The next important step towards treating hiatus hernia is relaxation. An important measure in this direction is diaphragmatic breathing. The procedure is an follows: Lie down with both knees bent and feet close to buttocks. Feel relaxed, put both the hands lightly on the abdomen and concentrate the attention on this area. Now breathe in, gently, pushing the abdomen up under the hands at the same time, until no more air can be inhaled. Then relax, breathing out through the mouth with an audible sighing sound and allow the abdominal wall to sink back. The shoulders and chest should remain at rest throughout.

It is important to be able to relax at any time and thereby prevent building up of physical and mental tensions which may cause actual physical symptoms. The best method for this is to practise shavasana or 'dead body' pose.

The patient of hiatus hernia should observe certain precautions in eating habits. The foremost among these is not to take water with meals, but half an hour before or an hour after a meal. This helps the digestive process considerably and reduces the incident of heart-burn. Drinking water with meals increases the overall weight in the stomach, slows down the digestive process by diluting the digestive juices and this increases the risk of fermentation and gas formation, which distends the stomach and causes discomfort and pain. Another important factor in the treatment of this disease is to take frequent small meals instead of three large ones. Thorough mastication of food is also essential, both to break up the food into small particles and to slow down the rate of intake.

The diet of the patient should consist of seeds, nuts and whole cereal grains, vegetables and fruits, with emphasis on fresh fruits, raw or lighly-cooked vegetables and sprouted seeds. The foods which should be avoided are over-processed foods like white bread, sugar, cakes, biscuits, rice puddings and overcooked vegetables. At least 50 per cent of the diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, and the remaining 50 per cent of protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Raw juices extracted from fresh fruits and vegetables are valuable in hiatus hernia, and the patient should take these juices half an hour before each meal. Carrot juice is especially beneficial as it has a very restorative effect, being rich in Vitamin A and calcium. It is an alkaline food, which soothes the stomach. Tomato juice is also very beneficial. A glassful of fresh tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken early in the morning, will relieve the constant burning sensation in the chest due to hiatus hernia.

The use of rice has been found valuable in hiatus hernia. A thick grual of rice mixed with a glassful of buttermilk and a well ripe banana taken twice daily is a very nutritious diet in indigestion and burning caused by hiatus hernia.

The hot drinks should always be allowed to cool a little before taking. Extremes in temperature both in food and drink should be avoided. Drinks should. not be taken hurriedly. The patient should avoid condiments, pickles, tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and smoking.