Eurgh, it’s that time of the month again. From the bloating, the bad moods and the need to eat everything in sight – periods suck! Perhaps the worst thing about periods is the menstrual cramps. Whether you suffer pains like knives in your tummy or as a sinking heavy weight to carry around – you may just want to hide in bed until they are over.
But, even though it’s the last thing in the world you want to do, moving can actually help, and yoga can be a great way to ease the pain of menstrual cramps.
So, drag yourself out of bed, pull on your leggings and show your cramps exactly where to go so that you can make the most of the day.
Is Yoga Safe During Your Period?
It is essential to go with how you feel and what your body is capable of. It is wise to allow your period to do its natural thing and leave the body. This means it is best to avoid upside-down poses. Basically, try to only do poses where the uterus is pointing downwards during your period. Think ‘flow down’, rather than up! Other than that, stretchy relaxing poses can be really beneficial.
Just remember to go easy and listen to what your body wants.
Five Yoga Poses To Ease Menstrual Cramps
You don’t even have to stand up for this one! Simply sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Then take a big breath in as you sit up tall. As you breathe out, fold your body over your legs, reaching for your toes if you can. Try to get your body to rest on top of your legs.
On your hands and knees, makes sure your hands and shoulders are aligned, and your hip and knees are in a straight line too. As you breathe in, sink your tummy to the ground, so your back dips and creates a u-shape. Look up, so you’re facing forward. Then as you breathe out, suck your tummy in and lift your back to the sky to create an n-shape (or look like an angry cat!), dropping your head to look at your knees.
Lying on your tummy with your legs straight. Place your hands flat on the floor underneath your shoulders. Then push your hands down to lift your chest up from the floor. Lift your head and shoulders to create a gentle stretch down the torso. Keep breathing and hold for around thirty seconds, then carefully lower yourself back to the floor.
This can be a great one for cramps and feels relaxing too. From a kneeling position, sit back on your heels, then fold your body forward, so your forehead is on the ground, but your feet and bum are still touching. Stretch your arms out in front of you as far as they can go.
Start by sitting with your legs in front of you. Then, bring the soles of your feet together, so your knees go out to either side. Try to get your knees as low to the floor as possible, reach for your ankles and fold forward; this can help to ease out any tension in the hips.
So, when it’s your time of the month, try these yoga poses and see if they can help ease your pain and get you out of bed.
