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Suggesting a trial on which bodily activity would reduce or stop reflux

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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 11/21/2011 8:11 AM (GMT -5)
I am looking for bodily techniques to reduce or stop reflux.

Things I have tried that could work.

Vibrating my body (as if I am shivering) helps to relieves gases in stomach/intestine and reduces bloating.

Massaging certain points on my wrist and leg help to promote digestion and reduce heartburn.

Deep inhalation and holding it for a few seconds help to reduce the burn (pretty pointless because I have to exhale anyway).

Sleeping on my back seems to be better than sleeping on my left or right (some say left is better).
Are there any exotic positions that could reduce/stop reflux?

stkitt, are you fine with this?


* in order to comply with forum rules you need to have admin (Peter's) approval first. I edited your post to keep it within guide lines until you have permission*

Post Edited By Moderator (opnwhl4) : 11/21/2011 6:36:23 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/21/2011 8:32 AM (GMT -5)
Hey WJF, I'm completely down to be your test subject and offer any advice that I can.

Locust pose for Yoga always gets stomach gas moving upwards for me (laying on your stomach, then using your back to lift up your arms and legs;VIEW IMAGE here).

Even if I have a bit of discomfort before I go to Yoga, it goes away over the course of the session, possibly because of my mind being occupied/cleared and also the cool-down relaxation at the end (approx 10 minutes of laying flat on the mat and clearing my mind). I practice Birkram Yoga. I think you might be onto something with the breathing as Yoga also focuses on the breathing patterns very closely.

Sauna knocks it out for me (literally) every single time. Just a couple of minutes and it's out like a light. I can't explain it. I only get to go once a week but I look forward to it so much!

Taking walks doesn't kill the pain for me, but it makes it better while I'm moving and doesn't make it any worse. Plus, I'm burning calories and doing something good for my body. The pain will not win! I will only make myself healthier! Mwahahahaha!

Also, here's the wackiest thing - sleeping on my stomach is the ONLY position I don't get any reflux. Even sleeping on my left side causes it (a classic position for stopping/abetting reflux). If I don't sleep on my tummy, I get that gnawing/empty feeling others have described. Just goes to show how unique we all are :)

Best of luck, hope something here helps you!
Ashley
Posted 11/21/2011 11:22 AM (GMT -5)
Interesting - perhaps you could do it as a survey/poll for exercise and sleeping positions?

Sleeping on my tummy makes me worse, walking can bring on pain, housework involving lots of bending (picking up Lego, hoovering, tidying etc) also brings on pain. I have not found anything, except frequent eating, relieves the pain - sometimes eating brings on the pain. Drinks - of any kind, even water, usually bring on pain or the gnawing false hunger sensation.

MMM
Posted 11/21/2011 8:35 PM (GMT -5)
MMM-

I too had the false hunger to ease my symptoms after my wrap came undo in April. Silly isn't!

Take care,
Bill
Posted 11/22/2011 6:45 PM (GMT -5)
WJF...i have found that the "lazy" push up position never gives me problems...you know assume a push up position and then let your hips and belly sag to the floor (or bed)

but hey...who the heck can sleep like that? as a substitute i sometimes "conk out" face down on my wedge on the floor and that kinda works

my bed is inclined about 8 inches...radical, but when i sleep face down on it i reflex about half the times....50% success aint good enough... is it

so its mostly sleeping on left side for me on inclined bed...note if i broke the rules and ate a meal after 6 then its the chair for sleeping until well after midnight...ouch

best wishes, mt
Posted 11/22/2011 7:34 PM (GMT -5)
These breathing exercises have been helping me reduce the intensity and frequency of the symptoms: Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, Kapalbhati, Pranayam breathing.

I also do some variations of these - when I am sitting at my desk or at home and if I can somehow direct the breath towards the LES area in general, I feel that I can control the tLESrs. Of course one can not be doing these all the time - but I am hoping that these can help reduce the tLESrs and help get the LES to go back to its normal functioning.

I do want to mention here that these may or may not work for everyone - so do use your own discretion and if you feel these make things worse, then don't do it.

Post Edited (PPI-LESS) : 11/22/2011 6:14:40 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/23/2011 3:15 AM (GMT -5)
I tried to sleep on my stomach to see if it's better, hmmm, no luck.

I usually sleep on an inclined bed (raised 8 inches). when reflux occurs, I will switch to sleep while sitting on a sofa (so that my esophagus is close to vertical). I would cross my legs and raise my knees, put the lower part of my shirt on my knees, so that my legs are stable. The sofa fits the shape of my spine perfectly when I add something soft to support my lower back, I can relax and sleep without problem.

Sleeping on bed is still more relaxing and easier than sofa. The trick is when the reflux wakes me up, i quickly do the transition to sofa. So I am usually still sleepy and can relax and sleep fairly quickly.

In the worse case when the vertical sleep doesn't help, I will have to take some antacid.

It's good to find a way to be a backup plan, in case reflux strikes, so that you always get some sleep.

 

Post Edited (WJF) : 11/23/2011 1:20:27 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/26/2011 6:45 AM (GMT -5)
I am trying the hiatal hernia natural treatment written here:
drbenkim.com/articles/hiatal-hernia-treatment.htm
Several comments seem to point out that the water and jumping technique worked.

(Please read the balloon analogy in one of the comments, theoretically it should work)

I have sliding hiatal hernia. I tried the water and jumping technique today, and didn't get any reflux from meals. But then it will take at least 1 week to find out if it works, plus my problem is usually tLESr that happens at night.
Posted 11/26/2011 5:10 PM (GMT -5)
I was surprised the instructions include a lying down stage (to relax). Lying down flat with GERD is impossible for most people, which makes me wonder if the author has a true understanding of the symptoms most people have! Let us know how it goes!

MMM
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