Simple Breathing May Help GERD

I've long been a believer in Nauli Breathing (search youtube for examples) for help with Gastroenteritis and other intestinal disorders. Please read below. 

 

Simple Breathing Exercises May Help GERD

(January 4, 2012) Are you looking for a way to treat gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) symptoms while using less medication? A recent scientific study suggests that learning a simple breathing exercise may help.

Reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is surrounded by the diaphragm, becomes weak. In a recent scientific study, a group of people who had active GERD without esophageal erosion, were trained to practice abdominal breathing exercises to strengthen the diaphragm muscle. After a month, they reported an average reduction in symptoms compared to a control group who did not practice deep breathing. After nine months, they reported using less on-demand reflux medication than the control group, as well.

The study was very small, so further research is needed before we know if this is an effective treatment for GERD symptoms. Also, not all of the study participants were able to stick with the breathing exercises through the whole month – some reported that they were just “too lazy,” or that using medication was easier. So you’ll need to be dedicated about practicing these techniques if you hope to see results.

_{Source:  Eherer  AJ, Netolitzky F, Högenauer C, et al. Positive effect of abdominal breathing exercise on gastroesophageal reflux disease: a randomized, controlled study. Am J Gastroenterol advance online publication 6 December 2011; doi: 10.1038/ajg.2011.420.}

Want to try an abdominal breathing exercise for yourself? Follow the instructions below:

A Simple Breathing Technique Typically, our breathing is either shallow and irregular (chest or thoracic breathing), or deep and regular (abdominal or diaphragmatic). Shallow chest breathing is often associated with muscle tension. Deeper abdominal breathing, on the other hand, is associated with reduced muscle tension and relaxation. There are many breathing techniques that can be quickly and easily learned. While initially the positive effects are often subtle, benefits increase over time. Here is a simple breathing technique: Sit straight in a comfortable position with your arms and legs uncrossed Breathe in comfortably into your abdomen – the area between your chest and your hips. (If you are not used to diaphragmatic breathing, place your palm over your belly button to feel it rise and fall with each breath.) Pause briefly before you exhale. Each time your exhale, count silently to yourself, “One…two…three…four.” Repeat this cycle, counting your exhalations in sets of four, for five to ten minutes. Notice your breathing gradually slowing, your body relaxing, and your mind calming as you practice this breathing technique. Excerpted from IFFGD publication #526, “Nonulcer Dyspepsia” By: W. Grant Thompson, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada