An inguinal hernia can make everyday activities such as walking, lifting, exercising, or even standing for extended periods uncomfortable. Many people first notice a small bulge in the groin that gradually becomes more noticeable or painful over time. While some hernias may initially cause only mild discomfort, they should never be ignored, as they can worsen and may require medical treatment.

At Westbury Acupuncture, Jae Won Kim, L.Ac. provides personalized acupuncture treatments designed to support patients before or after medical treatment by helping reduce pain, ease muscle tension, and promote overall wellness during recovery.

Common Causes of an Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia develops when tissue, such as part of the intestine or fatty tissue, pushes through a weakened area of the abdominal wall in the groin.

Several factors can contribute to its development, including:

• • Weakness in the abdominal muscles
  • Heavy lifting
  • Chronic coughing
  • Frequent constipation and straining
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging
  • Previous abdominal surgery
  • Family history
  • Smoking

Because an inguinal hernia involves a weakness in the abdominal wall, proper medical evaluation is important to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• • A bulge in the groin or scrotum
  • Groin pain or aching
  • A feeling of heaviness or pressure
  • Burning or pulling sensations
  • Pain that worsens with lifting, coughing, or bending
  • Discomfort after prolonged standing
  • Weakness in the groin area

Some people experience only mild discomfort, while others notice increasing pain as the hernia enlarges.

How Acupuncture May Help

Acupuncture may serve as a complementary therapy to help:

• • Reduce pain and discomfort
  • Relax tight surrounding muscles
  • Improve circulation
  • Support recovery after hernia surgery
  • Promote relaxation
  • Help manage stress related to chronic pain
  • Support overall wellness during recovery

Treatment plans are customized based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and stage of recovery.

The Importance of Addressing an Inguinal Hernia Early

Ignoring an inguinal hernia may allow it to grow larger over time and increase the risk of complications. In some cases, part of the intestine can become trapped within the hernia, creating a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical care.

Seeking evaluation early allows your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment and helps reduce the risk of serious complications.

Personalized Care at Westbury Acupuncture

One patient shared, “Before beginning treatment, I constantly felt discomfort and pressure in my groin that made simple activities like walking, standing for long periods, and lifting objects uncomfortable. I found myself avoiding many daily tasks because I was worried about making it worse. As I continued with treatment alongside my doctor’s recommendations, I noticed my discomfort gradually decreased, I was moving more comfortably, and my recovery became much easier. The improvements gave me greater confidence and helped me return to my normal routine with much less pain.”

Every patient’s recovery journey is unique. Whether you are managing discomfort while awaiting surgery or recovering afterward, Jae Won Kim, L.Ac. takes a personalized approach to care that complements your medical treatment plan.

Our goal is to help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, ease muscle tension, and support your body’s natural healing process so you can return to your daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia and are looking for supportive care during your recovery, Westbury Acupuncture may be able to help.

Contact our office at (516) 500-8281 to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how acupuncture may complement your overall treatment plan.