Management of chronic kidney disease is complicated by many things, such as fluid retention, anemia, and effects on multiple organs in the body. In India, where treatments can be too expensive and beyond the reach of the majority of the population, many have relied upon yoga as an alternative therapy.

Yoga has been practiced in India for thousands of years, and includes changes in mental attitude, diet, and the practice of specific postures (asanas), breathing (pranayamas), and meditation. The exercises and postures of yoga are centered around strengthening and stretching muscle and increasing blood supply.

Yoga is well studied in high blood pressure and diabetes

Many research studies have shown that yoga can have a beneficial effect in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cholesterol, and body weight. Yoga is also among the most studied of alternative therapies for blood pressure control. Currently, it is estimated that at least 15.8 million people in the United States (6.9% of Americans) practice yoga, which is being recommended by American health care providers as a means of improving health. Since both diabetes and hypertension are major causes of kidney disease, researchers thought to study the effects of yoga on people with chronic kidney disease.

Researchers study its effects in chronic kidney disease

In India, 54 people with chronic kidney disease participated in a study, in which half of the participants were given yoga therapy, in addition to their blood pressure medications, water pills, and dialysis. They were observed and compared to the 25 people who were not given yoga therapy. After four people dropped out of the study, the remaining 50 were watched and monitored for 6 months. The participants in the yoga group were trained in specific body postures for kidneys, as well as breathing techniques, which were practiced regularly for at least 5 days a week for 40-60 minutes a day. 

Promising results

Although there were no significant differences between the two groups at the start of the study, after six months the yoga group had a reduction of blood pressure, with blood urea and serum creatinine trending lower than in the non-yoga group.

The 6-month results of this study demonstrated the benefits of yoga in improving blood pressure and kidney function, with the postures and meditation having an effect on both the physical and psychological aspects of living with chronic kidney disease.

Source: 

Hagens M, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013, Article ID 649836, 13 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/649836