How Can Yoga For Chronic Kidney Disease Help Relieve Symptoms?

Yoga for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become the popular remedy for kidney health complementary therapy in India. Considering chronic kidney disease, which affects almost ten percent of India’s population, people need to find ways to deal better with the situation.

Research indicates that yoga can improve kidney function, reduce blood pressure, and alleviate symptoms of CKD, providing a holistic approach to treatment. All these benefits are based on Indian tradition. Indian culture has promoted yoga for overall health for centuries; hence, it is expected to benefit patients with chronic conditions like kidney disease.

It includes yoga posture and breathing techniques to control stress, circulation, and vital energy in the body, all of which are essential for kidney well-being.

The blog presents how yoga can be adapted to people suffering from chronic kidney disease as an effective measure to better manage the condition.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function over time. Moreover do read our blog on Glomerulonephritis Diet Plan for better healthy meal plans.

1. Impaired Kidney Function: CKD hinders the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and regulate fluid balance.
2. Common Symptoms: Fatigue, swelling, changes in urinary patterns, and high blood pressure are common indicators of CKD.
3. Impact On Health: CKD can lead to serious complications, including anemia, bone disease, and cardiovascular issues.
4. Risk Factors: Diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, and age are significant risk factors for developing CKD.
5. Management: Early detection, lifestyle changes, medication, and dialysis or transplantation are methods used to manage CKD.
6. Holistic Care: Complementary therapies like yoga can support overall well-being in CKD patients.
7. Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups and follow-ups are essential to monitor CKD progression and adjust treatment accordingly.
8. Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can help slow CKD progression.
9. Emotional Support: CKD patients may benefit from psychological support to cope with the emotional challenges of the condition.
10. Importance Of Awareness: Public awareness about CKD is crucial to encourage early detection and better management of the disease.

Why Is Yoga Beneficial For Chronic  Kidney Disease? 

Yoga can be beneficial for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as it offers various physical and mental advantages while being gentle on the kidneys. Here’s a brief explanation:

1. Improved Blood Circulation: Yoga poses encourage blood flow, aiding kidney function.
2. Stress Reduction: Yoga’s relaxation techniques help manage stress, benefiting kidney health.
3. Enhanced Flexibility: Gentle stretches improve body flexibility, minimizing discomfort.
4. Lower Blood Pressure: Certain yoga practices can help lower blood pressure, crucial for CKD patients.
5. Improved Sleep Quality: Better sleep promotes overall well-being and supports kidney function.
6. Balanced Fluid Retention: Yoga helps manage fluid levels, crucial for CKD patients.
7. Enhanced Mindfulness: Yoga fosters mindfulness, empowering patients to cope with their condition.
8. Support For Dialysis Patients: Modified yoga can be practiced safely by dialysis patients, offering relief.

Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any yoga routine, ensuring it aligns with individual health needs and limitations. 7 day renal diet meal plan this blog will give you a full idea of what foods to eat?

Key Yoga Poses For Chronic Kidney Disease Management

Gentle yoga practices focusing on relaxation, deep breathing, and supported postures are best for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease to promote overall well-being and kidney health. Here are the yoga practices for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients:

1. Deep Breathing (Pranayama)

Deep Breathing (Pranayama) is a yogic practice that involves controlled, conscious inhalation and exhalation to increase oxygen supply, relax the mind, and reduce stress. By focusing on deep, rhythmic breaths, Pranayama or breathing exercises promote overall well-being and enhance lung capacity.
Step-by-step:

1.  Find a comfortable seated position with your spine straight and shoulders relaxed. 
2.  Place your hands on your abdomen and close your eyes.
3.  Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen and feeling your diaphragm move downward.
4. Exhale slowly and completely through your nose, allowing your abdomen to gently contract. 
5. Continue this rhythmic breathing for 5-10 minutes, focusing on the sensation of your breath.

2. Supported Bridge Pose

Supported Bridge Pose is a yoga asana that involves lying on your back with a prop, such as a yoga block, under your sacrum, promoting gentle stretching of the spine and opening of the chest for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Step-by-step: 

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. 
2. Place a yoga block or cushion under your sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of your spine). 
3. Allow your arms to rest alongside your body with your palms facing up.
4. Close your eyes and relax in this supported position for 1-2 minutes, breathing deeply.

3. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) is a yoga pose that involves sitting with legs extended forward and bending at the hips to reach for the feet, promoting a deep stretch along the back of the body and the hamstrings.

Thus, this pose helps improve flexibility, calms the mind, and stimulates the kidneys and liver. Also, read “Paschimottanasana benefits” to know more about it!
Step-by-step: 

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. 
2.  Inhale deeply and lengthen your spine. 
3. Exhale and hinge from your hips to reach forward, extending your hands towards your feet. 
4. If you cannot reach your feet comfortably, use a yoga strap or towel to hold onto your feet or ankles. 
5. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply and relaxing into the stretch.

4. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Corpse Pose (Savasana) is a yoga relaxation pose performed by lying flat on the back, allowing the body and mind to rest deeply while cultivating a state of profound relaxation and rejuvenation. Thus it is typically practiced at the end of a yoga session to integrate the benefits of the preceding poses and promote a sense of inner calm.

