Yogasana For Umbilical Hernia

(February 19, 2009)

I am 32 yrs. with 5 yrs. old twins through C section I now have umbilical hernia. I need to reduce weight & abdominal fat before surgery. I have a lot of belly flab. what yogasana can I safely do to reduce weight & flab

First, let us understand what umbilical hernia is. This is a protrusion of any internal organ, the result of weakness in muscles surrounding it. The weakness could either be congenital or may be acquired later on.

Hernias are, usually, rather painful and sometimes carry a danger that the tissue which could have fallen through the muscle wall could end up getting strangulated. As a result it gets stuck and circulation gets cut off. Emergency surgery is normally done in this case, necessary before the tissue begins to die.

Yogasana for umbilical hernia

If you are diagnosed with a hernia it definitely doesn’t mean it does not imply that you will be incapacitated or debilitated for the rest of your life. As a matter of fact, you can cure your own umbilical hernia just through Yoga practices. However, for all types of hernia, it is imperative that you consult a trusted medical professional (as well as a qualified Yoga teacher).

Yogic practices are definitely very helpful in reducing symptoms of umbilical hernia such as fullness, heaviness and pain. Then again, Yoga will help only in the early stage of hernia when there is just a little bulge that is reducible. When it turns irreducible and large, Yoga will not be able to help by itself. Still you can continue the practices to stop the growth and worsening of the condition. These can also help after the hernia has been treated to prevent any relapse. It is vital that you know which practices are good and which are not good for hernia. We suggest you begin with some yogic sit-ups.

Among the physical posture you should avoid all dynamic poses. Likewise, avoid Paschimottanasana (forehead to knees pose), Dhanurasana (bow pose) and Chakrasana (wheel pose). Also avoid rapid abdominal breathing exercises like Kapalabhatti (skull cleansing), and Bhastrika (Bellows breath).

Among the helpful Yoga practices for treatment of umbilical hernia are all the inverted postures. These include Viparita Karani (legs against the wall pose), Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), Matsyasana (fish pose), Halasana (plough pose). Navasana (boat pose) and Ardha Navasana (half boat pose). These help strengthen the abdominal muscles and are, therefore, highly recommended. Also practise deep abdominal breathing while maintaining all the poses. Do the inverted poses at least twice daily on an empty stomach. This will definitely show remarkable results within a short period of time.

If the symptoms refuse to recede or go away and if the swelling continues to increase despite you regular Yoga practices you just might have to go in for surgery.

Yoga for Obesity

For your obesity, considering your health condition (hernia) we wouldn’t recommend any exercises or Yoga practices other than those prescribed above. Just abide by a Yogic diet. This means you should have a Sattvic (predominantly vegetarian and light) diet that is rich in sprouts, seasonal fruits and salads. Avoid all fried, fatty and spicy foods, rice, junk / fast foods, milk and milk product, particularly cheeses and butter. Above all, don’t touch any alcohol or cigarettes.

Submitted by A on February 19, 2009 at 04:15