Hernia

The Immune System

Hernia is the protrusion of any internal organ through an abnormal opening anywhere in the body. By far the most common forms of hernia are those which occur through sites of natural weakness in the lower muscular wall of the abdomen through which a portion or loop of the intestine may find its way under certain conditions.

Hernia has mainly three types:

(1) Inguinal hernia 
(2) Femoral Hernia
(3) Umbilical hernia. 

Inguinal hernia: 

Inguinal hernia is the most common, accounting for over 70% of all external hernias. It is 20 times more common in men than in women and occurs when a part of the abdominal contents pushes into the inguinal canal. This is a narrow passage in groin through which the testis descends into the scrotum before birth. The contents of the hernia may pass down into the scrotum, which becomes quite large. This form of hernia may be difficult to distinguish from an independent swelling of the testis or scrotum such as hydrocele, and a medical examination is always advised in order that the scrotal swelling is accurately diagnosed.

Femoral hernia:

This is the next most common type accounting for 17% of all hernias and usually occurs in women. Here the abdominal contents move into the front of the thigh through an opening, which carries the femoral artery into the leg. This artery is the major supplier of blood to the leg.

Umbilical hernia:

Umbilical hernia is the third most common type, accounting for 8% of all hernias. Here the hernia sac bulges out through the umbilicus (navel) where a natural weakness in the abdominal muscles exists. This form of hernia usually appears at birth or in infancy, but may also occur in an obese and weak abdomen in middle age. 

A number of factors act alone or in combination to weaken the abdominal muscles. In the first place there may be a development defect or a congenital weakness of the abdominal muscles or ligaments, so that a hernia occurs soon after birth. A powerful and sudden muscular effort such as lifting a heavy weight without care may tear muscles and ligaments to produce a hernia and this is the usual cause of hernia in a young man or woman. 

Any condition where the intra-abdominal pressure is raised may contribute to hernia. For example, a smoker's cough continuing for months or years; straining to pass urine due to an enlarged prostate, and constipation accompanied by straining at defecation. In constipation, there is generally weakening and dissipation of 'apana vayu' (the aspect of prana responsible for downward propulsion and expulsion of wastes from the body) necessitating straining. These are major causes of hernia in middle age. 

The management of hernia depends on its nature and severity. Yogic practices are the best in the prevention of hernia and are often curative for hernias due to weak abdominal muscles and overburdened intestines, especially in newly developing hernias. Most hernias will benefit from a few months of persistent practice of specific asanas, combined with modifications in diet and life style. However, surgical correction of hernia is often successful and is recommended in long standing hernias, in cases where there is a risk of obstruction or strangulation, or if the hernia has developed to large and unmanageable proportions. 

Asanas should not be practised while a hernia remains in an unreduced state. Any hernia should first be cured inside the abdomen by careful and expert manipulation. 

1. Asanas: Pawanmuktasana 1 & 2 especially Naukasana, butterfly position. Halasana Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Vajrasana, Shashankasana, Marjariasana, ushtrasana, Vipareeta karani, Supta Vajrasana.

2. Pranayama: Bhramani Pranayama, and Yoga Nidra.

Shyam