Can a hernia self heal?

Is it possible to 'heal' a hernia by yourself?

While it is possible to live with an inguinal hernia, the likelihood of it 'going away' or repairing itself is negligible.  Gentle abdominal muscle exercise, wearing our briefs, dietary regime change and a few other predisposing factors such as weight-loss and stopping smoking will all assist your general health and put less stress on your hernia site.

We have personal testimony from customer telephone calls where they have managed their own hernia to the point that they consider it benign or completely disappeared. However, these are a small, dedicated minority and all followed a (self-imposed) structured dietary and exercise regime. Interestingly, in all cases they wore our briefs at night in addition to daytime, putting continual gentle pressure on the hernia and only removing the brief for washing and hygiene purposes. They also bought a higher than average number of briefs to facilitate this. The common trait that I noted when I listened to them on the telephone is that they were all self-disciplined and focused.

If you can't or will not follow conventional medical wisdom e.g. hernia surgery and you are in reasonable shape and prepared to dedicate time and effort to the task there is hope. This site is a good starting point.

That said, the best course of action for the vast majority of customers will be to discuss this with a doctor and seek a medical solution.  
The following is a list of good advice taken from medical sources. 

Controlling your hernia with dietary change

Consider internal pressure as well as external pressure. Putting the least amount of pressure on the oesophagus and colon is the main benefit of a dietary change.  Lots of water and a high-fibre diet will reduce bowel movement pressure and strain on the lower abdominal muscle group. One food product particularly useful is Psyllium Husks which can be added to breakfast cereal or taken with fruit juice. They provide a simple, pure fibre addition to your diet and reduce bowel pressure. As well as an increase in fecal moisture there are minor benefits in cholesterol reduction as well as insulin reduction for diabetics. For more information on the benefits of Psyllium Husks please read this.

Hernias and exercise

Moderate exercise under the direction of your doctor may be advisable for smaller hernias, particularly if it affects the abdominal muscle wall area. Sports like swimming which support the body mass in water are useful. Any recommended exercises should also take advantage of gravity - stretches and muscle toning lying on your back are less riskier than standing up because less pressure is on the abdominal region. Pilates and Yoga may also be a good exercise regime.

Constant direct support of the hernia 

Use of pain-killers and other tablets.

Be careful taking tablets that have constipation as a side-effect. These may be causing more harm than good.  Discuss with your Doctor.