You might have heard that you shouldn't do yoga when you are on your period. However, a yoga session can alleviate some physical and mental symptoms of menstruation. Nonetheless, there are certain types of poses you should probably avoid when you have your period and others that might be beneficial to emphasize. Be aware of your body and to pay attention to how each pose feels.
Benefits
Forward bends like full forward bend, head to knee or supported forward bends are calming and can ease symptoms like heavy bleeding and cramps. Supported standing poses like revolved half moon or revolved triangle with props like blocks, a chair or the wall, can ease back pain accompanying your period. Twists like seated chair twist or pose of child twist can ease back pain and cramps. Supported bridge pose and supported upward turned staff pose can ease pelvic discomfort. Use props to support your body in poses during this time.
Restorative Poses
When you have your period, it is common to have low energy levels and to have physical symptoms like painful cramps. Also, low energy levels might cause you to injure yourself if you try to perform rigorous poses. For these reasons, restorative poses can be beneficial. These are calming poses that help your body relax and work to restore both your body and mind. Use props like blocks, pillows and blankets to support your body so it can fully relax. Try supported bridge pose, reclined hero pose and corpse pose. On the other hand, more active poses might give you more energy and relieve symptoms.
Use Caution
Some yoga instructors advise you to avoid inversions, which involve your body going upside down so the blood flows toward your head, during menstruation. Examples of inversions are shoulderstand and headstand. The argument against inversions states that they might increase your chance of developing endometriosis or interfere with your normal blood flow. However, research does not back up these claims and not all yoga instructors agree. Nonetheless, Dr. Mary Pullig Schatz says that inversions might cause vascular congestion and an increase of bleeding from overworking the uterine veins.
Awareness
Be aware of your body during yoga at any time and during menstruation. Each woman experiences different symptoms. Some women can handle more intense practices during menstruation while other cannot, so be aware of your energy level and body. Notice whether inversions or other poses cause pain or discomfort, or affect your blood flow. The "Yoga Journal" reports that you might be fine performing a quick inversion, while holding it for a longer period of time might cause a problem.
Member Comments