Kidney stones are small and hard deposits that form in your kidneys, the blood-filtering organ located at the lower rear of your abdominal cavity. Kidney stones occur when fluids -- mineral and acid -- are out of balance in your body. Passing kidney stones can be tricky and often painful, but specific yoga poses may help. Consult your doctor before practicing yoga to treat kidney stones.
Bharadvajasana
Bharadvajasana, Sanskrit for torso stretch, is a seated twisting pose recommended by yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar for treating kidney disorders such as kidney stones. Come to a seated position on the floor with your knees bent and feet to the left. Place both hands on the floor outside your legs. Twist your upper body open to the right and hold the pose for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Marichyasana
Marichyasana, Sanskrit for torso and leg stretch, is a seated twisting position that will help tone your kidneys. While seated on the floor, bend your right knee and straighten your left leg. Bend your right elbow and place it on the inside of your right knee. Place your left hand behind you on the floor near your buttocks. Twist your upper body open to the left. Hold the pose for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Viparita Karani
Viparita Karani, Sanskrit for inverted pose, is practiced using a yoga bolster to treat kidney disorders. Start by laying on the floor on your back with your legs up a wall. Press your feet into the wall and lift your pelvis up as high as possible. Place the bolster under your lower back and relax your body onto the bolster. You should feel a light pressure in the kidney area from the bolster. Stay in this pose for up to 10 minutes.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Ayurveda, India's medical system, uses herbs, yoga, food and breathing exercises to help treat imbalances that cause ailments. For kidney stones, an herb called Triphala is recommended. Consult an ayurvedic practitioner for specific doses. To prevent kidney stones from occuring, drink plenty of water throughout the day, minimize your intake of salt, animal products and oxalate rich foods such as spinach, chard, tea and chocolate. If you're experiencing fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, see a doctor right away.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Kidney Stones
- "Gray's Anatomy"; Henry Gray; 1901 & 1977
- "Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health"; B.K.S Iyengar; 2001
- Yoga Journal: Come Clean
