How Yoga Alleviates Menstrual Symptoms

That time of the month rolls around and brings with it those pains that make your life a living hell. Menstrual pains are just a great inconvenience and can ruin a week of your life at a time. Over 80 percent of women worldwide face extreme period pains that render them completely unable to move for days. It is important to realize what causes these pains and more important to know how they can be relieved. Medications will only do you so much but there are many other remedies you can do or take that will help you just as if not more.

The most effective exercise proven to help with pains associated with menstrual pains is Yoga. Yoga positions help with relieving pain by stretching out the muscles where the pains are centered. These sorts of pains, however, can only be alleviated if positions are held for an extended period of time. This form of Yoga is known as Yin Yoga. Without further ado, let us discuss some positions that will help you to take care of menstrual pains!

Child’s Pose

This pose should generally be your go-to pose for any back related pains. Since a lot of period pains are focused towards the back and lower back it should be no surprise that this pose should be the one you should try out.

To get into this position, get on your keens and stretch out your arms out while also placing your head on the ground. You should have your glutes raised just enough so that they do not touch your heels. Focus on your breathing and hold this position for as long as you can. Generally, you should hold this pose for an extended period of time, about 5-6 minutes. But if you cannot then hold it for as long as you can, take a break and get back to the pose as soon as you can.

Forward Fold

This position is a way to fight the compressional pains. It is also a great way to get your blood circulating. Most of the time women spend hours in bed or not moving when they are having period pains. This unknowingly increases pains. This position is a quick and easy way to counter that!

To achieve this position, you need to stand upright and slowly bend over so that you are staring at your shins (ideally) with both hands grasp your elbows and hold the position for as long as you can. Breathe in and out and focus on keeping your legs and your back straight.

Knees to Chest Pose

This position is perhaps the most powerful pain reliever for menstrual pains. It is a great way to relax your lower back and abdominal muscles. As the name implies, you must get on your back flat and pull up your knees to your chest and hold them using your hands. If you want you can rock back and forth and side to side to cover all corners.

Learn more with Yoga for Menstruation.