Yoga for Hiatal Hernia – What Asana Should I Use?
Hiatal Hernia Condition
It may seem farfetched to think that yoga for hiatal hernia symptom relief can be useful, but there are many ways that people have used the art of balancing the mind and body to help bring about various types of pain relief. It may not work for everyone, but for people who find yoga to be therapeutic, it can be a great additional remedy for the common condition. However, some positions, or asanas as they are also often called, may be more beneficial than others. Yoga for hiatal hernia symptom relief may provide both physical and mental benefits if used properly.
From the perspective of mental benefits, one way in which yoga has been proven time and time again is with regards to relieving stress. Another of the better known alternative hiatal hernia remedies, acupuncture, can work in the same way. Stress can bring about the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the condition as they relate to acid reflux. Almost all hiatal hernia remedies work to reduce the amount of stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus.
This process, which is common in people with the condition, causes irritation and inflammation. The underlying cause might relate to a misplacement or movement of the sphincter that helps keep acid from backing up and leads to hiatal hernia pain symptoms, although the hernia itself is not directly responsible – rather the stomach acid. Yoga for hiatal hernia symptom relief does not directly impact the amount of acid that is in the stomach, however its stress relief benefits can serve as a means to eliminate or reduce this common trigger.
Another way in which yoga for hiatal hernia symptom relief may also be beneficial is from a physical perspective. Any type of regular physical activity can be associated with better overall health, and even though yoga is considered low energy and low impact, it can still be a part of a healthy and active lifestyle. In fact, hiatal hernia exercise is often recommended by healthcare providers for both its physical and mental benefits.
When it comes to specific poses or asanas to use in yoga for hiatal hernia symptom relief, the solution is really two fold. There are some that are ideal, and there are some that are best avoid. For instance, some of the best are the mountain pose and the extended triangle pose. The mountain pose involves a standing position with shoulders parallel and deep, soothing breaths. The arms can be slowly raised upwards or outstretched to the sides. In the extended triangle pose, a sitting position gives way to alternating foot positions along their opposing thighs. The arms can be extended upwards while deep, calming breaths are taken. The extended triangle position is also thought to help reduce stomach acid. Both of these positions avoid bending repeatedly at the abdomen or inversion, both which can be problematic in persons with hiatal hernia symptoms.
Inversions and bending can allow stomach acid to travel where it does not belong. Therefore some asanas should be avoided by persons considering yoga for hiatal hernia symptom relief because they can be very counterproductive and actually produce symptoms. For instance, the cobra, the wheel pose and the boat pose all may allow stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Anytime that the body becomes inverted or takes a “v” shape, this process may occur, so it is advisable to avoid these asanas altogether.
Although the standard in treatment for hiatal hernia symptom relief is often medications, some people may choose not to take a daily prescription due to side effects, or may find that they are not effective enough on their own. In these cases, there are numerous types of hiatal hernia natural treatment options to consider, and many of them are very effective. For instance, a hiatal hernia diet that eliminates trigger foods like those that are spicy, fatty, sugary or fried can be very beneficial. Additionally, there are many herbs and essential oils that can provide relief in their own ways whether they aid in digestion or bring about stress relief via aromatherapy. Yoga for hiatal hernia symptoms can work in numerous ways to help reduce anxiety and stress, provide healthy and low impact physical activity for better overall health, and might even help reduce the stomach acidity that is responsible for the discomfort associated with the condition.
References:
http://healingnaturallybybee.com/hiatal-hernia-self-adjustment-technique-treatments/
http://livewell.jillianmichaels.com/yoga-poses-not-hiatal-hernia-4193.html