Kundalini yoga menstruation does not stop. Yoga and menstruation: not or not? Safe exercise during menstruation

The practice of yoga today is very popular, and this is not surprising, because in addition to physical health, it brings harmony to the spiritual world, changes the attitude to life and its image. Today we will talk about yoga for women during critical days: is it possible to practice it at this time, as well as what benefits or harm classes can bring.

yoga during menstruation

Every woman knows that during menstruation, physical activity on the body should be minimal. Is it worth it to give up yoga at all or can they be useful in some way - let's figure it out.

Benefit

The practice provides for asanas that are not difficult to perform, but have obvious beneficial actions on the body, especially with regular exercise.

Benefits of doing these asanas:

• reduction of pain;
• elimination of spasms;
• elimination of headache;
• reduction of pain symptom in the chest;
• decrease in the abundance of secretions;
• reducing irritability and calming nervous system;
• normalization of hormonal levels.

During menstruation, a slight load will increase blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which will help reduce pain and cramps.

Did you know? In Latin America, archaeologists have found tablets with drawings of postures that are very reminiscent of some yoga asanas. Artifacts date back 5000 years.

Harm

Harm from classes is possible when using positions prohibited during this period. These include inverted asanas and those that are accompanied by a strong load on the abdominal region.
Why such exercises cannot be performed, Ayurveda explains: these asanas prevent the natural cleansing of the female body, close the chakras (psycho-energetic centers) and do not release the accumulated negative energy, which creates general disharmony.

Doctors' opinion

A number of studies have been carried out at Stanford University on female physiology and the impact of sport on the body during menstruation. As a result, a curious discovery was made: during the critical days, the female body is comparable in endurance to the male. The thing is that during this period the hormonal background changes: the level of female hormones decreases significantly, endurance increases due to the acceleration of metabolism.

Therefore, adequate training is not only not contraindicated, but rather welcome. Moreover, during physical activity the body produces large amounts of endorphins, known as the hormone of happiness.
The opposite opinion is expressed by the obstetrician-gynecologist E. P. Berezovskaya. She claims that during menstruation physical exercise are contraindicated because they can lead to even more bleeding. Elena Petrovna claims that due to increased pressure on the abdominal region, endometrial detachment is possible, therefore, the less activity, the healthier the woman.

Most doctors do not dispute the possibility of doing sports in general and yoga in particular during menstruation, but insist on a preliminary consultation with a gynecologist.

Did you know? In the USA, a yoga system has been developed for ... dogs. Veterinary instructors help pets learn techniques to improve flexibility and endurance.

Inappropriate asanas during the cycle

During this period, women are contraindicated in postures that require such movements as a sharp turn, twisting in the abdomen, turning the body upside down - all of which can provoke gynecological complications. The most dangerous of them are fibromas, endometrial exfoliation, cysts, in some cases there are risks of developing oncology. Let's look at the forbidden positions in more detail.

The photo shows that this asana makes the muscles of the abdomen and pelvis tense. Tension is experienced by all organs of the lower part of the peritoneum, including the uterus.

Karnapidasana (asana of the ears between the knees)

When performing the asana, the body partially assumes an inverted position, in which the pelvis is at the top, which can provoke a reverse flow of blood.

This posture is also inverted, in addition, the lumbar region is strongly arched, and the abdominal muscles are stretched and tense.

Bhekasana (frog asana)

In this case, the stomach serves as a fulcrum, and all the load falls on it. The uterus is compressed, the hips and lower back are tense.

Marichiasana II, III (asana of the sage)

Both versions of the sage pose are performed with a sharp turn of the body, compression abdominal muscles and pelvic organs. The uterine cavity experiences additional pressure due to the position of the legs.

Viparita Karani (Reversed Asana)

This position of the body is contrary to the natural mechanism of cleansing the body, the blood flow is directed in the opposite direction. Holding the body, the woman involuntarily strains the abdominal muscles. In addition, the load falls on the lumbar.

Ardha Navasana (half boat pose)

In this case, the efforts of the abdominal muscles are also required, which leads to squeezing of the uterus and can increase bleeding.

Important!Thoughtless activities, the implementation of prohibited critical days exercises can provoke, in addition to the problems already listed above, a failure in the menstrual cycle.

Permitted exercises

In many types of yoga, in particular in kundalini, there are exercises that help normalize the cycle, help to relax and alleviate the painful condition of a woman during menstruation. They need to be performed regularly, and during critical days - in a lightweight version.

