What is the relationships between Yoga and Gerd? Have you ever felt like your stomach has been set on fire? Have you ever experienced a super burning sensation in your chest, which gradually moves up to your throat? If you answered yes, you are most likely witnessing the symptoms of acidity or acid reflux, more commonly known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GERD is a condition where stomach acid moves up to the esophagus and irritates its sensitive lining. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD are as complicated as its name! The symptoms range from burning sensation in stomach, chest, and throat to coughing, hoarseness, sensation of heat in your ears, palms and feet. Some of the common causes of GERD are obesity, taking meals at irregular intervals, consuming junk, spicy, and fatty food, alcohol and cigarettes, excessive tea and coffee, among other things. Stress and an unhealthy lifestyle are also key contributing factors. GERD, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health disorders such as ulcer and cancer.
Further, research studies reveal that pranayama or yogic breathing exercises help to keep stress levels in check. Stress and anxiety are some of the key factors causing acid reflux problems. Breathing exercises such as Sudarshan Kriya and Anuloma-Viloma help to lessen the stress-related or anxiety-related disorders. Furthermore, several yoga poses, such as Tadasana, Uttanasana, help in improving the digestive system, which helps to keep stomach and digestive disorders at bay.
A research article published in 2013 in the International Journal of Yoga concludes that Kapalbhati and Agnisar Kriya in conjunction with medication can help in reducing the symptoms of GERD. Agnisar Kriya is a method of flapping abdominal muscles in and out to improve digestion.
References:
Brown, Richard P., and Patricia L. Gerbarg. “Sudarshan Kriya yogic breathing in the treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression: part I-neurophysiologic model.” Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine 11.1 (2005): 189-201.
Gupta, Pranay Kumar, et al. “Anuloma-Viloma pranayama and anxiety and depression among the aged.” Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology 36.1 (2010): 159-164.
Sengupta, Pallav. “Health Impacts of Yoga and Pranayama: A State-of-the-Art Review.” International Journal of Preventive Medicine 3.7 (2012): 444–458. Print.
Kaswala, Dharmesh, et al. “Can yoga be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease?.” International journal of yoga 6.2 (2013): 131.
Kirkwood, Graham, et al. “Yoga for anxiety: a systematic review of the research evidence.” British Journal of Sports Medicine 39.12 (2005): 884-891.
Kuttner, Leora, et al. “A randomized trial of yoga for adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome.” Pain Research & Management: The Journal of the Canadian Pain Society 11.4 (2006): 217.
Kumar, Ravinder. “Care and Cure: Power of Yoga.” International Journal of Science and Research, Volume 3, Issue 2 (2014).
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