According to the National Library Of Medicine, Corpse pose reduces blood pressure and the need for antihypertensive medication.

Step-by-step: 

1. Firstly, lie on your back with your legs extended and arms relaxed at your sides, palms facing up. 
2. Secondly, close your eyes and allow your entire body to rest on the floor. 
3. Thirdly, focus on your breath, allowing it to flow naturally without any effort. 
4. Lastly, relax in this pose for 5-10 minutes, releasing tension and finding a state of deep relaxation.

5. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

Alternate Nostril Breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana, is a yogic breathing technique that involves inhaling and exhaling through alternate nostrils, promoting balance, relaxation, and mental clarity. By harmonizing the flow of breath, it calms the mind and enhances overall well-being.
Step-by-step: 

1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight and shoulders relaxed. 
2. Using your right thumb, close off your right nostril. 
3. Inhale deeply through your left nostril. 
4. Close off your left nostril with your right ring finger, releasing your right nostril. 
5. Exhale completely through your right nostril. 
6. Inhale deeply through your right nostril. 
7. Close off your right nostril again and release your left nostril. 
8. Exhale completely through your left nostril. 
9. This completes one cycle. Continue for 5-10 cycles, focusing on smooth and controlled breathing.

6. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose)

This restorative pose stimulates blood flow and reduces swelling, and this yoga for stress also calms the nervous system. Thus, it becomes suitable while relaxing for the kidneys, especially those with CKD.

Steps:

1. Firstly, seat yourself on a close wall with one hip touching it.
2. Lie back gently, swinging your legs upward against the wall, keeping them bright.
3. Rest your arms at your sides or place them on your abdomen.
4. Lastly, hold for 5-15 minutes while breathing deeply.

7. Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

This is a very simple seated posture that takes in deep, mindful breathing and lessens all stress. It opens the body and calms the mind, including relaxation, which benefits kidney activity.

Steps:

1. Sit cross-legged on the floor, spine straight.
2. Then, rest your hands on your knees, palms facing up or down.
3. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, concentrating on your breath for 5-10 mins.

8. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

Cobra pose stimulates the kidney mildly, improves the blood supply to the abdominal area, and strengthens the lower back. It relieves fatigue and promotes kidney health. This is also one of the best yoga poses for back pain.

Steps:

1. Firstly, lie the stomach down with feet straight and hip-width apart.
2. Then, with elbows bent, put your palms flat on floor level with your shoulders.
3. Press down with palms and lift the chest, keeping elbows slightly bent.
4. Lastly, hold for 20 to 30 seconds, breathing deeply, and lower back down.

9. Tadasana (Mountain Pose)

This standing pose defines mountain posture, enabling good postures, blood circulation, and strength. It balances the body, which is needed for kidney health.

According to the Indian Journal Of Palliative Care, Tadasana is one of the asanas for CKD patients to be included in the yoga module.

Steps:

1. Firstly, stand with your feet together, arms by your sides.
2. Then, press your feet firmly down into the ground, engage your thighs, and lift through the crown of your head.
3. Further, deeply breathe and hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

10. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)

This is an inverted pose that stretches the entire body and excites the kidneys while increasing the circulation in the body. It increases energy and strengthens the kidneys.

Steps:

1. Start on all fours with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips.
2. Then, lift up and back by pushing your knees straight and developing an upside-down ‘V’ shape with your legs.
3. Further, hold for 30 seconds while keeping the body active and breathing deeply.

11. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

The Triangle pose stretches the sides of the body, excites the kidneys, and supports balance. It also opens to improve flexibility and strengthen legs. Read more about ‘Trikonansana benefits’ for your health.

Steps:

1. Position yourself wide apart between legs with arms extended at shoulder height.
2. Turn your right foot out by 90 degrees while leaning your torso towards your right leg.
3. Place your right hand on your shin, ankle, or floor while stretching your left arm to the ceiling.
4. Hold for 20-30 seconds before going to the other side of the position.

12. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

The child’s position supports still resting posture; back relief and stress relief support the kidneys by deep breathing.

Steps:

1. Kneel on the floor, toes together, kneecaps separated.
2. Then, sit back onto the heels, arms extended forward or budging at your sides.
3. Lastly, lower foreheads down to the ground and relax in the pose, breathing deeply for 1 to 3 minutes.

13. Cat-Cow Posture (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)

This active flow stretches the spine, increases flexibility, and stimulates blood flow to the kidneys. It is also good for relieving tension and stress.

Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that such yoga poses help CKD patients live healthier lives by lowering stress, anxiety, and sadness. 

Steps:

1. Get yourself into the four-legged position (wrists placed below shoulders and knees under hips).
2. While inhaling, arch your back (pose of a cow), lifting your chest and tailbone.
3. Let the breath go; round your back (cat pose), tucking your chin to your chest.
4. Repeat the process 5-10 times, moving with your breath.