Stretching exercise, which has such an effect:

• relaxes and stretches the spinal column;
• reduces pain in the lower abdomen;
• improves blood circulation and gently massages internal organs;
• helps to get rid of insomnia, anxiety;
• relieves headache;
• charges with positive energy, opening the chakras;
• reduces psychological and mental stress.

Technique:

1. Starting position (IP) - standing.
2. Feet together, legs and back straight, palms resting on the hips.
3. Take a deep breath, as you exhale slowly bend forward. Try to tilt from the hips without arching at the waist.
4. We continue to tilt down to the feet without bending the knees.
5. The palms should touch the floor, while the back is relaxed.
6. Hold for a minute, slowly straighten up.

Video: Uttanasana In the early days, it is recommended to use a lightweight version without a full inclination to the feet. In this version, it is enough to bend, forming a right angle of the body and limbs. You can lean on the back of the chair with your hands, relaxing the abdominal muscles.

In kundalini, this is a posture for relaxation. Its main meaning is the complete relaxation of the body and spirit, the achievement of peace, psychological and spiritual balance. Asana helps to get rid of anxiety states, let go of negative emotions, improve sleep.

Performance:

1. IP - lying on your back.
2. Spread your legs to the sides at an acute angle.
3. Stretch your arms along the body.
4. Feel how all the muscles relax.
5. For long-term relaxation, you can take cover with a blanket.

Benefits of Asana:

• allows you to escape from restless thoughts;
• normalizes biological rhythms;
• opens the chest, promoting deeper and more correct breathing;
• stretches the spine;
• strengthens the muscles of the small pelvis;
• tones muscles;
• relaxes the nervous system.

Technique:

1. IP - standing.
2. Keep your back straight and look straight ahead.
3. Raise bent in knee joint right leg.
4. Turn it to the side and rest your foot on the inside of the left thigh, as close as possible to the inguinal zone.
5. The toes point down.
6. While inhaling, gently raise your hands up, joining your palms, as in a prayer position.
7. Concentrate your eyes on one point, linger for a minute in this position.
8. Repeat on the left leg.

With painful periods, vrikshasana is performed with your back against the wall.

Video: Vrikshasana

The beneficial effect on the body is as follows:

• relieves headaches;
• stretches and strengthens the back muscles;
• restores psychological balance;
• improves the functioning of the pulmonary and circulatory system;
• gives flexibility to the hip belt.

Sequencing:

1. IP - standing.
2. Taking a deep breath, in a jump, spread your legs to a width of about 1 m.
3. Raise your arms to shoulder level, parallel to the floor, palms down.
4. Turn the foot of the left foot to the side, right in place.
5. Gently bend down to the left leg without changing the position of the hands and without turning the body.
6. Hold on for a minute.
7. Then repeat on the right leg.

During menstruation, this asana is performed at some kind of support, resting your hand on your lower leg.

Important!In order not to experience discomfort, the jump in this asana can be lowered, immediately taking the position necessary for performing.

Benefits of exercise:

• improves blood supply to the pelvic organs;
• stretches and strengthens the muscles in the pelvic area;
• helps to relax the nervous apparatus;
• reduces spasms;
• reduces the amount of waste.

Sequencing:

1. IP - sitting.
2. The back and legs are straight.
3. Slowly, bending your knees, pull them to the inguinal area with your feet.
4. Bring your feet together like palms in prayer.
5. The knees are maximally deployed to the sides, the hips are open.
6. Try to keep your knees on the floor.
7. Stay in this position for half a minute.
8. Breathe deeply and evenly.

During menstruation, asana is performed while sitting on a bench or a hard pillow.

Balasana is a pose of relaxation, it helps to relieve nervous tension, clarify thoughts and get rid of fatigue. IN physical plane asana helps to relax the muscular belt, stretch the spine.

Technique:

1. IP - kneeling.
2. Lower your buttocks onto your heels.
3. Spread your knees shoulder-width apart.
4. Lower yourself forward, head on folded hands.
5. Stay in this position for a time that is comfortable for you.

These days, a pillow is placed under the head and neck to relieve pressure on the abdominal cavity.

The benefits of this asana are as follows:

• it gently stretches the muscles (thighs, groin, spinal column, shoulder girdle), the body feels light and flexible, on lumbar feeling less pressure
• smooth execution calms psychologically, eliminates anxiety and fatigue;
• blood circulation improves, muscles become liberated, which relieves headache and abdominal pain.

