Kidney Stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that develop inside the kidneys. They come in all sizes, which can be as small as a grain of sand and as large as a pearl or even larger. Though the smaller stones can travel through the urinary tract silently, the larger stones can block the flow of urine, with severe pain, infections, and other complications.
Some types of Kidney Stones are as follows:
Understanding the specific type of kidney stone is important in order to achieve the most effective treatment.
Kidney Stones are hard deposits that form inside your kidneys due to excess amounts of certain things in your urine. These stones may be painful when they travel through your urinary tract. The most common Kidney Stones causes are given below :
Kidney Stones usually do not cause symptoms until they move into the ureter, which is the passage connecting the kidney to the bladder. Once a stone enters the ureter, it can potentially block the flow of urine, leading to the following complications:
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Kidney Stones treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
The treatment of Kidney Stones depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones might pass with increased fluid intake and the use of herbal medications. Large stones, however, may require more serious interventions.
In Ayurveda, the treatment of Kidney Stones is done holistically. Ayurveda focuses on dissolving pre-existing stones, while also focusing on preventing further stones from forming, and strengthening the kidneys. It's more of an effort at curing the cause and addressing imbalances in doshas, diet, and dehydration.
Jiva's evidence-based Ayurveda treatments support total-wellness by addressing the root cause of Kidney Stones, all while working to rebalance the governing energy forces in the human body – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and also the mind, body, and spirit.
Additionally, in Ayurveda, the formation of Kidney Stones are said to be associated with a Vata imbalance, the dosha that governs movement and elimination, and Pitta, the dosha that oversees metabolism and digestion.
Factors like improper diet, dehydration, and weak digestion (Agni) can cause such imbalances. To provide holistic relief, Jiva's advanced root-cause based ayurvedic treatments employ HACCP-certified Ayurvedic medicines in the treatment of Kidney Stones along with a plethora of shastriya Ayurvedic therapies, yoga, and meditation. These are supported with counseling for lifestyle and diet management for maximum effectiveness.
The following are some commonly used Ayurvedic medicines and treatments that work well for Kidney Stones:
Besides, a certified Ayurveda practitioner can also recommend ayurvedic therapies alongside specific dietary and lifestyle changes.
In Ayurveda, diet and lifestyle play essential roles in preventing and managing Kidney Stones. In order to effectively manage health during and post Kidney Stones treatment, the following should be included in your routine.
What are the risk factors for Kidney Stones?
Risk factors include dehydration, a family history of the disease, medical conditions such as gout and hyperparathyroidism, and some medications.
How are Kidney Stones diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes the evaluation of a medical history, a physical examination, urine tests, blood tests, etc.
Can Kidney Stones be prevented?
Indeed, living a lifestyle with high liquid intake, dietary changes and keeping a healthy weight can prevent Kidney Stones.
Do Kidney Stones hurt?
Small stones will cause no pain, but the large stones may cause acute pain (renal colic).
How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass?
The period for which a stone stays in the body depends on its size and location. Small stones may pass out within weeks, but larger stones may require a longer time or even medical attention.
Can Ayurveda completely cure Kidney Stones?
Ayurveda can be very effective in dissolving smaller stones and preventing recurrence. For larger stones, it can be used as supportive therapy along with conventional treatment.
What is the role of diet in kidney stone formation?
Diet plays a very significant role in the development as well as recovery of Kidney Stones. Specific foods and dietary practices may elevate the risk associated with stone formation.
Are there any side effects of the Ayurvedic treatment?
Ayurvedic treatment is generally considered safe if given by an experienced practitioner. However, you should always inform your Ayurvedic practitioner of any existing medical conditions or drugs you are currently taking.
How does Ayurveda view the causes of Kidney Stones?
In Ayurveda, the causative factors of Kidney Stones were mainly linked to a Kapha-Vata imbalance. An increased dose of Kapha aggravates and combines with the Vata to cause blocks in the urinary channels where urine gets crystallised resulting in the formation of the stones. Other causes that further develop this imbalance are improper diet habits, suppression of natural urge to urinate, and dehydration.
Which Ayurvedic herbs are recommended for the treatment of Kidney Stones?
Some of the common herbs in use are Pashanbhed (Bergenia ligulata), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), and Kulattha (Macrotyloma uniflorum).