For ages, yoga has always been used as the first resort to deal with monthly period cramps; before there were painkillers, women used to practice yoga devotedly to ease the menstrual cramps without any harm or side effects. Nowadays, women take the easy route by gulping down those painkillers, which certainly reduce the pain but aren’t effective in the long run and have a range of side effects attached to them. With the recent craze over yoga, many women are following suit and practising yoga for cramps and period pain.
According to many yoga learners, they sometimes don’t even realize they are having periods because practising yoga takes the pain away, and the process of eliminating those tissues and blood from the ovary eases down a lot. There are some yoga asanas that you can practice at home, but make sure you do it with a trainer beside you if it’s your first time because improper technique can worsen the cramps even further.
Yoga positions to relieve those unwanted period cramps
Balasana:
Also known as the child pose, Balasana helps you ease those muscle pains, especially at the back of your waist area, by relaxing it. Sit back with your legs folded behind your knees and gently breathe in and breathe out to gain control over the airflow in your body. Now relax your back and arch forward until your hands reach the front and touch the ground. This position eases muscle cramps around the back area during the menstrual cycle. Put a pillow between your stomach and leg to make the asana comfortable.
Uttanasana:
Also known as a forward fold, the Uttanasana pose helps lengthen the spines and stretch the hips to ensure a more natural blood flow during menstrual cycles. Extending the hamstrings, calves, and backs is the best yoga for leg pain during menstrual cycles. All you have to do is stand up straight and bend over.
Apanasana:
This pose is probably one of the most relaxing in yoga for menstrual pain. It helps the abdominal and back muscles relax. It is also known as the knees-to-chest pose. It increases circulation in the abdominal area and helps with anxiety. Just lay down straight, fold your legs behind the knees, bring the folded leg towards your stomach, and hold it with both hands.
Supta Matsyendrasana:
Also known as a Supine twist, this art of yoga is practised by gently lying down on a mat sideways. Move the hand and leg on the top side in the opposite direction. Do the same for the opposite side and hold for a few minutes. This asana helps ease anxiety and is one of the best positions to help cramps, calm nerves, detoxify the body, and give flexibility to the spine.
These asanas and a few minutes of meditation will help you overcome those notorious period cramps.