Over
90% of women experience some form of discomfort before and during their
period, be it fatigue, cramps, bloating, or mood swings. And for most
women, a period arrives every month. Think about the days of discomfort
and life adjustment this necessitates?
Yoga can actually reduce the discomforts of a period, if you go about it the right way. Vinay Siddaiah, a certified yoga teacher, shares some yoga do’s and don’ts.
Follow a gentle practice
During
menstruation, the body and mind are both stressed, either from the
process itself or the accompanying discomfort. Be kind to your body and
don’t push it too hard. Try these asanas
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Baddha konasana (Bound Angle pose)
This opens up the pelvis region, easing cramps. |
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Forward bends
Once
you’re comfortably in baddha konasana, gently lean forward keeping your
spine straight. Don’t force yourself but lean forward a few millimetres
with each exhale. This helps release abdominal gas. |
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Supta baddha konasana
(Reclining bound angle) Try the same pose while lying back. It not only stretches the hips but also eases your lower back. |
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Avoid these asanas
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Unless you are a seasoned yoga practitioner and understand your body very well, avoid surya namaskar. If you do choose to do it, go slow, moving through the asanas gently rather than quickly. |
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Gentle twists are okay to release gas from the abdominal region but avoid doing hard twists. |
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During menstruation, the flow of apana energy is downward. So, avoid inversions and backbends. |
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Pranayama Practices
Regulating
your breath is proven to help during times of stress, panic attacks,
exercise, even labour and childbirth. It can help during periods too.
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Menstrual Care
In general, oxidative stress increases during your period because of inflammation in the body and any mental distress you experience.
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Foods to eat: ginger, fresh fruits & veggies, HERBAL TEAS, turmeric, methi |
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Foods to avoid: high-salt and deep-fried foods |
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