Yoga and Exercise for Kidney Stones

Gentle activity and yoga may help general health and weight control, which lowers stone risk. They do not dissolve stones, and they should not replace medical care.

Helpful activity

• Regular walking, cycling or swimming for about 150 minutes a week
• Light movement during a mild stone episode, such as walking, if it is comfortable
• Staying active supports healthy weight and blood sugar

Gentle yoga

• Cat-cow, child's pose and gentle spinal twists for comfort
• Slow belly breathing and relaxation to ease stress and pain
• Yoga nidra for sleep
• Poses sometimes named for kidney health, such as bhujangasana, are for general comfort only and have no proven effect on stones

Fluids and heat

• Drink water before and after exercise
• Take care in hot weather and with heavy sweating, which concentrates urine
• Avoid exercise in extreme heat without drinking water

What to avoid

• Vigorous exercise or deep twists during an acute stone attack or when in severe pain
• Exercise with fever, vomiting or blood in urine
• Hot yoga when you are dehydrated
• Jumping or bouncing as a way to dislodge a stone, which can cause injury

Ask your doctor first

If you have a large stone, kidney disease, a stent in place, are pregnant or have heart disease.

Key point

Regular moderate exercise and good hydration help prevent stones. Rest and seek care during acute pain.

Before your appointment

Note when the pain began, where it is, and whether you have noticed blood, fever, nausea or burning in your urine. Record how much you drink and pass urine in a day. List medicines and supplements, especially vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and herbal products. Mention previous stones, gout, bowel surgery, urinary infections and family history. Bring earlier scans and reports. If you pass a stone, save it for analysis. Ask about tests, the stone type and a prevention plan. Call 112 for fever with pain or if you pass no urine.