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Yoga Poses for Appendicitis

When I was 13 I was told that appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. That was because I exhibited all of these symptoms:

• Abdominal swelling
• Pain in the abdomen, first around the belly button, then to the lower right area
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation and inability to pass gas
• Low fever that began after other symptoms

Once it started, there was no effective medical therapy, so it had to be removed. Since my treatment was delayed, my appendix, I was told, could burst anytime, resulting in infection and even death.

The cause of appendicitis, I learnt later in life, relates to blockage of the inside of the appendix. This blockage leads to increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflammation. If not treated, gangrene and rupture (breaking or tearing) of the appendix can result.

Then again, not everyone with appendicitis exhibits all the symptoms. The pain intensifies and worsens when moving, taking deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing. The area gets very tender. People may have a sensation called downward urge, the feeling that a bowel movement will relieve their discomfort.

However, if detected in the early stages, Yoga postures taught with the foundation of optimal body alignment can help and avert surgery. This is because Yoga enables the student to safely achieve maximum benefit from the asanas. In addition, breathing practices are taught and the result is relaxation, personal well-being and spiritual awareness.

The best program for appendicitis, I've come across thus far, consists of the following:

Asanas

• Viparita karani
• Sarvangasana
• Vrikshasana
• Ardha Chandrasana

(Please make it a point to avoid all forward bending poses)

Breathing exercises

• Anuloma-Viloma
• Ujjayi
• Brahmari

Please avoid kapalabhatti and bhastrika as they put stress on the appendix and may even rupture it during practice. Do lots of shavasana and slow breathing (Dirga Pranayayama)

In 3-4 weeks the swelling should subside completely, particularly if accompanied by a Sattvic diet 9Predominantly vegetarian, non-spicy). I have noticed this work time and again on dozens of people, especially young kids. Thats when it attacks the most.

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