Apologies for having missed your question and delay in the reply. At the outset, let understand that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring of muscle that forms a valve at the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach. The LES stays closed except during swallowing, when it allows food to pass from the esophagus into the stomach.
LES is composed of a bundle of smooth muscle and functions to protect the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. When the LES fails to close, it allows stomach acid to splash up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing severe acid reflux and heartburn.
In milder cases of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), lifestyle changes may allow the body to heal itself. However, sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough. So, you may try these lifestyles that may lessen the symptoms or avoid recurring problems like the following:
- You may avoid foods that may increase reflux, like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and mint-flavored foods. Bland fibre restricted diet. Frequent Small meals. Please consult with your dietitician as well before attempting such dietary changes.
- You may also think of maintaining your healthy weight through proper diet and exercise. Excess abdominal fat is believed to increase gastric herniation and reflux.
- You may avoid bending, especially soon after eating.
- You may avoid lying down after eating. Omission of food for several hours before bed time. You may wait 3 hours after eating to lie down or go to bed.
- You may try to raise the head of your bed, if possible.
So far as yogic techniques, relaxation therapies like yoga nidra, deep relaxation techniques (progressive relaxation technique) may help you to calm stress and anxiety that sometimes are triggers for signs and symptoms of heartburn or reflux.
For just sake of information only and not recommendation/suggestion, you may go through the study of yogic techniques on GERD which is available at the following link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3734640/ . This study reports the effects of yoga - regular practice of Kapalbhati and Agnisar kriya - on gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this study, the combined practices of Kapalbhati and Agnisar Kriya have found to increased diaphragmatic tone and lead to reduced transient LES relaxation and increased LES tone. This synergistic effect can thereby decrease the reflux episodes experienced in GERD. Since your details are incomplete, I cannot suggest the recommendations of this study report to be followed without the consultation with your physician or qualified yoga therapist.
For more information, you may please write with complete case history of your partner anonymously.
