Can you practice yoga while menstruating? This is a common question among women in this discipline. Yoga and menstruation however are important issues. Therefore, we will look at the reasons why you might want to skip this workout during your red days.
Yoga normally comes with poses that create inverted postures. If you practice these kinds of movements while you are menstruating, they can lead to back flow of menstrual blood coming from the uterus going to the fallopian tube. This blood too can go to the abdominal cavity. The blood carries with it some endometrial cells and tissues. This will lead to a condition known as retrograde menstruation. It is possible that the endometrial cells can stay and grow within the abdominal cavity and pelvic peritoneum. When this happens, this can lead to menstrual bleed during your cycle. This is a condition recognized as endometriosis.
Yoga and menstruation cannot mix because they can lead to increased pressure in the abdomen. Before your menstruation, a regression of endometrium takes place. Stasis of blood flow happens and the coiled arteries go buckled up. The vasoconstriction of the arteries as well as the local stasis creates endometrium necrosis. When this happens, the arteries will relax and this condition can lead to menstrual bleeding. When there is an increase of abdominal pressure however, the blood flow going to the arteries will increase. This results to blood loss.
It is also possible that a combination of yoga and menstruation can only lead to pain. Although it is true that some yoga asanas work to decrease menstrual pain, it is important to note that not all of them function the same way. Some movements can create too much strain and pain to your body. It is vital that you take a time to listen to your own body. Know if one yoga pose hurts you or not.
Instead of trying to mix up yoga and menstruation, you can do meditation, mantras, relaxation, omkar chanting, and yoga nidra if you really want to go on with yoga. These simple exercises mentioned here are your best routines when menstruating. They will help keep you more focused.
It is vital now that you do not practice yoga when menstruating. Do not push yourself to the limit; after all, your red days only last for about a week. After menstruation is over then you can always go back to practicing yoga. So now, you know why yoga and menstruation should be separable.