This week’s episode delayed for a few days due to reasons in this post! It is a fact that many women suffer badly each month with their cycle whilst others barely notice it. If you fall into the first category, pregnancy and the post-natal period can be a time when you don’t have to think about it. For some, you may be free of your cycle for just a few weeks after birth, for others it may be a year or longer (nursing moms generally have a longer break). Can yoga help when your cycle returns or when you get PMS?
The truth is, yoga cannot take away a painful period but it can ease some discomfort and lighten your mood if you are prone to depression at this time. I know a lot about the variety of symptoms women experience as I suffer from PMDD, an extreme form of PMS that does interfere with my life at times, hence the delay of this weeks episode.
When your cycle does return after birth it may be unpredictable and different than pre-pregnancy. You have to allow your body to re-adjust. As your body changes so may your yoga. Here are some suggestions for those whose monthlies are returning or for those whose may like to practice yoga during this time of the month:
Do not practice inversions during menstruation as this can reverse the blood flow. In particular do not take shoulder stands (or of course headstands and handstands if you are so inclined!) and take child’s pose instead of downward dog.
The most comforting and soothing poses to practice if you have stomach cramps are floor exercises. Try lying in Savasana (corpse pose) and taking a gentle backbend by raising the lower back off the floor. You can also try placing a cushion underneath the back, bringing the legs into butterfly (feet together, knees dropped out) and raising the arms above the head. You can also try a basic fish position to ease cramping and back discomfort (see pic).
Gentle side bending may also relieve some cramping. Try sitting cross legged and with one hand on the floor at the side, reach over the head with the other hand and open the waist.
My advice with this is as with most things. Your body is yours and you will know what works for you. If you follow advice and find a new way which feels better for your body, as long as you know it is safe then use it….if you are unsure of anything check it out with a doctor or raise it here and we will see what we can do!
