4 Best Yoga Poses to Improve Kidney Function

Yoga can be a powerful complementary practice for improving overall health, including supporting kidney function. Poses that focus on twisting, bending, and gentle compression of the abdominal area can help increase blood circulation, reduce stress, and aid in the body's natural detoxification process. Here are four yoga poses that are believed to be beneficial for kidney health.

4 Best Yoga Poses to Improve Kidney Function

1. Bhujangasana

The bhujangasana is also known as the cobra pose. This gentle backbend helps to stimulate and tone the abdominal organs. It can improve blood circulation to the kidneys and liver, which aids in their detoxification process.

How to do it: Lie on your stomach with your feet flat. Place your palms under your shoulders, close to your chest. Inhale and slowly lift your head and chest off the floor, keeping your elbows close to your body. Look forward and hold the pose for 15-30 seconds. Exhale and gently lower yourself back down.

2. Paschimottanasana

This forward bend is known for its calming effect on the nervous system and its ability to gently massage the abdominal organs. It helps to relieve stress, which is crucial for maintaining healthy kidney function.

How to do it: Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Inhale, stretch your arms overhead, and lengthen your spine. Exhale and slowly bend forward from your hips, reaching for your toes. Keep your spine straight and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply.

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3. Ardha Matsyendrasana

This twisting pose is excellent for detoxifying the body. The gentle compression and release in the twist help to squeeze out toxins and improve circulation to the abdominal organs, including the kidneys.

How to do it: Sit on the floor with your legs straight. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the outside of your left knee. Keep your left leg straight or bent with your heel near your right hip. Inhale, raise your left arm, and exhale as you place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee. Place your right hand on the floor behind you and twist your body to the right. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

4. Setu Bandhasana

This pose is a mild inversion that improves blood circulation throughout the body. Lifting your hips brings a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to your abdominal organs, which can boost the kidneys' purifying function.

How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Your heels should be close to your hips. Inhale and slowly lift your hips off the floor, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, then gently lower yourself back down.

Image credits: Freepik

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