Q. Why does lying on my left side, immediately and completely, relieve my severe abdominal pain?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Lying on one's left side can help to relieve severe abdominal pain for a variety of reasons, and is often recommended by healthcare providers as a home remedy for stomach discomfort.

One reason why lying on the left side may help with abdominal pain is that it can improve digestion. When we lie down, gravity works in reverse and food travels from the small intestine toward the stomach, allowing what was previously indigestible to become more easily absorbed. Because the small intestine is positioned on one's right side, when lying down on our left side this encourages better movement and progression through our digestive tract while reducing chances of an obstruction or blockage which could be causing your discomfort.

Additionally, being in this position helps to reduce acid reflux symptoms due to the angle of your torso. While upright it’s easy for stomach acid fumes due to GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)to move up into your throat; but when resting on your left such gases are less able to escape and therefore cause fewer interruptions in sleep or wakeful hours.

Finally another factor that may contribute towards relief from abdominal pain is increased blood flow directed toward organs located near your lower back area - such as kidneys or reproductive organs - if these are causing issues then laying on your left will provide temporary relief until you're able see a medical professional about potential long-term solutions where necessary.

Overall there are numerous advantages associated with lying down in different positions depending upon what areas within our body need attention; however laying specifically on our left appears especially beneficial when we experience severe abdominal pains since it promotes circulation throughout key locations of interest within us that could be hindering comfortable day-to-day living experiences at any given moment should issues arise suddenly out nowhere!