Best yoga poses for menstrual cramps

Best yoga poses for menstrual cramps

Can yoga posses really help with menstrual cramps? Yes. We are guessing it’s that time of the month when you suffer from cramps, headaches, bloating and feel nauseated. Most of the ladies just take a pain killer to alleviate pain while others consume sweets, salts, caffeine and alcohol to distract themselves from the discomfort or satisfy their cravings.

The result in most cases is the same; the pain doesn’t go away and even if it does, we are welcoming some side effects which could otherwise be avoided.

We have a better solution for your monthly menstrual cramps and that’s yoga.

Here are some of the best yoga poses that would help you get rid of those awful menstrual cramps:

Bow Pose:

This pose not only helps with cramps, but also comes handy in relieving constipation and respiratory ailments. In this pose, all your weight is on your navel, which helps in stimulating the organs of the abdomen. This helps in easing the cramps and also in regulating the flow of the blood to and from the uterus, thus relieving one from the pain and the bloating.

1. Lie down on your stomach
2. Keep your feet hip width apart and your arms by your side

3. Stretch out your hands and bend your knees so that your hands are holding your ankles
4. Breathe in and start raising your body from the front in a way that your chest is off the ground
5. Lift your thighs off the ground too at the same time
6. Make sure your body and breathing is stable, if it’s not, try to keep it stable
7. Hold the position for twenty seconds
8. While returning to the original position and releasing your ankles, remember to exhale

Note: Do not attempt this pose if you’re pregnant, have had recent abdominal surgery, have high blood pressure or have a neck or back injury.

Noose Pose:

This pose is best for soothing mild back, neck and shoulder pain and of course, menstrual cramps. In this pose, you stretch the muscles of your ankles, groin and back, which helps in stimulating the uterus (thus, easing the cramps), improving digestion and beating constipation.

1. Stand with your hands in the “Namaste” position, your back straight and your feet together
2. Now bend your knees and sit in a way such that your buttocks touch your calves
3. Exhale. Now, stretch your left hand over your right hand in a way that your forearm literally passes over your shin
4. The above movement would cause your back to twist
5. Now, take your right hand behind your back and hold your left hand with it. You can either hold the wrist of the left hand or you can interlock fingers, whatever makes you comfortable
6. Stay in this position for about fifteen minutes. Breathe gently in this entire time
7. Release yourself from this pose by releasing one hand and twisting yourself slowly out of this position

Tip: Don’t attempt to try this pose if you’re suffering from back, neck or knee injury.

Fish Pose:

Not only does this pose reduce menstrual cramps, it gives your skin a healthy glow too! He fish pose stretches out the muscles of your legs, chest, neck and back, thus giving you an instant relief from muscle aches. This pose also helps in getting rid of indigestion, gas and bloating.

1. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor
2. Straighten your legs and place your arms on your either side
3. Now raise your hips and place each hand under your hips. Make sure you raise one side at a time
4. Bend your elbows and try to raise your torso or upper body off the floor
5. Exhale while doing the above step
6. Tilt your head backwards with your chest out
7. Hold this position for 5 seconds
8. Inhale while resting your back on the floor

Note: Don’t attempt to try this pose if you’re suffering from a medical condition especially if you suffer form high blood pressure or have back or neck injury. If you are unsure always consult a medical professional before carrying out any of the exercises contained in this article.