Is It Ok To Do Yoga During Periods (You Might Be Surprised)

By: Mugen Seki
Date: March 3, 2023
Time to read: 8 min.

This is a controversial topic; the internet is full of different opinions. But are there any benefits to doing Yoga during periods?

I’m not a doctor, but I will do my best to answer these questions. We’ll talk about why doing Yoga during periods isn’t a good idea, why doing other kinds of exercise isn’t a good idea, and why doing Yoga during periods might not be a good idea.

But I also think Yoga can be good for women’s health, and I hope that women reading this will try it.

Key Takeaways

Everyone experiences periods differently, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Many yoga instructors and practitioners believe that Yoga can be beneficial for people experiencing their period, as it can help ease cramps and other symptoms.

However, it is crucial to listen to your body and ensure that you are not doing any poses that are too strenuous or put too much pressure on the abdomen.
If you are unsure whether Yoga is right for you during your period, it is best to speak with a doctor or certified yoga instructor.

a female having cramps sitting on a beach — Is It Ok To Do Yoga During Periods

Table of Contents

Here’s The Answer To Is It ok To Do Yoga During Periods

Yes, it is perfectly fine to do Yoga during your period. There are many benefits to practising Yoga during this time.

Yoga can help ease cramps and other symptoms associated with your period. The stretches and poses can help to release tension in the body and improve circulation. Your mood and energy levels can both be enhanced by Yoga at this time.

If you are new to Yoga or have any concerns about practising during your period, please consult with your doctor or a qualified yoga instructor before beginning any practice.

There Are No Specific Contraindications For Doing Yoga During Periods

two sanitary products, tampon and a sanitary pad — There Are No Specific Contraindications For Doing Yoga During Periods

It is safe for most women to practice Yoga during their periods. There are no specific contraindications for doing Yoga during menstruation.

However, some women may feel more comfortable avoiding certain poses, such as inversions or deep twists, during their menstrual cycle. Yoga is an excellent method for lowering stress and enhancing general health and well-being.

However, some poses may be more challenging during your menstrual cycle. If you’re new to Yoga, start out slowly and pay attention to your body.

Some Pose May Be Uncomfortable To Do During Periods, And Modifications Can Be Made As Needed

If you find yourself in a class and your body protests, don’t feel pressured to push through the discomfort—modifying poses as needed is ok. Similarly, stop if you’re following a video at home and feel pain in your body or dizziness.

Yoga is an opportunity to explore our bodies and find harmony with them, not a sport that requires competition.

If we can’t breathe into our bellies because they are tight from menstrual cramps or anxiety around this month, it doesn’t matter how much money we spend on that yoga mat.

The key to getting over discomfort during menstruation is patience with yourself. Suppose you’re regularly practising over time. In that case, these experiences will be less overwhelming than they were at first and hopefully more manageable when they happen in other areas of life (like work!).

It Is Important To Listen To Your Body And Not Push Yourself Too Hard

a woman with orange bag on her stomach to reduce pain — It Is Important To Listen To Your Body And Not Push Yourself Too Hard

It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Menstruating, your body will tell you when a pose is too much.

If the pose is uncomfortable or causes pain and/or discomfort, stop doing that pose immediately. Also, stop immediately if you feel dizzy or faint during any poses.

You may also notice that some of these yoga poses are different from those we normally do in class because they have been modified for menstruating women who have just given birth.

The modifications make these poses easier on the body so that it does not overwork itself while going through this natural process.

Yoga Can Help To Ease Cramps And Other Period Symptoms

Yoga is a great option if you’re looking for a way to ease your period symptoms. While most people think that Yoga is only for those who are healthy and fit, this isn’t always the case.

There are many benefits of practising Yoga during menstruation, and even though it might not seem like it at first glance, there aren’t any drawbacks either.

If you’re experiencing cramps or bloating during your period, then practising Yoga can help relieve these symptoms. Some women’s menstruation discomfort has been demonstrated to be up to 30% less intense when they practise Yoga.
It also helps relax muscles which will help loosen tension in places like your lower back and hips, which tend to cause discomfort during periods.
Yoga also helps reduce bloating by toning your abdominal muscles, improving digestion, and boosting energy levels so that food passes through faster (which means less bloat).

Other benefits include reducing stress levels caused by PMS – especially if you suffer from anxiety – improving sleep quality (because exercise has been shown time again when done regularly to improve sleep), reducing headaches due to dehydration due to increased blood flow around the body during menstruation (this happens when exercising), decrease cravings, etc.

Relieve headaches and bloating

Yoga can help to relieve headaches and bloating.
Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety and tension in the body.

Yoga can help you relax the mind and body by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress hormones like adrenaline. As a result, doing Yoga during your period will make you feel calm and at ease. This is especially helpful if you are experiencing cramps or mood swings.

