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Dee,I think your doctor is on to something ..... two years ago I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia after having suffered from acid reflux or GERD for a long time. Nexium was prescribed and it helped but the reflux persisted until I started blowing up balloons. There was immediate relief and this practice strengthened my diaphragm so now the condition rarely troubles me.

Here's how it works for me. Several times a day (at least twice) I partially blow up a balloon without undue exertion - three puffs are enough - then I let it slowly deflate (taking the balloon out of my mouth and using my fingers as a valve.) The trick is, during that slow release of air from the balloon, to not take deliberate breaths but let the lungs fill naturally (do not deep breathe.) This is most important - no hyperventilating.

I enjoy this activity for 20 minutes a time, lying down and listening to music so it becomes a kind of meditation. That sense of relaxation is a 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). Blowing up balloons certainly works for me.