Gentle and consistent practice of these asanas may give a good return to CKD patients through enhanced circulation and act as a stress buster, leading to improved kidney function.

Remember, it’s essential for CKD patients to consult their healthcare provider and seek guidance from a qualified yoga instructor before starting any yoga practice. Always listen to your body, avoid any movements that cause discomfort, and prioritize gentle, supportive postures and breathing techniques.

Precautions When Doing Yoga For Chronic Kidney Disease

Gentle yoga practices, such as relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, and supported postures, are best for kidney health as they minimize strain on the kidneys while providing beneficial effects.

Precautions And Tips

1. Consult A Healthcare Professional: Before starting a yoga practice, CKD patients should consult their healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their condition.
   
2. Stay Hydrated: Individuals with CKD should maintain adequate hydration during and after yoga practice to support kidney function and prevent dehydration.
   
3. Avoid Overexertion: CKD patients should avoid intense physical activities and challenging yoga poses that could strain the kidneys or lead to injury.
   
4. Listen To Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and modify or skip any poses that cause discomfort or pain.

Building A Safe And Effective Yoga Routine For CKD Patients

A safe yoga routine should help the kidneys and the overall self. Tips for starting off such a yoga routine in Chronic Kidney Diseases include:

1. Small Start

Initially, start doing yoga for 15 minutes to 20 minutes daily. Shorter routines help one’s body acclimate to the yoga session without the risk of overdoing it; as comfort increases, length can be increased.

2. Practice Breathing Techniques

Such breathing techniques can help functionally with the kidneys and help relax the body. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), Anulom Vilom, and other techniques absorb oxygen to the body, calm the nervous system, and thus improve health.

3. Find a Qualified Instructor

This is overall a well-established and pretty safe way of practicing yoga where the guidance of trained professionals takes place. 

An instructor will deal with a patient in line with personalized instruction concerning problems. The instructor is also able to edit postures and avoid those that hurt the kidney, making the practice safer and more effective.

You can enroll yourself in Fitelo’s personal training program if you are looking for an experienced yoga instructor who can guide you in 1:1 sessions online.

These are the safe and stately models you will follow to create a sustainable yoga practice tailored toward your health and support in traveling through time with CKD.

Conclusion

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an illness that alters the life pattern of the individual suffering from it, precisely requiring a complete management protocol. Apart from the necessary medical treatments, other interventions, such as yoga, can be helpful for one’s physical and emotional wellness.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Understanding CKD: It is a disease steadily causing function degradation in the kidneys, presenting to the person with symptoms like fatigue and swelling, even increasing blood pressure.
  
• Signs and Risk Factors: Symptoms include tiredness, edema, and changes in urination patterns; risk groups are diabetes, blood pressure, family history, and old age.
  
• Health Effects: Anemia, heart diseases, bone disorders, and many other dangerous complications are some of the effects of CKD.
  
• Medical Management: It includes early detection, change in lifestyle, medications, and advanced forms like dialysis or kidney transplantation.
  
• Benefits of Yoga: Yoga improves circulation of blood, reduces stress in the body, increases flexibility, balances retention of fluids, and promotes sleep in patients suffering from CKD.
  
• Best Yoga Poses: Very light poses like Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose), Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Tadasana (Mountain Pose), and Balasana (Child’s Pose) support kidney function and relaxation.
  
• Breathing Techniques: Pranayama exercises include deep and alternate nostril breathing, which calms the mind, improves oxygenation, and relieves stress.
  
• Build Safe Routine: Start with 15-20 min sessions and gradually increase the intensity while including breathing exercises with expert advice.
  
• Precautions: Hydration, minimal exertion, self-listening, and talk with doctors before starting a new yoga regimen.
  
• Lifestyle changes: Integrating yoga with a balanced diet and regular health monitoring will help complement medical treatment for improved outcomes.
  
• Significance of Awareness: Public awareness is vital for early detection, timely actions, and better interventions in CKD management strategies.

Yoga practice in the management of CKD liberates patients and takes control over their well-being. You can also connect with our Fitelo experts for better natural management of CKD with a healthy and personalized diet plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Yoga Is Best For CKD Patients?

Gentle and restorative yoga poses, such as child’s pose, seated forward bend, Viparita Karani, Sukhasana, and Bhujangasana,, are ideal as they promote relaxation, improve blood circulation, and support kidney health. Avoid intense or strenuous poses that could strain the kidneys.

How To Improve Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD can be managed with early detection, a kidney-friendly diet, regular exercise, yoga, and adherence to prescribed medical treatments under professional guidance.

How Long Can a 60-Year-Old Live With Stage 3 CKD?

With proper medical care, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring, a 60-year-old with Stage 3 CKD can live for many years, potentially maintaining a good quality of life.

What Is The Best Exercise For CKD?

Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and cycling are safe for CKD patients, helping improve overall health without straining the kidneys.

Contact Us Today

Get in touch with our expert team at Fitelo to kick-start your own transformative journey! Let us guide you toward your weight loss goals and help you cultivate sustainable & healthy eating habits. So, contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Fitelo!

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your own health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.