Yoga for PMS Relief

Some months it might be manageable while others not so. PMS can be unbearably crippling to women. We don’t feel in control of our own body and mind during those “times of the month”. Argg, the cramps, bloating, anxiety, mind fog, and so on.

Regular yoga practice helps prevent PMS symptoms in three ways. First, it releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood-elevating compounds, Second, it calms the central nervous system and increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the reproductive organs. Third, it eases stress and encourages deep relaxation, which further mutes the symptoms of PMS.

Our yoga instructor, Bretton Keating, suggested these TOP 6 YOGA POSES to manage PMS symptoms

Legs up the wall pose (viparita karani)
This restorative pose can (and should!) be done every day, for its calming and therapeutic benefits.

viparita karani

Child’s pose (balasana)
Option to add a twist here to aid with stomach discomfort from cramps.

Butterfly pose or bound angle pose (baddha konasana)
One of the best hip openers there is!

Bridge pose (setu bandhasana sarvangasana)
This backbending posture can be done either restoratively, with a block or bolster, or more dynamically by engaging the muscles to lift the hips.

setu bandhasana sarvangasana

Shoulder stand (salamba sarvangasana)
B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the first modern yogis, emphasized the significance of the shoulder stand in regulating the body’s health. He describes this pose as a panacea for most common ailments, as it increases blood supply to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism result in imbalances of the thyroid hormones. Iyengar recommends doing this pose daily. Please note, it is not advisable to practice inversions during menstruation.

Plow pose (halasana)
A great pose to do immediately after shoulder stand

Check out short videos of some of the poses