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“I do not want to undergo surgery, I somehow want to get rid of the pain caused due to gallstones.” This is what a thought process of a person suffering from gallstone says. A healthy gallbladder is what keeps you away from gallstones.
The role of gallbladder is to store bile- the digestive juice in the body. Bile is secreted by the liver and it breaks the soluble and insoluble fats for absorption. When bile becomes stagnant in the gallbladder, cholesterol starts forming in the gallbladder. Due to imbalance in the cholesterol, bile salts and bilirubin, stones may form in different sizes.
You may not be able to flush out stones but you can work on pain management of gallstones. Yoga is one such way that keeps your overall digestion smooth and going. Let us go through the yoga poses for pain caused due to gallstones or a gallbladder attack.
Table of Contents
Yoga Poses for Gallstone Pain Relief
Bhujangasana Or Cobra Pose
Performing the Cobra pose or Bhujangasana will help to relieve pain associated with gallstone related inflammation. It allows a deep abdominal stretch and strengthens the back and upper body. Lying flat on the belly, place hands on the floor at the shoulders, then slowly lift your upper body by applying pressure on the ground with the hands. You will finish with the chin pointed upward and legs straight on the floor behind you. (Also read: Signs that a woman has gallstones)
Sarvangasana Or Shoulder Stand
Sarvangasana or shoulder stand is a very effective pose for improving the functioning of the gallbladder and helping your body to get rid of gallstones. Begin with laying on your back and placing hands under the mid-back. Slowly lift the legs and lower body up into the air, pointing the toes toward the ceiling and using your arms, upper back, neck, and head for support. You will be able to look up and see your toes while holding the shoulder stand yoga pose.
Shalabhasana Or The Locust Pose
The locust pose or Shalabhasana is a pose, which improves the blood circulation, treats gallstones substantially and greatly benefits gallbladder function. It activates the healthy function of intestines and enzyme secreting glands, as well as your gallbladder. Lay face down on your belly with arms at the sides and legs outstretched. Bracing yourself with the arms and hands on the floor, lift one, straight leg at a time, from the waist. Point the toes and breathe normally.
Dhanurasana Or Bow Pose
Dhanurasana or bow pose is helpful for gallbladder and various organ functions as it provides a therapeutic massage internally. Laying on the stomach again, slowly reach back to grasp your feet with the hands, and gradually pull away with legs- forming a backward curve shape similar to a bow with upper body and legs lifted off of the floor. This asana strengthens the back and abdominal muscles while providing a deep stretch.
Supta Matsyendrasana or Spinal Twists
Sit with legs straight in front of the body. Place the right foot flat on the floor outside the left knee, then the left leg to the right. Then the left heel against the right buttock. Place the left arm outside the right leg and with the left hand. Hold the right foot or ankle. The right knee should be as near as possible to the left armpit. Turn the body to the right placing the right arm behind the back. Twist the back and then the neck as far as possible without straining. Change and do repeat with the other leg.
Narayan Pose
Lie on your left side with arms stretched over and behind the end or one can even raise the head with the support of hand. The right foot rests on the left foot. Stay in this pose for 10-15 minutes.
All the Asanas to get relief from gallstones include Madukasna, Vakarasna, Ardhmatsyendrasna, Gaumukhasna, Pawanmuktasna, Kati Chakrasana, Trikonasana, Paschimot-anasana(Seated forward), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Shalabhasana (Locust Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose), Chakrasana, Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand), Halasana, etc.
Pranayama such as Kapalbhati, Agnisar, Bahiya, Anulom Vilom, Ujjayi, etc is all good to get pain relief from gallstones.
Dietary changes are important too
Stay away from deep-fried food, dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, and all fatty foods, especially animal fat and any saturated fat. These accelerate the coagulation of bile into gallstones. Along with the physical activities, it is important to take care of what you eat to avoid an increase in cholesterol. Also, you must lead a healthy lifestyle that includes:
- Healthy weight (Also read: How does obesity affect your health)
- Balanced diet
- Active routine
- Meditation
Take Away
To remove gallstones for those who are unable to bear the pain and going through other complications of gallstones, need to get the gallbladder removed surgically. Do not ignore gallbladder attacks or symptoms of gallstones. If home remedies and yoga do not help in reducing pain caused due to gallbladder stones, talk to a doctor.
Gallbladder stones are a painful condition. Hence, doctors usually suggest moderate exercises and activities. Above all, it is better to get medical intervention as soon as possible. Continue to consult your physician to monitor your gallbladder health as you use yoga to keep you healthy and comfortable until you have fully recovered.
Disclaimer: Tips mentioned in the blog are for information purposes only and should not be considered as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor, trainer or a dietician before starting any fitness program or making any changes to your diet.
Also read: Gallstone removal Without surgery
Also read: Common symptoms of gallbladder infection
