Hi Gail! Thanks for your inquiry. As you may know, a hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of your stomach bulges through the large muscle separating your abdomen & chest (diaphragm). If the hernia is not too severe and your doctor did not recommend surgery, it is possible it can heal with exercises and stretches that can strengthen the diaphragm. These exercises can potentially even relieve some symptoms.
I suggest you look through our Better Breathing Playlist to find some gentle breathing exercises that will help you learn how to engage your diaphragm. https://watch.yogavista.tv/programs/wellness-practices-for-better-breathing
This is a great educational video that will help you to understand and visualize how your diaphragm works so that when you do the breathing exercises, you can envision the movement. https://watch.yogavista.tv/programs/sherry-justine-the-diaphragm-and-our-breathing
Sending you prayers for healing!
Blessings,
Sherry Zak Morris, Certified Yoga Therapist
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18 Oct 09:32