Yoga for PMS

One thing that most women don’t usually talk about is how difficult it is to deal with monthly menstrual periods. The symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) differ from one woman to another. But one thing is for sure, it is painful. The agonizing pain affects not only a woman’s physical functioning but it also affects her emotions.

Abdominal cramps, tenderness of breasts and headaches are just some of the physical challenges a woman has to face days before her actual menstrual period. Add irritability and mood swings due to pain and hormonal changes and you’ll surely have a blast of uncontrollable anger.

Ease It Out!

Yoga is known for its natural remedies to common ailments. Yoga’s natural solution to help relieve PMS can save you a lot of ouches and tears. Here are some of uncountable yoga poses that’ll surely end your suffering! Make sure to watch this informative video about yoga and cramps as well!

Child Pose/ Balasana

This pose stretches the lower back and releases tensions on the back of neck and hips.

How:

1. Start by planting your hands parallel to shoulders and your knees hip width apart.
2. Send your hips back and allow your forehead to touch the ground while your torso rests on your thighs.
3. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths in this position.

Cat/ Cow Stretch

The movement simultaneously stretches both the back and front of the body, relaxing any tensed muscle, easing out cramps.

How:

1. Begin with your hands and knees on the ground.
2. Inhale, curve your back down, bringing the shoulder blades closer while keeping your gaze upward.
3. Exhale, round your back as you push through the shoulders, bringing the shoulder blades away from each other while your gaze is fixed on your belly.
4. This is on round of full stretch.
5. Do 7-10 rounds while breathing deeply.

Fish Pose/ Matsyasana

Fish pose stretches the whole front of body, stimulating internal organs and releasing tensions on neck and abdominal muscles.

How:

1. Start by lying on your back with legs together.
2. Place your palms under your thighs, facing the ground.
3. Inhale and push through your elbows to lift your body off the ground while your head remains grounded, forming an arch.
4. Avoid putting pressure on your head and neck.
5. Your back should hold strain while the elbows and arms support your weight.
6. Hold the pose for 3-5 breaths and lie back down to ground to release.
7. Perform Matsyasana for 5 rounds.

Bridge Pose/ Setu Bandasana

This pose relaxes the parasympathetic system in our brain which triggers our fight or flight reflex. It also regulates better flow of blood in the body and releases muscle tension on legs and abdominal region.

How:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet planted on the ground hip width apart.
2. Place your hand on your side with palms facing the floor.
3. Inhale and slowly bring your torso off the floor by pushing through the shoulders.
4. Interlace your fingers behind for better support.
5. Take 3-5 deep breaths throughout the pose.
6. Unclasp your fingers and slowly lie back down to release.

The practice aims to unify the body, mind and spirit in synchronicity to the universe. An individual’s well-being is based on how he/she feels within and the physical practice offers a path to awareness. To be aware of what’s happening within is to be conscious of your reactions. Mindfully dealing with circumstances can ease out unnecessary suffering. It is also very important to wear comfortable clothes – check out these comfy and stylish leggings. Use the practice as a tool to help you feel good inside out. Stay healthy, breathe fully and have fun kicking PMS out of your way!