Understanding Bladder Infections
Bladder infections, also called urinary tract infections (UTIs), refer to bacteria getting into the urethra and traveling up to the bladder. This leads to uncomfortable infection symptoms like:
- Burning feeling when urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Chills, fever, nausea
Women are at greater risk for bladder infections due to their shorter urethras. Certain lifestyle factors may also increase susceptibility.
Using Antibiotics for Bladder Infections
Bladder infections often require antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to clear the bacterial overgrowth. But antibiotics come with downsides like:
- Killing beneficial bacteria
- Increasing future UTI recurrence
- Side effects like nausea or diarrhea
- Potential antibiotic resistance over time
For uncomplicated bladder infections, natural remedies like certain yoga poses can help resolve symptoms faster and prevent future flare ups.
How Yoga Helps Bladder Health
Several ways yoga benefits your bladder naturally include:
Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
Poses that engage the pelvic floor and lower abs can strengthen muscles involved with urination and continence.
Enhancing Circulation to the Bladder
Twists, hip openers, and core exercises boost healthy blood flow to the bladder to fight infection.
Removing Tension Around the Bladder
Certain poses help relax muscles and tissues in the abdomen, hips, and low back around the bladder.
Stimulating the Vagus Nerve
The calming effects of yoga help deactivate the body's "fight or flight" stress response to let the body heal more efficiently.
Best Yoga Poses for Preventing Bladder Infections
Bridge Pose
Lifting the hips in Bridge strengthens pelvic floor muscles involved in continence and urine control.
Locust Pose
This back bend pose engages core muscles essential for pelvic health and preventing leakage issues.
Bound Angle Pose
Bound Angle’s hip opener stretch increases circulation to the bladder to flush away bacteria.
Yoga Poses to Alleviate Bladder Infection Symptoms
Child’s Pose
The resting stretch in Child’s Pose removes tension in the low back and sacrum near the bladder.
Seated Forward Fold
Seated Forward Bend massages the bladder area gently while calming the nervous system.
Legs Up the Wall
The inverted action of Legs Up the Wall pose improves circulation to the bladder to aid healing.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Completely relaxing the body reduces anxiety and lets healing occur most efficiently.
Incorporating Holistic Health Approaches
Using yoga for bladder infections works best alongside other positive lifestyle adjustments like:
- Staying hydrated with clean water
- Urinate before and after intercourse
- Wipe front-to-back after using toilet
- Take probiotics to replenish good bacteria
Avoid Certain Food Triggers
Steer clear of food and drinks that may aggravate bladder health like:
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated drinks
- Acidic items like citrus, tomatoes, vinegar
- Spicy foods
- Bladder irritants like sugar, gluten, soy
Consider Herbal Remedies
Herbs like goldenseal, bearberry leaf, and dandelion may help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrences.
Yoga Routine for Healing Bladder Infections
Try this 15-minute sequence 3 times per week to improve bladder health:
Bridge Pose - 30 seconds
Locust Pose - 30 seconds each side
Child’s Pose - 1 minute
Bound Angle Pose - 1 minute each side
Seated Forward Fold - 2 minutes
Legs Up the Wall - 3 minutes
Savasana - 5 minutes
Practicing Yoga as Part of UTI Recovery
During an active bladder infection:
- Attend gentle or restorative yoga classes only
- Modify poses to your needs and abilities
- Wear loose clothing and avoid active inversions
- Only hold poses for short durations
- Savasana whenever needed to let the body recharge
Nourishing the body through integrative modalities like yoga, nutrition, stress management, and appropriate medical care allows infections to resolve quicker and supports sustainable wellness overall.
FAQs
How can yoga help resolve a bladder infection?
Yoga strengthens muscles involved in continence, boosts circulation to the bladder, removes tension in surrounding tissues, and activates the body's relaxation response to heal more efficiently.
What yoga poses are best for bladder health?
Bridge pose, locust, bound angle, child's pose, seated forward fold, and legs up the wall are excellent options for improving bladder health and control.
Can I practice yoga while I currently have a UTI?
Yes, but stick to gentle, restorative classes during an active infection. Modify poses as needed, wear loose clothes, avoid excessive holding of poses.
How often should I do yoga to prevent UTIs?
Aim for a 15-20 minute sequence focused on pelvic and core strengthening 3 times per week. Combine with lifestyle adjustments for best prevention.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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