Umbilical Hernia Repair?

Answered by Michael Lee, MA, founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy.

I'm recovering from an umbilical hernia repair, but I was really out of shape pre-surgery. I'm trying to help my body heal but also tighten things up to lose some weight. What kind of yoga postures would help me? -Nancy

Make losing some weight your priority for now, Nancy.  While your body is healing this is an ideal time. To begin with, take a walk every day. Start with short distances and then increase. Before and after your walk do some gentle yoga stretching, but take care not to do anything to aggravate the area around your surgery. Once your abdomen is healed the technique known as Uddiyana-bhanda (or stomach pumping) can help tighten your abdomen and much more. This is a fairly detailed practice however, and you should find a teacher who can help you learn how to do it properly. As you lose weight, it will become more effective and easier to do.


Michael Lee, MA is the founder of Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy, and the author of several books including “Turn Stress Into Bliss” (Fairwinds Press).  For more information on Michael and his work visit the Phoenix Rising website.

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