YOGA FOR LIVER HEALTH

Liver problems are quite a serious concern as the liver plays a crucial role in our health and the normal functioning of our bodies. 

Liver disease and damage can even lead to death in severe cases. Liver damage or liver problems can occur because of a variety of reasons. In some cases the damage may be due to a specific disease like hepatitis, where jaundice is a symptom, or it could be liver damage due to lifestyle itself – excessive drinking or unhealthy food habits. Whatever the cause its important that you take care of and strengthen the liver to minimize damage and reduce the risk of deterioration. While certain illnesses are curable, some are not and lifelong care is necessary.

The use of yoga for the liver can help overcome and live with liver conditions. While the relationship between exercise and physical fitness is very evident the relation ship between exercise and liver health is not so clear. 

The idea of yoga for liver problems may in fact leave most of you baffled, or questioning the seeming absurdity of this declaration. But yes, yoga for liver problems is an effective way of maintaining and enhancing the health of this vital organ. 

Yoga’s approach to fitness differs from other exercise regimens, in that it does not merely focus on visible physical health, but on the body as a whole. This means that it takes into account the relationship between physical, mental and emotional health and the need to maintain balance. Yoga therefore acts as a balancing force, through its combination of physical postures, breath techniques and meditation.

In the context of internal organs, when we say exercise for liver problems for that matter, we are not referring to routines that exercise your liver, but rather to exercises or activities that stimulate, regulate and enhance the function. 

The strange contortions that make up the asanas or physical poses of yoga offer some of these direct benefits. Many of them put gentle pressure or act as a massage on the organ, stimulating it. Other asanas improve circulation, some improve nervous system function, breath exercises improve circulation and cleanse the system, and so on. Thus they indirectly improve liver function by balancing the various functions that do have an effect on liver function.

Exercise caution when practicing yoga however, as failure to follow rules or misinterpreting them can often result in injury. For this reason it is best to learn under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Certain yoga poses for liver problems are recommended such as the Spinal Pose, the cat & cow Pose, the bridge Pose, the cobra pose, and the Standing Forward Bend to name a few. Keep in mind that in addition to the physical practices it is necessary to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes diet and general routines. 

Practice different yoga poses to improve and maintain proper functioning and well-being of the liver. Use yoga to massage and vitalize this internal organ. Breathe throughout the exercises and drink water to flush toxins out after the poses.

Spinal Twist

This pose helps revitalize the liver by fighting abdominal bloating and fatigue. Sit on a mat with legs extended out in front of you. Tighten your core and sit up straight. Bend your left knee and place your left foot outside of your right knee. Place your right hand on the ground next to the right side of your butt, fingers facing away from your body. Place your left arm on the inside of your left knee. Gently rotate your torso to the right. To deepen the twist, walk your right fingers out behind your body. Stop when you can't twist any further and hold for 30 seconds and then switch sides.

Cat Pose

The liver is located in the abdomen; the cat stretch massages the stomach and the spine, both areas that protect the liver. Kneel on all fours. Place your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Relax your neck and head to the ground. Start with a straight back. Slowly round your back and curve it towards the ceiling. Lower to the start position and repeat the pose 10 times.

Cow Pose

A relaxed and loose back will enable proper functioning and detoxification of the liver. Cow pose stretches and heats up the spine. It also allows the stomach muscles around the kidneys to relax during the pose. Stay on your hands and knees and start with a straight back. Relax your head and look at the ground. Lift your hips, tailbone and chest towards the ceiling, while letting your stomach relax towards the ground. While you lift your body, lift your head and look straight ahead of you. Return to the start position and repeat 10 times.

Bridge Pose

Bridge pose strengthens the core muscles that protect the liver. Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet close to your bottom. Rest your arms next to your legs, palms on the mat. Clench your glutes, push up through your heels and lift your hips and lower back. Stop when you form a straight line from your knees to you shoulders. Maintain a straight back throughout the lift. Lift your arms overhead and hold the position for 30 seconds to one minute.

Cobra Pose

The liver is at the top of the abdomen, directly under the chest region. This stretch opens up the chest and stretches the abdominal muscles that lie over the kidneys. Lie face down on a mat. Move your legs together and keep them this way throughout the pose. Place your right palm next to your right shoulder and your left palm next to your left shoulder. Keep your weight on your upper body throughout the pose; do not shift weight to your hands. Slowly lift your chest towards the ceiling. Use your lower back to lift your body. Relax your head and neck back as you move into the stretch.