Blowing up balloons - A simple relief for acid reflux.

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia after having suffered from acid reflux or GERD for a long time. Nexium was prescribed and it helped a little but the reflux persisted until I started blowing up balloons after reading about the benefits on the internet. There was immediate relief and this practice strengthened my diaphragm so now the condition rarely troubles me. It took a while to refine my technique until i was satisfied with the outcome. Needless to say, this practice has now become a valued and useful part of my lifestyle.

Here's how it works for me. Several times a day (at least twice) I partially blow up a balloon without undue exertion - three steady puffs are enough - then carefully let it deflate (by taking the balloon out of my mouth and using my fingers as a valve) while my lungs refill The trick is, during the slow release of air from the balloon, to not take deliberate breaths but just allow the lungs to fill naturally with air (ie do not deep breathe.) This is important - no hyperventilating. Repeat this sequence it will become quite effortless, very calming and, eventually, second nature.

I enjoy this activity for perhaps 20 minutes each session - usually at bedtimes but often in the middle of the day on a sun lounge - always lying down and listening to music or so it becomes a kind of meditation. That sense of relaxation is a most welcome feeling as is my much improved lung capacity. However the vital outcome is that (provided my diet is sensible) the reflux or GERD is no longer a problem (and my Nexium tablets remain in their packet). Plus there are literally dozens of other benefits achieved by this simple breath control exercise - lower blood pressure and increased mental acuity being two.

Blowing up balloons certainly works for me. (And I'm now 73, expecting to live well into old age, my future untroubled  by the acid reflux of my past!) I hope it gives you relief also.

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