Kidneys cleanse your body of the harmful elements, but sometimes they need cleaning too. Bharat Thakur tells you how
The main function of kidneys is to serve as filters for the body. They are responsible for purifying blood by getting rid of urea, uric acid and other harmful substances from the body. The kidneys help the body get rid of the waste that is generated during digestion. In short, what cannot be processed by the body, must be expelled. Since blood passes through the organ constantly, excess salts are extracted out of the blood stream and directed to the excretory system of the body.
Yoga attends to the hips, lumbar and sacral regions to stimulate this energy. Specific asanas can aid in stimulating the healthy flow of fluids in the body. This improves kidney function and revitalises energy in the second chakra. Asanas that put pressure on the kidneys also help cleanse these organs. Rapid abdominal breathing or pranayam is one such asana which helps tone and cleanse the kidneys.
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Instructions:
From a seated position with both legs out in the front, place the left foot on the floor on the outside of the right knee, left knee pointing skywards.
Bend the right knee and
bring the right foot to the
outside of the left hip. Inhale
to straighten and lengthen
the spine, exhale as you twist to the left and bring the right elbow to the outside of the
left knee.
The arm may be bent or straight. Remain in this simple twist for several breaths, lengthening the spine with the inhale and deepening the twist with the exhale.
Benefits: Twists are generally detoxifying for the internal organs. This twist is particularly beneficial to the back body where the kidneys are located.
kapotasana
Instructions:
Assume an easy pigeon pose, letting the right knee come behind the right hand, the right foot by the left hip. The left leg extends behind you.
Inhale and lengthen the spine, lifting the heart skywards. Press through the hands, roll the shoulder blades together and down the back as you attempt to square the hips to the front of your mat and root the pelvic floor towards the earth.
The hips may float above the mat and you may find that coming up onto the fingertips is more comfortable.
Focus on the bend in the lower back, increasing blood and energy flow in this area by engaging the muscles.
Benefits: Rejuvenates the lumbar and dorsal regions of the spine and the urinary system. The endocrine glands receive a fresh supply of blood.
Kapalabhati
Instructions:
Sit with legs crossed in a lotus-like position or if in a chair, both feet on the ground.
Spine straight, chest open, like a string is going from your butt up through the top of your head and holding you straight.
Using the diaphragm, inhale. Then forcefully exhale, using the diaphragm and count, 1-2-3-4-5 (you will automatically inhale, but focus on the exhale).
Take rest when you are tired and repeat three times. Even with just two minutes of this a day, you will notice the benefits.
Benefits: This is a general energy cleanser that rejuvenates kidneys.
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