Kidneys are one of the most important organs that play a vital role in our digestive system. Located in the lower back below the rib cage, this bean-shaped organ processes everything that you eat and drink. When your kidneys are not able to function properly, they can sometimes lead to kidney stones. These are crystals that form when excess calcium or urea gets stored in the kidneys. These stones can cause severe back pain, sweating, and frequent urination.
To make sure the condition does not worsen over time, it is best to visit a doctor. However, in case the stones are smaller and do not have severe symptoms, you can also cure it at home with yoga asanas for kidney stones and drinking plenty of water. But do make sure that you consult a doctor at the beginning to ensure the size and severity of kidney stones.
Kidney stones can form when waste products in the blood crystallise and collect in the kidneys, eventually building up into hard lumps. It can happen when there are high levels of certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, cystine, or uric acid. However, stones can also form when these chemicals are at normal levels.
Before learning how to do yoga for kidney stones, it is good to know what it is exactly and how yoga helps in treating kidney stones. The first and foremost thing that yoga poses for kidney stones is to stretch the entire body, eventually boosting the vital organs like kidneys in functioning with optimum capacity. This is where the link between yoga and kidney stones comes. Yoga also relieves the pain, nausea, and restlessness which occur due to kidney stones.
If you practice yoga on a regular basis, you can get rid of tiny to medium-sized stones without the need of any surgery. Just make sure you compliment the yoga for kidney stones with proper hydration and a balanced diet.
Yoga not only stretches the entire body but also provides a good boost to the vital internal organs making them function at their optimum capacity. It is also known to get rid of abdominal cramps, nausea, restlessness, burning sensation and urinary incontinence; symptoms that are associated with kidney stones. If practiced regularly, then you can easily eliminate tiny to medium-sized stones via urine. But ensure you complement it with well-balanced food that prevents any sort of gastrointestinal issue and adequate hydration.
Well, without further ado, wear something comfortable and get on with these selective yoga postures to curb abdominal pain and dispose of the stones from the kidney.
Kneel on the ground while keeping both your hands next to the body. Now hold the heels of both your feet and slowly bend the upper body backwards as much as possible. Be in this posture for 10 seconds while breathing normally. Come back to the initial kneeling posture and repeat 4 more times.
Benefits:
The Camel Pose is pivotal in strengthening and stretching your lower back and shoulders and enhances overall body posture. It not only allows movement of free prana throughout the body but also sends fresh oxygen to the kidneys that eventually helps in detoxifying them. It also prevents kidney stones in the first place and helps in ridding the body of the smaller formed ones.
Lie down on the floor with your spine straight. Keep your hands resting on either side of the body, with palms facing the ground. Breathe out and then breathe in slowly while also raising your legs at a 90-degree angle. Keep your legs straight, perpendicular to the body and your toes pointing up. Hold this posture and breathe normally for 15-20 seconds. Next, breathe out and slowly bring down your legs. Do it in a set of 5.
Benefits:
This asana is excellent for the lower abdominal organs. It fortifies the muscles of your lower back, legs, abdomen and pelvic area. By assisting the abdominal muscle to contract, it enhances the functions of the pancreas, kidneys and liver and remedies the pain emanating from kidney stones.
Lie down straight on the ground. While breathing in, bring both your knees close to the chest. Hug your legs with your arms while trying to keep your nose close to your knees. Take a few long breaths and be in this posture. Then while exhaling, come back to the lying pose and repeat 4 more times.
Benefits:
This pose is extremely beneficial to help promote digestive functions. This asana readily helps curb the gastric problem, subsides the impact of constipation and rids you of kidney stones. The wind-relieving pose also helps in evicting trapped gases, thus lessening bloating.
Lie down on your tummy and push both your legs and torso backwards. Extend your arms backwards and try to grab both legs with your hands. Hold this stance for as long as possible while breathing normally. Return to the initial posture and repeat the asana 5 times.
Benefits:
The bow pose also known as Urdhva Chakrasana is extremely helpful in diminishing stress and strain from the body. Once done properly, this asana stretches and strengthens all the bodily muscles, enhances kidney processes, and also remedies the symptoms of kidney stones.
Lie down straight on your belly with legs placed side by side to each other. Place your palms beside your shoulder. Now, inhale and lift your upper body from your hip. Relax your shoulders while fixing your gaze forward. Keep breathing in and out normally for 15-20 seconds while being in the pose. Slowly breathe out and come back to your initial position. Repeat this asana 4 more times.
Benefits:
The cobra pose is highly pivotal to getting rid of belly fat while increasing the flexibility of the muscles of the neck and shoulders and strengthening the spinal column. This asana boosts blood circulation in the body, stimulates organs in the abdominal region and optimizes kidney functions thus preventing renal problems.
Disclaimer:
Content provided here serves informational purposes solely and utterly lacks any other discernible intent nowadays. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider for questions or concerns regarding some medical condition you might be harbouring quietly. Reliance doesn't vouch for specific tests or physicians mentioned on blog posts and other info is not necessarily endorsed by them either.
This classic home remedy is thought to help break down smaller stones.
Tip: Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for best results.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is acidic and may help soften or break down stones gradually.
Note: Rinse your mouth after drinking ACV to protect tooth enamel.
Basil is revered in Ayurveda for its kidney-supportive properties.
Optional: Brew basil tea as an alternative if fresh juice isn’t available.
A natural detoxifier, wheatgrass helps boost urine flow and flush out small stones.
Yoga and natural remedies can be effective tools for managing kidney stones at home. Regular practice of specific yoga poses, combined with proper hydration, dietary adjustments, and natural treatments such as lemon juice, basil, and apple cider vinegar, can help relieve discomfort, support kidney function, and potentially aid in the passage of small stones. However, while these approaches can be helpful for prevention and early management, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance for persistent symptoms or larger stones. MASSH Hospital is one of the leading centers for kidney stone treatment, offering advanced diagnostics, expert urology care, and personalized treatment plans. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or experience severe symptoms.
While stress itself doesn’t directly cause kidney stones, it can indirectly contribute. High stress levels may lead to dehydration (due to forgetfulness or caffeine overuse), poor dietary choices, or hormonal imbalances - all of which can raise your risk.
The pain comes from the stone moving through the narrow ureter (the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder). As the stone scrapes and blocks the flow of urine, pressure builds up in the kidney, causing intense, cramping pain called renal colic.
Yes, though it’s less likely. If you consume a diet high in oxalates or salt, or have a genetic tendency, stones can still form. Water helps, but it’s not the only factor—you also need to watch what you eat.
No. While calcium oxalate stones are most common, others include:
Unfortunately, yes. About 50% of people will develop another stone within 5–10 years. That’s why long-term prevention through hydration, diet, and lifestyle changes is key.
Moderate exercise like walking or yoga is usually fine and may even help a small stone pass. But intense or jarring movements (like running or jumping) may aggravate pain. Always check with your doctor.
No. Many small stones pass on their own with hydration and pain management. Surgery or shock wave therapy is only needed if:
Very small stones (called “gravel”) may pass silently in urine. These are often asymptomatic and found accidentally during scans for other issues.
Yes - but in moderation. Spinach, almonds, and other oxalate-rich foods should be limited, not totally avoided. Pair them with calcium-rich foods (like yogurt) to reduce oxalate absorption.
Some herbs like basil, nettle, and dandelion are believed to support kidney health. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean safe. Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medications or have other conditions.
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