Did you know that you can enhance your menstrual cycle experience by syncing your practice with your menstrual phases? From gentle or yin yoga for your period, to energizing vinyasa for ovulation, and calming restorative yoga during premenstrual days – find your flow and honor your body’s natural rhythms.
In the 2021 study, “Effects of Yoga on Women with Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials” (Chong et al., 2019), the review suggested that yoga could help alleviate PMS symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, and physical discomfort, when practiced during specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
When I tell you that yoga is the gift that is ALWAYS giving, I’m absolutely not joking. Let’s dig a bit deeper into the types of yoga that are beneficial to practice during the different phases of your menstrual cycle.
Syncing your yoga practice with your menstrual cycle can be important for several reasons:
- Hormonal balance: Different phases of the menstrual cycle are characterized by varying hormone levels. Tailoring your yoga practice accordingly can help support hormonal balance, which may alleviate symptoms like mood swings, bloating, and fatigue.
- Energy levels: Throughout the menstrual cycle, energy levels fluctuate. Some days you may feel more energetic, while others you may feel tired or low on energy. Adjusting your yoga practice to match these energy levels ensures you’re not pushing yourself too hard or missing out on opportunities to challenge yourself when you feel strong.
- Emotional well-being: Yoga can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation and stress reduction. Adapting your practice to suit the emotional changes that come with different menstrual phases can aid in managing emotions and promoting a sense of calm and grounding.
- Physical comfort: Certain yoga poses and practices may be more beneficial during specific phases to address physical discomfort, such as lower back pain or cramps during menstruation.
- Mind-body connection: Syncing your yoga practice with your menstrual cycle fosters a deeper connection with your body and its natural rhythms. This heightened awareness can lead to greater self-acceptance and self-care.
Overall, aligning your yoga practice with your menstrual cycle allows you to embrace the changes and needs of your body throughout the month, promoting overall well-being and a more harmonious relationship with yourself.
