I participate as a moderator on a forum called Namaste Knitters (found on ravelry). Recently a question arose that is relevant to all female practitioners, and poorly understood. A yoga student wanted to know what poses are contraindicated by menstruation and why that might be. Following is my response, adjusted for this post:
"For this discussion (with reference to poses contraindicated by menstruation) an inversion is any pose which puts the pelvis over the chest, no matter where the legs are. That could even be a standing forward bend (Uttanasana) if the practitioner can do the full pose. Plow pose (Halasana) is an inversion, as is Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).
As a long-time (female) practitioner, I have learned how to tailor my asana practice for my needs, throughout my cycle. As a long-time teacher, I have created numerous workshops focused on women’s health, particularly during the childbearing years. So, speaking from experience as well as years of study, I’ll share a couple of things that many women find helpful:
- Take it easy during menstruation, including PMS days if you have them. I have found that by planning ahead and making sure that I have a slower, more quiet pace in preparation for - and during - my period, I hardly have cramps anymore (they used to be awful). When I don’t back off, the cramps return and ensure that I must.
- Menstruation is a time of cleansing. The blood could be considered “unclean” not because it comes from women, but because it is believed to hold toxicity intended to leave the body. It is waste, like any other excretion, and should not be held in the body but rather encouraged to run its course. Eastern medicine believes that - at least in part - women live longer than men because we have this inborn monthly cleanse. It is a wonderful process inherent to the female body, but it does come with some important requirements (such as slowing down, taking it easy, staying very hydrated, etc., etc.) which, in our modern “never let them see you sweat” society, have been left by the wayside.
- Because we are cleansing during menstruation, our bodies are working harder than usual. During any cleanse it is important to save energy and not over-exert. That’s why restorative yoga or a gentle, flowing practice is generally preferable to a vigorous practice during this time.
We don’t need to keep up with anybody else, we need to turn inward and discern what our individual needs are. Menstruation is a wonderful time to do just that!
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