In the quest for holistic well-being, yoga arises as a powerful partner, nurturing not only the physical body but also the mind and spirit. Yoga offers a transformative journey toward balance and resilience as well as an overall sense of physical and mental balance.
A topic that touches the lives of many women, known as menstrual discomfort, can cause imbalance and discomfort in our lives. However, yoga can become a gentle yet powerful guide in alleviating the challenging symptoms of PMS.
How menstrual discomfort can affect our everyday life
For many women, the monthly arrival of menstruation brings with it not only physical changes but also a range of discomforts that can significantly impact daily life. The effects extend beyond the realm of the physical, influencing emotions, productivity, and overall well-being.
Menstrual Cramps
Intense cramps can make even the simplest daily tasks challenging. From household chores to work responsibilities, women may find themselves in discomfort and pain throughout the day.
Fatigue and Low Energy
Menstruation often brings fatigue and low energy levels, affecting productivity and making it harder to engage fully in daily activities.
Mood Swings
Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can lead to mood swings, ranging from irritability to sadness. Managing these emotions becomes an additional aspect of daily life.
Stress and Anxiety
Coping with both physical discomfort and emotional fluctuations can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety levels, influencing decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
Reduced Productivity
The combination of physical discomfort and emotional variations can lead to reduced productivity at work and home, as women may need to take breaks or modify their routines to accommodate their well-being.
Absenteeism
Severe menstrual symptoms can sometimes result in absenteeism from work or social activities, impacting professional commitments and social connections.
Social Interactions
Social plans and interactions may be influenced by the need for comfort and self-care during menstruation, leading to adjustments in social schedules.
Insomnia and Sleep Disruptions
Menstrual discomfort, particularly pain and discomfort, can lead to insomnia or disruptions in sleep patterns, impacting overall rest and recovery.
The Role of Yoga in Alleviating Menstruation Symptoms
Due to the fact that menstruation is something that happens every month and affects a significant number of women, it is essential to find ways to bring balance within our body and mind in order to deal with everyday stresses and responsibilities.
The cause of menstrual discomfort and PMS is connected to changes in the hormonal cycle.
According to research, various yoga therapy tools have a strong impact on the hormonal system.
In yoga, we relate the hormones to different chakras in the body.
Chakras are energetical centres that correspond to clusters of nerve endings. They also relate to endocrine glands near each cluster. So, by activating and balancing the different chakras, we can also activate or balance our hormonal system. In case of hormonal imbalance, we will want to balance Ajna chakra, Sahasrara chakra, and Mooladhara chakra, and we will choose yoga asanas and pranayama that have this potential.
Soothing Asanas for balancing Mooladara and Ajna Chakra
Gentle and mild yoga poses, such as Child’s Pose (Balasana), Goddess Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) and Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), provide relief to tense muscles and ease lower back pain commonly associated with menstruation.
Balancing Pranayama for balancing the right and left brain
Breathwork, like Deep Belly Breathing and Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing), aids in regulating emotions and reducing stress. These practices bring a sense of calm, creating an emotional sanctuary during this time.
Mindfulness Meditation for Mental Clarity
Mindfulness meditation becomes a powerful tool to navigate mood swings and mental fog when combined with proper breathing. By cultivating present-moment awareness, women can find mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Restorative Practices for Overall Comfort:
Restorative yoga poses, including Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) and Corpse Pose (Savasana), promote deep relaxation, helping to alleviate fatigue and create a sense of overall comfort.
Embrace the practice of yoga to soothe menstrual discomfort.
The gentle yet profound yoga therapy techniques can act as a balm, soothing the physical and emotional waves that accompany the monthly cycle. Get in touch if you want to learn more.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31383452/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27315239/