Yoga Practice For Irregular Periods

Please suggest some yoga asans for irregular menstruation cycle
( 2 Mar 2009)

Irregular periods are a problem with many women and the causes are also many. In your case, it would help to know what the reasons for the irregularity are. Hormonal imbalances, stress, and PCOD are the common cause for menstrual imbalances. If you are indulging in sexual activity for the first time, or after a long time, then irregularity of periods is common. You haven’t mentioned your age either. Onset of menopause could also lead to irregularities. Check with your doctor for determining the exact cause.

The reason for determining the root cause for irregular periods is because the cause is critical to deciding the yoga Asanas. If hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorder are the reason, Asanas that focus on correcting the imbalances are suggested. For stress, breathing exercises are helpful. Hatha yoga would be highly beneficial in treating your problem, as in the absence of specifics we shall adopt a broader approach. Like other forms of yoga it also stresses on breathing correctly along with doing the Asanas. However, it specializes in unblocking the energy channels and balancing the nervous system.  

There are certain general yoga Asanas, which are beneficial in addition to specific ones targeting the root cause. They are as follows:

• Baddha Konasana (Cobbler pose, sitting)
• Supta Baddhakonasana (Cobbler pose, lying down)
• The Cow Pose (Gaumukhasan – extremely beneficial for irregular periods)
• Janu Shirasana (Head to Knee Pose)
• Virasana (The Hero Pose)
• Supta Virasana (Hero Pose, lying down)
• The Cobra Pose (Bhujang Asana)
• The Half Wheel Pose (Ardhachakrasana)
• The Lion Pose (For thyroid disorders)

These poses are aimed at increasing spinal flexibility, toning abdominal muscles, reducing stress levels, and regulating the endocrine system to restore hormonal balance. Some re-energize the energy centers of the body and help balance body functions. It is advised to do these poses for 3 to 5 times and hold your body in the stretched position for at least 30 seconds each time.

Along with these Asanas, breathing exercises (Pranayama) are very beneficial to regulating the menstrual cycle. Anulom Vilom (deep breathing through alternate nostril) is very beneficial to reducing stress levels and cooling your body and Kapalbhati (forceful breathing focusing on pressurizing the stomach) is helpful for regulating thyroid, obesity, and digestive disorders. All these factors can sometimes work together to cause irregular periods.

Diet wise, regularize your meal times, reduce intake of caffeine and meats, especially red meats, and avoid subjecting your mind and body to unnecessary stress.