Summary:
Some yoga exercises, such as Surya Namaskar, Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Locust Pose (Shalabhasana), Bow Pose (Dhanurasana), Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), and pranayama like Kapalabhati, are not recommended for people with hernia. If someone has been diagnosed with a hernia, they should avoid these yoga postures, as they can worsen their condition.
Yoga expert Subodh Gupta says, “If practitioners don’t have proper knowledge of their body and yoga, their ignorance can lead them straight to the operating room.”
Yoga and Health – A Global Movement
Today, yoga needs no introduction. It is recognized worldwide as an ancient and powerful system of personal development. Every day, millions of people practice yoga for their physical and mental health. The media has also highlighted its benefits, turning it into a global movement — people are turning to yoga to reduce stress, maintain a fit body, and find inner peace.
Are All Yoga Exercises Safe for Everyone?
This is a serious question whose answer every yoga practitioner and teacher must carefully understand. Yoga is an exact science — every posture, movement, and breathing technique has a specific effect on the body’s organs and muscles. If a posture is done incorrectly or without understanding, it can be harmful.
Expert Opinion – Subodh Gupta
India’s well-known yoga expert Subodh Gupta says,
“Just as every medicine does not work the same for every patient, similarly, not every yoga exercise is safe for every person. If someone has a hernia, certain yoga postures can prove to be very dangerous for them.”
He explained that certain yoga poses, such as Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Cobra Pose, Locust Pose, Bow Pose, Standing Forward Bend, and Kapalabhati, should be avoided if you have been diagnosed with a hernia. These postures increase abdominal pressure, which can be harmful to a hernia.
Why Hernia Patients Need to Be Extra Careful
Subodh Gupta also highlighted an important medical fact: In the US alone, half a million hernia surgeries are performed each year. In the UK, approximately 2 percent of people are affected by hernias. These statistics show that hernias are a common problem, but not everyone recognizes their condition.
Many people try advanced yoga postures without understanding their body’s signals — and that mistake can lead them to surgery.
What Causes a Hernia?
- Heavy weight lifting
- Excessive jumping or jerking movements
- Straining during constipation
- Chronic coughing
- Sudden abdominal pressure
Now think about it — if someone practices yoga that involves jumping or high abdominal strain (like Ashtanga Yoga), how risky it can be for someone with a hernia.
Celebrity Example: Madonna’s Case
Subodh Gupta cited a famous example — Madonna, who regularly practices Ashtanga Yoga (developed by renowned yoga guru Shri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore). Madonna had to undergo surgery after a hernia. The Ashtanga yoga series involves many jumping and transition movements that are completely unsafe for hernia patients.
This case is a warning — no matter how fit or famous you are, if you ignore your body’s signals, even yoga can cause harm.
Awareness and Responsibility in Yoga Practice
Subodh Gupta made another very important point:
“Are yoga teachers clearly explaining the precautions before teaching difficult poses? And do yoga practitioners listen carefully to those precautions?”
These two questions should be discussed in every yoga class.
The Problem with Online Learning
Today, many people start practicing yoga by watching YouTube videos or online tutorials without the guidance of a qualified teacher. But yoga isn’t casual exercise — it’s a discipline and a knowledge-based science. If someone has a hernia, they should inform their teacher and consult a doctor before starting any asanas.
Gentle breathing, meditation, and mild stretching exercises are more suitable for hernia patients — practices that relax the body without increasing pressure.
Ignorance Can Lead to Surgery
Subodh Gupta warned — “Practitioners must understand that their ignorance and lack of knowledge of yoga can lead them directly to the operating room.”
This means that if you’re blindly practicing yoga without understanding your body condition, you’re gambling with your health. Incorrect posture or pressure can cause internal tears, which may later lead to surgery.
The Need for Trained Teachers and Educated Practitioners
Today, many renowned yoga gurus — whether from India or the West — are striving to make yoga safe and accessible. Yet, a lack of precaution and awareness is still prevalent.
Many people join yoga simply as a trend, without knowing which poses they should avoid. Without proper training and knowledge, even simple postures can cause injury. Therefore, yoga teachers also have a duty to understand each student’s health background and provide specific guidance.
Public Awareness Message
Subodh Gupta’s message is intended as a public awareness message:
“Yoga is a very powerful tool — but only if you practice it responsibly. If you don’t take precautions, it can cause harm instead of benefit.”
He says that every yoga practitioner should practice yoga based on their body awareness, limitations, and medical conditions. And teachers should also ensure that proper precautions are explained to every student.
Conclusion
Yoga is undoubtedly a divine science that balances the mind, body, and soul. But like every system, it has its rules and boundaries. In conditions like hernia, certain poses can be life-threatening.
Precautions for Hernia Patients:
- Avoid postures that cause heavy abdominal pressure.
- Avoid jumping or fast movements.
- Do not perform forceful pranayama like Kapalabhati and Bhastrika.
- Always consult your doctor or a certified yoga therapist.
Remember —
The purpose of yoga is to heal and strengthen the body, not to torture it.
If you practice yoga with awareness and respect for your body, you can enjoy its true benefits.
