Yoga Asanas and Exercises for Kidney Patients

Chronic kidney diseases and dysfunction are rapidly becoming more common in people with each passing day. Yoga is a natural and effective method to prevent risks and reverse damage from kidney issues.

It offers multiple benefits for people with kidney damage, recurring infections, poor renal functioning, and diabetes. Here are some of the yoga asanas for kidney fitness and wellbeing.

1. Salamba Bhujangasana or Sphinx Pose

Salamba Bhujangasana is one of the most effective yoga poses for kidneys. The asana collectively targets the abdomen, shoulder, thorax, and lungs. It strengthens the spine, improves endocrine function, and stimulates the abdominal organs.

How to do it?

Step 1: Lie upside down on a yoga mat.

Step 2: Slowly place your chin on the ground while lifting your hands.

Step 3: Raise your arms and position them alongside your head, ensuring your elbows and shoulders align to form a straight line.

Step 4: Slowly inhale and exert pressure on your forearms, eventually elevating your upper body and chin from the ground.

Step 5: Stretch your legs outward and continue deep breathing.

Step 6: Hold the posture for 5 to 10 seconds.

Step 7: As you experience a stretch, lower your upper body to the ground and rest your head. Repeat this pose a few times based on your comfort level.

2. Pawanmuktasana or Release Pose

It is important to regularly practise yoga for kidney function improvement. While you may not be able to perform complex poses daily, the release pose can be easily incorporated into your routine.

This simple pose targets your hips, abdomen, thighs, and shoulders. It can be fruitful for improving digestion and kidney function, along with relieving flatulence.

In addition, Pawanmuktasana can also help you with obesity. It is an ideal yoga posture that helps reduce fat from the kidneys and other abdomen areas.

How to do it?

Step 1: Lie down on the yoga mat and, while practising deep breathing, fold your right knee and bring it toward your chest.

Step 2: Repeat the same with the other leg.

Step 3: With both legs folded and pulled toward your chest, wrap your hands around the front of the legs and hold them close to your chest.

Step 4: Slowly exhale and lift your head off the floor to align it with the chest.

Step 5: Try to touch the chin with the folded knee and stay in the position for a few seconds.

Step 6: Slowly exhale and get back to your original position.

Note:** For anyone experiencing bloating and flatulence, this yoga pose effectively provides instant relief.

3. Shashankasana or Hare Pose

The hare pose is another pose you can try when practising yoga for kidney disease. This pose targets the thighs, upper body, and abdomen region.

It enhances blood circulation to the head, nourishes the eyes, and supports brain function. It effectively relieves constipation, fatigue, and stress while promoting improved concentration.

Moreover, it doesn't just help with kidney function but also helps reduce frustration and anger.

How to do it?

Step 1: Begin with the position of Vajrasana.

Step 2: Take deep breaths and place your palms on your thighs.

Step 3: Lift your arms over your head and stretch while you continue inhaling.

Step 4: Fold your upper body and bend forward as you exhale.

Step 5: Bend until your chin or nose touches the floor.

Step 6: Hold the position for a few seconds and return to your original position as you breathe out.

Note:** This yoga pose may not be well-suited for people with knee pain or those suffering from osteoarthritis.

4. SetuBandhasana or Bridge Pose

When practising yoga for healthy kidney function, you must incorporate the SetuBandhasana into your daily routine.

The asana helps calm the nervous system, enabling you to concentrate and function better. If you have hypertension, this asana can also help you keep high blood pressure in check.

How to do it?

Step 1: Lay on your back on the yoga mat.

Step 2: Bend your knees and position them on the yoga mat, keeping a hip space apart.

Step 3: Place your arms on either side of your body.

Step 4: Slowly inhale and lift your torso and back (lower and middle) off the floor.

Step 5: Bend your chin towards the chest and roll your shoulder for support.

Step 6: Keep your feet firmly on the floor and hold the position for a few seconds.

Step 7: Return to your original position by slowly lowering the body to the floor.

Along with yoga, you can incorporate several easy-to-perform exercises in your daily routine to keep your kidneys healthy and hearty. Below are some of the most effective exercises for kidney patients that you can easily incorporate into your everyday routine.

1. Walking

Physicians often recommend regular walking for individuals with kidney disorders. This simple exercise for kidney patients helps improve blood circulation and cardiovascular conditions.

You can initially begin walking 30 minutes daily and increase the duration as and when you feel comfortable.

2. Biking

Consider cycling or biking at least twice weekly to boost blood circulation and enhance kidney health. You can opt for outdoor or indoor biking at your convenience and work towards attaining better overall health.

3. Climbing Stairs

Being mindful of your daily activities, such as climbing stairs can be an effective way to keep your kidneys strong. You can opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. This is an easy exercise that can aid in keeping your kidneys healthy and disease-free.

4. Hiking

The last exercise on the list for kidney patients is hiking. Hiking once in a while can help improve blood circulation and boost your stamina.

It further helps by increasing your breathing capacity and preventing shortness of breath. Besides enhancing overall kidney health, it also makes you physically fit.

Maintaining kidney health is vital for your overall well-being. Kidney ailments can significantly impact your day-to-day life. Kidney issues can also be caused by factors out of your control, such as genetics.

In an era where even seemingly fit individuals are diagnosed with various diseases, prioritising health has become more crucial than ever. Despite being cautious, a medical emergency can arise anytime, and the associated financial burdens can be overwhelming.

Therefore, a health insurance plan is essential to ensure you have the right financial protection to cover all your healthcare needs. Medical insurance can help you keep up with rising healthcare costs and provide you with peace of mind.

For the best health insurance plans, you can explore the various options curated by Tata AIG. With several outstanding features and tailored benefits, Tata AIG allows you to buy the best health insurance plans from the comfort of your home with just a few clicks.

How does yoga help in healing kidney-related diseases?

Yoga for kidney problems, along with prescribed medication, can be an excellent way to prevent kidney-related diseases. It minimises the risk of cancer and enhances kidney functioning.

However, although yoga helps better kidney health and minimises the risk of diseases, it does not completely cure kidney-related diseases.

Who must avoid yoga asanas and exercises?

Contrary to the common belief, kidney patients can practice yoga and mild exercise. However, consulting a professional to create a tailored routine based on your body and specific conditions is best. It is also essential to avoid exercising if you have any injuries.