Why Women Should Avoid Upside Down Yoga Postures During Menstruation
Well, it is believed that women should avoid doing inverted poses or upside down postures when they are menstruating. There are a few schools of thoughts and reasons for saying so.
When a woman is menstruating, her body becomes heavy and there is general discomfort. So in this condition, it might be difficult doing inverted poses. Thus, they are advised against doing the upside down postures and instead, asked to concentrate on relaxing poses and squatting poses that are said to help a healthy period.
Of course, as mentioned earlier, there are different beliefs regarding inverted poses and menstruation. There are those who believe that women should avoid inverted poses during their period, while there are people who believe that the choice should be left to the woman.
Those who advice against inverted poses, think that doing so during menstruation might lead to certain physical problems. Endometriosis is supposed to be one risk that women face if they do upside down poses during periods. But not many people now, with all the research available, like to believe in this theory.
Vascular congestion in the uterus is another theory related to inversions during periods. While, a doctor might be able to explain this situation to you better, it’s believed that this theory might hold some grain of truth.
Some yoga instructors think that a woman’s energy is at a low during periods and thus, high energy postures should be avoided. This makes sense as inverted poses are high energy postures. But again, this depends from person to person – there are women who feel fit and fine during their periods and might like to attempt inverted postures.
The philosophical angle to this is that menstruation is an ‘apana’ or a downward-flowing vitality. And inverted postures will only disturb the energy flow during menstruation.
There isn’t any firm research to back these theories. So, the best idea will be to say “to each unto her own.” If a woman feels she can do high energy postures during periods, then she should do what her body days. Or if a woman feels that she needs to rest or do light postures which don’t drain her off her energy, then she should avoid inverted poses.
Hatha yoga has contradictions and different philosophies – so each of us should make our own choices. Of course, you can consult a yoga teacher if you feel any discomfort or want to explore the question further.
