Your gallbladder is a small organ located in the right side of your abdominal cavity just below the liver. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. In severe cases, your gallbladder may need to be removed. Specific poses practiced in yoga may prevent the formation of gallstones. Consult with your doctor before practicing yoga for gallstones.
Bharadvajasana
Bharadvajasana, or torso stretch, is good for the treatment of gallbladder disorders, according to yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar. To perform Bharadvajasana, start by sitting on your heels. Next, let your weight fall to the right hip and allow your feet to come out from under the buttocks to the left. Place both hands on the floor to the outside of your right leg and hip and open your chest toward the right. Hold the pose for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Dhanurasana
Dhanurasana, or bow pose, may be helpful preventing stones from forming in your gallbladder. While laying on your stomach, bend your knees and reach back and grab your ankles. Lift your legs and chest as high as possible and hold the pose for up to one minute. Rest and repeat twice.
Parsva Sarvangasana
Parsva Sarvangasana, or side shoulder stand, is a slight variation on shoulder stand pose. While in shoulder stand, lower down to your upper arms and place your palms on your pelvis. Gently and slowly allow your legs to come slightly to the right. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. According to senior Iyengar teacher Aadil Palkhivala, this pose can be effective at revitalizing and re-energizing the gallbladder.
Square Pose
Square pose stimulates the gallbladder meridian, which can help improve the functioning of the organ. To perform square pose, sit cross-legged with your left shin on the floor. Bring your right shin on top of your left leg and gently bend forward. Hold the pose for up to five minutes.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Gallstones
- "Gray's Anatomy"; Henry Gray; 1901 & 1977
- "Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health"; B.K.S Iyengar; 2001
- Yoga Journal: Asana Column: Parsva Sarvagansana
- Yoga Journal: Yin Yoga Asanas
