Are there specific exercises for kidney health?

Kidneys and Their Role In Human Body

The kidneys are two organs around the size of a fist and shaped like beans. One on either side of your spine, they are located directly beneath your ribs. In order to create urine, healthy kidneys filter languidly, on average, around half a cup each minute, eliminating waste and excess water. Two slender muscle tubes known as ureters carry urine from both kidneys to the bladder. 

Urine is stored in the bladder until we decide to expel the waste. Our urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. In order to create urine, the kidneys continuously filter blood by eliminating waste products, extra water, and acid produced by the cells. 

When kidneys tend to lose their function, a lot of issues can start arising in the human body. Fluid imbalance can be observed along with increased strain on the filtration units. Under this scenario, the kidney treatment in ayurveda holds several approaches like lifestyle management, dietary restriction, and associated therapeutic treatments.

Major Functions Performed

The balance of the water, salts, and minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphate, and sodium) that we require is also greatly influenced by the kidneys. Our tissues, muscles, and nerves wouldn't work properly if we didn't have this balance.

By controlling the amount of water in the circulation, the kidneys also generate certain hormones that aid in blood volume regulation.

The kidneys transform vitamin D into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and aid in the bone marrow's production of red blood cells. This is particularly crucial for bones that are robust and healthy.

How Exercises Can Manage Dosha Imbalances?

Dosha imbalances can lead to kidney stones, UTIs, fluid retention, and even renal failure when kidney function is compromised by dehydration, poor nutrition, stress, or sedentary lifestyles. Ayurvedic treatment for kidney diseases involves exercise as a major component of lifestyle changes. Exercise is crucial for maintaining dosha balance, promoting a healthy flow of energy, and cleansing the body.

Exercise improves digestion, kidney function, circulation, and the flow of Apana Vata, which facilitates the efficient elimination of waste and pollutants. Since not all types of exercise are suitable for all people according to Ayurveda, it's also critical to take into account a person's ‘Prakriti’, health, and dosha balances.

Physical activities promote blood circulation, balance the flow of Apana Vata, and facilitate cleansing as well. So, some types of exercise directly help kidney health.

Yoga and Kidney Health 

Yoga is an age-old discipline that integrates breathing, movement, and meditation to promote mental and physical health. It helps to improve circulation, relax the nervous system, and activate the kidneys. A few of them have been mentioned below.

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

The asana known as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) improves circulation to the kidneys and stretches the lower back and abdomen. Additionally, cobra stimulates the adrenal glands, which maintain renal health by regulating blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

• Ardha Matsyendrasana

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, or Ardha Matsyendrasana, is a twisting pose that stimulates the abdominal organs and aids in detoxifying. Furthermore, it facilitates better blood flow to the kidneys, which enhances renal function.

• Paschimottanasana

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): This pose will assist release tension in the lower back muscles and increase blood flow to the kidneys. In addition to reducing stressors that may affect kidney function, it can help calm the nervous system.

• Setu Bandhasana

Bridge Pose or Setu Bandhasana helps the kidneys get more energy while strengthening the pelvis and lower back. People with kidney diseases, such as fluid retention or impaired kidney function, can also benefit from it.

• Pranayama 

Pranayama (Breathwork): Breathing exercises that promote kidney health include Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalbhati (skull dazzling breath). Breathing can help the body eliminate energy blockages, lower stress levels, and support the kidneys' best possible functioning.

• Suryanamaskar

Suryanamaskar, is a wonderful series of movements that improves circulation, promotes mental clarity, and strengthens the kidneys. Through movement, its fluidity helps to balance the doshas, or all of the vital and interconnected body energy, particularly Vata.

For many years, Karma Ayurveda Hospital has been helping people with kidney problems of all kinds while adhering to the principles of Ayurvedic therapy. Numerous success stories about Karma Ayurveda still exist today, and they speak eloquently about the accomplishments and lives saved. The high-quality treatments are complimented with lifestyle modifications including exercises and a healthy diet.

• Brisk Walking

Walking supports Vata or Kapha imbalances, making it one of the finest workouts for kidney health according to Ayurveda. Walking is a movement that supports the body's fluid balance and Apana Vata's natural flow. Walking is also a low-impact activity that is safe for daily use and does not put a strain on the kidneys.

How does it help?

Walking encourages blood flow and toxin removal from the body. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and tension that may cause abnormal renal function. It promotes the kidneys' efficacy to expel wastes from the body. It also improves kidney function by aiding in digestion and metabolism.

Even a little daily stroll of 30 to 45 minutes can have a significant positive impact on renal function and general health. Walking in the outdoors is very good for kidney health because of these relaxing effects.

Strength Training

The kidneys will benefit from strength training and stretches that build lower back and core strength. Strength training will enhance fluid flow, reduce the risk of injury, and improve posture. By relieving stress in the lower back and pelvis, stretching activities improve circulation to the kidneys.

However, as you consult the doctors at Karma Ayurveda for Kidney treatment, you must undertake the course of exercises or physical activities after getting their validation. This is to ensure that no harm is caused to the kidneys in the process. Karma Ayurveda excels at giving its patients some cutting-edge amenities while making sure they stay comfortable. Numerous herbal medicines, Ayurvedic therapies, and treatments are given to people with elevated kidney conditions.