lead to bunions. Start on your hands and knees. Lift your knees off the floor and form your body into a V shape by lifting your tailbone up toward the ceiling. Pay special attention to your feet, activating your arches and evenly dispersing the weight on each part of the feet. Evenly distribute the weight on your palms and hold the pose for up to one minute.

Reclining Hero Pose

To perform this pose, you'll need a yoga bolster and a towel. Start in a seated kneeling position with your buttocks between your heels. Place the bolster at the base of your tailbone and the towel folded at the top end of the bolster. Recline your upper body backward, resting your body on the bolster and your head on the folded towel. Stay in the pose for one minute. This pose relieves pain in your feet due to disorders like bunions.