Today, let’s talk about yoga for women during menstruation. Many wonder whether or not to practice yoga during menses and what to do and avoid. There’s never one absolute formula for everyone because women experience their periods differently. Over my decade of teaching and practising yoga, I have come up with the following Five suggestions, which seem to apply to most of my students.
I hope these five tips also help you with your yoga practice during this particular time of the month,
Tips One - Yoga poses to avoid.
During menstruation, the general rules of practice are to avoid inversion, deep twisting, deep forward bend, back bending, core strengthening or any poses that may pressure your lower abdomen. Take a break from poses such as Headstand (Sirasana), Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) and Crow Pose to avoid menstrual-related discomfort.
Tips Two - Avoid demanding yoga practices during heavy blood flow days.
During heavy blood flow days, avoid practices that are required to be more intense, such as vinyasa flow, inversion and arm balancing. Instead, seek sequenced classes to offer you more profound relaxation and reconnect with your inner self.
Tips Three - Keep it gentle.
Free 15 15-minute sequence during menstruation.
I understand how great it is to keep up your daily practice, and most yogis feel like keeping their yoga practice up during periods (even heavy flood days).
We all agree that yoga gives us more energy, but on special days, choose something gentle. Your top priority in practising yoga at this time should be focusing on soothing your mind and body.
Tips Four - Listen to your body.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. Our bodies change daily, and there’s so much going on during our moon cycle; hormonal changes, mood swings, and other physical symptoms can make us feel more vulnerable than at different times. Embrace it, and treat yourself better.
Tips Five - Class theme suggestions during the period.
When deciding which class to enrol, consider the following theme during your period,
Yoga does not intend to push hard but to nourish our mind, body, and soul. Listen to your body and choose what feels best for you; even resting is a good practice!
Conclusion
In conclusion, practising yoga during menstruation can be a challenging experience, but it can also be an opportunity to connect with your body, mind, and soul on a deeper level. By following the tips mentioned above, you can take care of yourself during this time and make the most of your yoga practice. Remember to listen to your body, avoid demanding poses, and choose gentle yoga practices focusing on relaxation and nurturing your inner self. With these tips in mind, you can continue enjoying yoga's many benefits during your menstrual cycle.
