FITNESS & BEAUTY · AUGUST 2017
CAN YOGA MAKE PERIOD CRAMPS GO AWAY ? YES !
Nearly everyone across the globe has heard about the many benefits of yoga , but some may not be aware of the benefits of practicing yoga to ease menstrual cramps . Think about it . If yoga has already been proven to alleviate other symptoms , including debilitating muscle and joint pain and pain that is caused by any variety of chronic conditions , then , why wouldn ’ t it work for the dreaded menstrual cramps that can essentially render a woman doubled-over in excruciating pain or leave them unable to function properly for days , if not weeks , at a time .
Let ’ s face it , for most women , whether we want it to or not , are forced to face that dreaded monthly visitor — the kind that you hate to have visited , but often panic when it doesn ’ t . What we dislike more are the cramps that can sometimes accompany the uncomfortable , inconvenient , and painful side effect of having a functioning uterus .
Medical experts report that over eighty percent of women suffer from period pain at some point in their lives . For some , that pain is short-lived and manageable . For others , that pain is akin to labor pains .
By Alan Freeman
Yoga may be one of the very few tools that can actually manage the negative side effects associated with a woman ’ s menstrual cycle . The days of self-medicating with ibuprofen or other mild to severe pain medications may be over for you . Wouldn ’ t you love to be able to resume your everyday activities ?
SO , HOW DOES IT WORK ? WHAT ’ S THE PLAN ?
As yoga often does , it helps clear your mind by employing soothing breath work . In so doing — clearing your mind — you ’ re also relieving pain and discomfort . That ’ s the basic premise of yoga overall . Holding yoga posture , specifically passive poses , for three or more minutes give the body a deep stretch while ‘ getting in touch ’ with the pain sensors in the mind and body , thus , easing pain symptoms .
You ’ ll find many websites and books pointing to specific poses that benefit cramping . We ’ ve spelled them out here to save you the trouble of having to search .
The Child ’ s Pose – This is what yogis
1 ) have dubbed ‘ the resting pose .' It gently stretches the lower back muscles and soothes back pain while also easing your mind . Since menstrual pain tends to originate in the back , this is the perfect starting stretch for anyone suffering from cramps . As with all poses , you should focus on a deep breath into the back and watch the rise and fall of that breath in your body . Kneel down . Bend forward at the hips . Relax them and bend forward until your torso rests on your thighs .
The Forward Fold – This pose
2 ) counteracts compression in your back and abdomen . It also lengthens the spine and stretches crucial hip muscles and promoting circulation in your lower extremities . Stand up straight , bend forward at the waist as far as you can go , and hold .
The Knees to Chest Pose – This pose
3 ) relaxes your lower back and abdominal muscles relieving tension and pain . You lie on your back , fold your knees to your chest , hold that pose with your hands holding your knees , focus on your breathing , hold and release .
Try these simple moves and marvel at how quickly they can help ease period discomfort .
“ YOGA MAY BE ONE OF THE VERY FEW TOOLS THAT CAN ACTUALLY MANAGE THE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH A WOMAN ’ S MENSTRUAL CYCLE . THE DAYS OF SELF- MEDICATING WITH IBUPROFEN OR OTHER MILD TO SEVERE PAIN MEDICATIONS MAY BE OVER FOR YOU .
36 HEALTHY MAGAZINE