Yoga has proven to be a helpful tool in managing these negative effects associated with menstruation; so instead of self-medicating or just skipping out on everyday activities, you can turn to yoga to soothe aches and pains. The studies suggest that yoga works on the autonomic stress response and also on how pain is experienced and interpreted, perhaps by stimulating the release of the body’s natural painkillers.
However, one of the best ways to bid goodbye to menstrual cramps is exercise or practice yoga. Different poses have different benefits but we’ve rounded up 9 easy poses and practices that help alleviate some of the discomfort periods cause.
1.) Child’s Pose – (Bal asana)
We naturally want to curl into our cramps, so this pose helps to relieve period cramps and back pain by putting pressure on your stomach muscles, which encourages the uterine contractions to stop while also stretching out your spine to reduce lower back pain and does this by flexing your reproductive organs.
2.)The camel pose (Ustrasana)
The camel pose causes stretching in your abdominal region and helps to reduce cramping associated with your menstrual period by stretching out the abdomen and this will feel a pull in your groin and uterine muscles, which will help to stop the contractions that cause painful cramps. This pose may also help to relieve anxiety and fatigue associated with your cycle.
3.) Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana)
This pose helps to decongest and open the lower back and pelvic area, as well as the hips, which can feel compressed during menstruation. It helps eliminate cramping and bloat.
4.) Wind Relieving Pose (Pawanamuktasana)
This is the best, go-to pose for alleviating menstrual cramps and bloating, Highly recommend yoga pose as “Heat can help ease the contractions of the uterus, inflammation, and pain.”
5.) Cobbler’s Pose ( Baddha Konasana)
The lower half of the body often feels heavy during menstruation, seated poses will be our focus. This opens the pelvic region and provides relieves.
6.)Reclining Twist ( Bharadvaja)
The reclining twist is supposed to stimulate, detox and sooth the body In this, your back and hips will get a great stretch dealing with aches and pains from your period. Also, your digestive organs are getting just as much stimulation due to the fresh blood flow from this pose.
7.) Knees-to-Chest Pose ( Apanasana)
One of the most effective poses for menstrual pain is the Knees-to-Chest pose. In Sanskrit, Apana is the downward flow of energy. This pose increase blood flows in your abdominal region and with the increased blood blow, your internal organs function properly. Thus relaxes and calms the body and decreases pain in the lower back.
8.)Bow Pose( Dhanurasana)
Bow pose or dhanurasana is another great pose for relieving menstrual pain. While in this pose, your entire body is stretched from your ankles to thighs to abdomen. This relaxes your body and promotes blood flow to and from your uterus. This pose stimulates the organs in the abdomen and strengthens your back muscles, easing abdominal cramps and back pain.
9.) The Reclined Goddess Pose – Supta Baddha Konasana
Stay in a reclined position with your knees bent. Release your knees out to the sides and down to your mat. Bring the soles of your feet together for goddess pose. , it’s a fabulous way to end your session. Finish by lying down on your back in Goddess Pose. This is a great way to relieve cramping.