Lifestyle

Yoga On Your Period: Does It Help?

yoga on your period
Yoga and Menstruation

Working out on your period has always been highly recommended. With benefits such as reduction in pain and an improvement in your mood. Physical activity can be regarded as a natural way of getting rid of period cramps.

But, you got your period and can’t go for your usual run or hit the gym, and are still craving that endorphin release?

Give yoga a chance this time!


Yoga On Your Period- Can You Do It?

Exercise during periods is usually advised as it is said to help improve your cramps and reduce discomfort. However, when you’re in pain and don’t feel like working out, yoga can be the perfect solution to your problem. Low intensity, slow paced and relaxed, yoga checks all the boxes when it comes to movement on your period.


Will Yoga Help You Feel Better While You’re On Your Cycle?

Yoga is considered to be a safe way of moving your body and getting some physical activity in while you’re menstruating. It can act as a link between your mental and menstrual health and can help lift your spirits during your cycle.

Some of the benefits that come with practising yoga when you’re bleeding are-

  • Reduces the pain of menstrual cramps 
  • Eases discomfort and alleviates stress and tension 
  • Relaxes your mind, body and soul 
  • Improves blood flow 
  • Helps boost energy levels 

Seems like the perfect way to work out on your period doesn’t it?

But before you start striking your pose, what yoga poses are best to alleviate menstrual cramps?


What Yoga Poses Can You Practise For Menstrual Cramps?

One of the best parts of yoga is that it helps reduce the pain of period cramps. There are a few different yoga poses that target menstrual cramps specifically.


Some of the poses you can practise for a pain free period are- 

  1. Child's pose- Start with your knees on the mat. Extend your arms in front and bend down as far as you can go. This pose helps alleviate pain in the back.
  2. Cat-cow pose-  Start with your hands and knees on the mat. Stretch your head up and simultaneously push your tailbone down. Then push your head down while arching your back. This pose targets abdominal and back muscles.
  3. Cobra Pose- Lie on your mat with your palms placed firmly on each side of your hip. Stretch your neck upwards into a snake-like position. This pose helps with lower back pain.
  4. 4. Reclining Twist- Lay flat on your mat and bend your right knee. Drop it towards your left side while simultaneously extending your arm towards the right. Alternate between each side. This pose is targeted towards stretching out your back muscles. 
  5. Corpse Pose- This pose is targeted towards relaxing and focusing your mind. Lay flat on your back with your legs and arms relaxed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Make sure to not fall asleep while practising this soothing asana!

Ditch the dumbbells for a yoga mat this time and try out all these poses. 

What's better? You can reduce the dreaded cramp pain and improve your mood!


Practise Tips For Yoga

New to yoga and don’t know where to start? Try out the following tips to ease your transition into yoga. 

  • Practise yoga on a daily basis to get used to the different asanas
  • Practise stretching routinely to help improve flexibility 
  • Use props such as yoga blocks and straps to make difficult asanas easier
  • Modify poses whenever they seem too difficult
  • Respect your body’s limits and understand that it takes time to get good at something

The best part about yoga is that it can be practised within the four walls of your home. This makes it an extremely easy way to get some movement in without having to leave your home.

So, what are you waiting for? Roll out the mat right away and start practising yoga. Don’t blame us if your period becomes easier to manage! To know more visit the Pee Safe website.

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✍️ This article was curated by Sarah Abraham

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