Kidneys, BREATH, and Spinal Flexibility

Published: Wed, 07/12/17

summer yoga fix

Hey ,



If you’ve hang around Satori parts even for a little bit, you know that sooner or later everything somehow connects to the breath.

Kidneys, of course, are no exception.

Today’s exploration moves our focus from the energetic realm of Marma points of Ayurveda and Meridians of TCM, and into the physical ground of the body, to the kidneys as an actual body organ rather than energetic entity.

Kidneys are organs of blood filtration and fluid regulation. They are located at the back of the body under the diaphragm, partially covered by the bottom back ribs.

Because of such close proximity to the diaphragm and the ribcage, breathing and kidneys are closely related:
when you inhale, the kidneys move down an inch or two with the diaphragm;
when you exhale, they move up again.

It may sound odd to feel your kidneys, but being aware of the movement of kidneys and their placement on the left and right side of the spine can improve your breathing, balance, and release both low back and shoulder tension.


Try this kidney - breath visualization:


Low back balance
  1. Bend to the left and to the right, and rotate to the left and to the right, noting the range and ease of motion.

  2. Rub the hands together for a minute to create warmth.

  3. Now place both hands on your back at the level of kidneys.

  4. Imagine kidneys being bathed by the warmth of the hands. Send the breath into the kidneys, and imagine them expanding and contracting with the waves of your breath.

  5. As you inhale, feel (or imagine you feel) your kidneys moving downward; and as you exhale, feel (or imagine you feel) them moving upward.

  6. Remove the hands and notice your alignment. Bend the spine to the left and right, rotate the spine to the left and right, and note any increase in the range or ease of motion.

 
Join us on the mat ( Pain Care classes on Tuesdays and Ball + Yin classes on Wednesdays) for more kidney goodness - all summer classes are run on class-by-class basis so you don't have to register for a several week session.



Have a great week!



And, as usual, see you on the mat!


Julia + Satori Team