Natural Alternative to Hernia Surgery

Hernias are small bulges that occur within your body's muscles, causing extreme discomfort. According to Medline Plus, hernias generally occur in or around your abdomen. The most common type of hernia treatment is conventional surgery, where the muscle is repaired. However, there are alternative treatments that can help relieve the symptoms associated with hernias. Always consult with your doctor for proper treatment, as hernias can lead to other health problems.

Diet

• Morphemeremedies.com recommends that you avoid spicy, acidic foods, and those which contain high fat and cholesterol levels. Such foods can aggravate your stomach or cause it to bloat, thereby worsening hernia pain. Opt for low-fat, high-fiber foods instead.

  Along with a healthy diet, make sure you practice good eating habits to help your abdomen. Do not eat too much food at once; instead, divide it up throughout the day. Sit up straight and eat slowly. Remain sitting or standing for about 20 minutes after eating. Do not eat before bedtime, and avoid tight clothing. Exercise is helpful, especially if you are overweight. However, avoid working out when you are full.

Lifestyle

• According to Morphemeremedies.com, smoking and drinking alcohol can aggravate hernias. It is best to cut these habits out of your lifestyle, as they can adversely damage your health in other ways.

  Make sure you get adequate sleep. Morphemeremedies.com recommends that you elevate your head when you sleep to help prevent stomach acid buildup in your esophagus. Place bricks underneath your bed frame and lift it up half a foot.

  Place ice over your hernia to help dull pain. Do not use heat packs.

Herbs

• Faqs.org reports that stomach acid related to hiatal hernias may be treated with the herb deglycyrrhizinated licorice. Also, Morphemeremdies.com states that American ginseng may also ease your symptoms. For hernia pain, try drinking aloe vera juice. Morphemeremedies.com recommends you drink 1/4 cup twice a day for maximum relief.

Visceral Manipulation

• Visceral manipulation is a type of alternative treatment for a hiatal hernia, according to Faqs.org. Hiatal hernias place pressure on your stomach, forcing it toward your chest. During this treatment, the stomach is moved back from the chest to its original position.

  Your visceral system is comprised of major organs, which includes your stomach. According to the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators (IAHE), visceral manipulation is a type of therapy that utilizes hand manipulation by a professional. Basically, a visceral manipulation specialist massages your stomach back to position from the outside of your body in order to combat a hiatal hernia.