Hi, I get so much benefit out of spinal breathing pranayama and I'm reluctant to give it up. I have a hernia which gurgles as the breath moves towards the third eye. I am on medication to stop the hernia giving me reflux. Many yoga teachers contraindicate kapalabhati but should this also include spinal breathing?
A little worried the extra force (although gentle) may cause the hernia to grow/ get worse.
I can see why kapalabhati is not a good idea if you have hernia - it's the pressure it creates in the abdomen, isn't it? Therefore if you avoid creating any more pressure than with normal breathing when you do your spinal breathing, I would say you should be fine. Especially if you focus on tracing the spinal nerve up and down, while keeping the breath gentle. Just make sure you don't force at all.
All the best
Edited by - BlueRaincoat on Dec 25 2016 12:01:05 PM
Good advice from Blue. I would get clearance from the doctor, since you have a medical condition before practicing any form of pranayam.
Kapalbhati also known as breath of fire is much stronger than spinal breathing and best to avoid it in your situation . If it helps, I practiced Spinal Breathing throughout my pregnancy without adverse affect.
Hernia with S B Pranayama
Posted - Dec 25 2016 : 09:11:54 AM
