I recently went to see an acupuncturist for some chronic digestive problems and she told me that my liver is congested. Is this something serious? What should I do? My friend advices me to do yoga poses.
Consider this diagnosis a wake-up call. A congested or stagnant liver won’t put you in immediate danger, but it will produce symptoms—in your case digestive problems—that can lower your quality of life and indicate that you’re headed for trouble down the road.
Think of liver congestion as a precondition for more serious problems. It occurs before Western medicine can detect any sign of liver malfunction, and it is a “condition” you and a traditional medical practitioner—such as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or ayurvedic doctor—can remedy.
Top 5 Yoga Poses For Liver Problems
Liver diseases are characterized by a number of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, hypoglycemia, depression, irritability, foggy brain, loss of appetite, and constipation amongst others. Common liver diseases include hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and more. Liver diseases require one to follow a restricted diet.
For many liver diseases, low-fat and low-sodium diets are prescribed. Metabolism of high-fat and high-sodium foods stresses a weak liver. Yoga exercises help in improving liver health by stimulating the liver and other digestive organs.
1. Kapalbhati Pranayama
Pranayam or yoga breathing exercises are found to be immensely beneficial in boosting the liver health of persons suffering from all variations or hepatitis, jaundice and liver cirrhosis. Kapalbhati Pranayama (Yoga Skull Shining Breathing Exercise), stimulates the liver and is very effective in treating liver problems. It improves the functionality of the liver and spleen.
Kapalbhati Pranayama is best performed by sitting cross-legged on a level surface, with a yoga mat spread on it. Deeply inhale once, then forcefully exhale the air through the nostrils. One inhalation and exhalation should ideally be completed in 5-10 seconds. The focus should be on the exhalation of the breath. This breathing exercise should be performed for a minimum of 15 minutes on a daily basis.
2. Ardha Matsyendrasana
Ardha Matsyendrasana (King of the Fish Pose or Seated Half Spinal Twist) is a very beneficial yoga pose of the liver. The scientific pressing of the liver stimulates and strengthens the liver that is damaged by stress, apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. To perform this asana, begin by sitting cross-legged.
Cross your left foot over your right with your knees raised above the ground and pointing upwards. Let your right hand pass over your left leg on its left side and hold your left foot with it. Now gently, press your left leg against your abdomen and turn your head towards the right, with your gaze pointed towards your right.
3. Dhanurasana
Dhanurasana or Bow Pose is one of the most beneficial asanas for fatty liver disease. This asana, stretches, stimulates and strengthens the liver, so that the fat deposited in it is used up for providing energy to the body. Dhanurasana is an easy pose. Lie on your belly.
Raise your torso and your legs simultaneously. Hold your feet with your hands. Your body will appear like a bow with your arms as the bow string. Remain in this pose for as long as it is comfortable for you. Return to resting pose and repeat this exercise as many times as possible for you.
4. Gomukh Asana
Kapalbhati Pranayama is considered the best for treating liver cirrhosis, as it facilitates the removal of toxins from the liver that seriously damage the liver and the rest of your body. However, Gomukh asana ( Cow Face Pose) features amongst the best yoga asanas for managing cirrhosis. In liver cirrhosis, the scar tissues, prevent blood flow and oxygenation of the liver, thereby impairing the liver from removing toxins from your body, metabolizing fats and removing pathogenic bacteria from your body.
This asana massages the liver, thereby ensuring free flow of blood and oxygen in it. Perform this asana by squatting on the floor with one leg crossed over the other. Stretch out your spine. Pass your hands to your back, one from the shoulder side and another from your rib-side and try to clasp them from behind.
5. Naukasana
Naukasana ( Bow Pose) is a simple yoga exercise for liver cancer. It stimulates and strengthens the liver and results in the release of toxins. Naukasana can be performed either by lying on your back or on your abdomen.
Raise the upper portion and lower portions of your body simultaneously resting your body on your abdomen. Stretch out your arms in front of you. Remain in this pose for as long as you can. Return to resting pose and repeat the exercise.
Read more at Yogalian for more yoga inspirations.
Originally posted 2019-06-13 18:25:07.