Strengthen The Pelvic Floor Muscles

a woman in maroon yoga suit doing yoga — Strengthen The Pelvic Floor Muscles

For good bowel and bladder function, it is crucial to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. The muscles support your bladder, uterus, vagina, rectum and urethra.

Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor and cause ageing, stress, poor posture, and heavy lifting. Strengthening exercises have been shown to help women with incontinence problems or sexual difficulties after childbirth or surgery.

There are various ways that Yoga can help you develop your pelvic floor muscles.

There Is No Reason Why Yoga Cannot Be Done During Periods

Yoga can be practised during periods if desired. The practice of asanas and pranayama helps to release muscular tension, calm the mind, relieve stress and reduce fatigue.

The practice of meditation and deep breathing further relaxes the nervous system, relieves anxiety and improves concentration.

There are many benefits to practising Yoga during menstruation, including:

It helps to reduce cramps in the lower abdomen area that can occur during this period.
It reduces the flow of blood, which makes it easier to pass clots through your body.

It increases blood circulation throughout the pelvic region, which helps in easing menstrual pain caused by endometriosis (a disease where tissue that normally lines inside the uterus grows outside)

Can Yoga Be Beneficial During Periods?

a woman having cramps — Can Yoga Be Beneficial During Periods

Yoga can be beneficial during periods. Yoga helps to relieve pain and discomfort, relaxes the body and mind, and strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. It can also improve flexibility as well as posture.

If you are worried about doing Yoga during your cycle, before beginning any fitness regimen, you must speak with a doctor or physical therapist.

You may want to wait until your period stops before beginning an exercise program so that you do not stain or ruin clothing with menstrual blood while exercising.

How Can Yoga Help During Periods?

Yoga can help to ease period pain. This is because practising Yoga stimulates different areas of your body, including your muscles, joints, and ligaments.

This stimulation helps to release endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers—which can help to relieve cramping and other period symptoms.

Yoga can help to regulate your periods if they are irregular. This is because certain yoga positions can help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can, in turn, help to regulate hormone levels.

Practising Yoga during your period can also help you deal with some of the emotional symptoms that accompany it, such as irritability and low energy levels.

This is because when you focus on your breath and your body’s movement, you’ll be able to relax and acquire a sense of calmer thinking.

What Are The Different Types Of Yoga Poses That Can Be Helpful During Periods?

Numerous yoga poses might be beneficial when your period comes. Some of these poses include the following:

Cobra pose: The chest and abdomen are opened up in this stance, which can ease cramping.
Cat-cow pose: Stretching the spine and abdominals while holding this position can assist in easing cramps.

Child’s pose: A restorative stance like this one helps ease tension and stress.
Warrior II pose: The legs and hips are strengthened by this pose, which might help with support during menstruation.

Yoga poses can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with periods.

How Often Should You Do Yoga During Periods?

There are so many various things to take into account, such as your level of experience and how much free time you have. If you’ve never practised Yoga during your period before, it’s a good idea to start off slowly and build up from there.

The consensus is that doing some form of physical activity at least once a week is beneficial for health-related reasons. You can try doing Yoga every day if that works better for you but remember: moderation is key.

Conclusion

Overall, there is no harm in doing Yoga during periods as long as you feel comfortable. However, it is essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.

So, Yoga may be a good option if you’re looking for a way to relax and ease period cramps.

Just make sure to start out slowly and build up to your desired levels of intensity. And, of course, always consult with your doctor first if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks for reading. Be sure to check out other similar articles on our website. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for updates on new content.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does doing Yoga during periods affect the body?

When you do yoga poses, the body moves in ways that can help to relieve menstrual cramps. During periods, blood flow increases in the pelvic and lower extremities. This increased flow can cause pain and inflammation in these areas. As mentioned earlier, yoga poses are often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, many poses strengthen muscles throughout your body, which can support during menstruation.

What should be kept in mind while doing Yoga during periods?

When doing yoga poses, it is essential to be mindful of your posture. Make sure to have a firm base and avoid leaning too far forward or backwards in the pose. Additionally, be aware of any menstrual cramps that may occur while in the pose. You can always stop your Yoga practice and take a little break if the stress levels are too high.

Is it safe to do Yoga during my period?

As long as you are respectful of your body and follow the poses gradually, Yoga during periods can be very safe. Before starting any fitness regimen, including Yoga, you should speak to your doctor. Additionally, always drink plenty of fluids while menstruating to stay hydrated and avoid cramps.

What if I get cramps while doing Yoga during my period?

If you are experiencing cramps in any poses, taking a few short breaths is best and then continuing with the yoga session. If cramps become too severe, you can always end the yoga session early by resting in Savasana for a few minutes.