Performance:

1. IP - sitting on the floor.
2. The left leg is straight, the toe is pointing up.
3. The right leg is bent at the knee, the foot is pressed to inside thighs of the left leg, the heel touches the inguinal region.
4. knee bent right foot touches the floor.
5. The back is straight and relaxed.
6. Slowly lower yourself onto your left leg, clasping her foot with your hands.
7. Repeat the exercise on the other leg.

If pain or bleeding intensifies after exercise, the reason may be incorrect execution exercises. If everything was done correctly, then you may have a gynecological problem.

In conclusion, we note: during the period of critical days, classes should be as light as possible. All poses are performed with relaxed abdominal muscles, do not forget about even breathing. Correct and regular practice will greatly facilitate the life of a woman during menstruation, both on a physical and psychological level.

Video: Yoga practice on critical days

In this article, you will find questions from readers and answers from an experienced yoga instructor. Tips and practical advice help to correct irregular periods and other problems that violate women's health.

When Should Irregular Periods Be a Concern?

There is no woman whose menstrual cycle is perfectly regular, for there are no two events in nature that are completely identical. Each period is unique, even within the same cycle, so there is no need to worry about any changes we notice in our monthly cycle.

Only when persistent irregularity appears can one begin to worry about women's health.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by women regarding health, menstruation¹ and yoga.

If a woman comes to her yoga teacher for help with menstrual irregularities—too scanty, profuse, heavy—the most valuable piece of advice a master can give is to see a doctor immediately.

A complete medical examination will clarify the exact nature of this problem, which can have so many causes.

Menstrual irregularities are often a sign of other disorders or illnesses that can lead to serious complications if not properly treated.

When the doctor has ruled out such a possibility, the most suitable practices can be selected to establish harmony and balance on the physical and spiritual planes.

Can we practice yoga during menstruation?

- During the intense flow of blood, asanas should not be practiced.

Sirshasana and Sarvangasana should not be practiced at all, even if menstruation is normal. However, pranayama, meditations and other practices can be continued as usual.

Yoga considers menstruation as a very fruitful time for the practice of Sadhana, as women are more sensitive and psychologically stronger during this period. Also one should pay more attention to Japa² and Dhyana³ at this time.

- My daughter is 18 years old, and the female figure has already begun to develop, but so far she has not had her period. I am very worried about this.

- Most girls experience their first period at 11 or 12, but it can be any time between 9 and 18. If your daughter is healthy in all other respects, then it is possible that she just has a late development.

However, the lack of periods may be due to hormonal imbalances or emotional factors.

If the doctor finds no cause for alarm, she should practice 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar every morning.

I am only 49 years old but my periods seem to have stopped except for occasional irregular spots and smears. Pretty sure it's too early for menopause.

The average age at which menstruation stops is 48-49 years, but a woman can reach this phase in her life cycle at any time between 40 and 55 years of age. Doctors say that women who menstruate early usually end later.

However, irregular patches or "blow-through" bleeding between periods can be caused by an infection of the reproductive system (pelvic inflammatory disease) or polyps (protrusions that grow on the lining of the uterus at or near the opening of the uterus).

If doctors see no cause for concern, start a yoga practice to harmonize the condition and reduce any physical discomfort that may accompany menopause. Especially inverted asanas such as Shirshasana (headstand), Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) and Halasana (plough).

- My periods normally last five days, but for two months they were only two days, and in the last month they were not at all. I also sometimes feel nauseous in the morning.

- The most common reason for the cessation of menstruation is pregnancy, and this seems to be your case, since you experience nausea in the morning. For some women, menstruation stops immediately after conception. But for others, it may last 2-3 months, although the course is short and meager.

If you are taking birth control pills, they may not have the right hormone composition for your individual system and may be suppressing your periods.

After giving birth, periods will return again, usually after 6 weeks or so if you are not breastfeeding.

Often during lactation, menstruation does not come.

If you have been using birth control pills and stop taking them, your first period will probably come in 6 weeks.

“I have always had regular periods, but since I left home and went to college, my periods have stopped.

- Very few women actually have regular periods, as many situations in life act on the hormones that control the cycle.

Parting with home, an over-stressed student life can lead to emotional stress and a violation of women's health. This may be enough to stop periods for a while.

Some women are more sensitive in this regard than others, but a temporary delay in menstruation is possible with any major life change.

This may be due to a long trip, a change in the rhythm of life (moving from a village to a city or vice versa), a radical change in diet or climate, grief from the loss of someone close, the beginning of a married life, or any other intense emotional experience.

Illnesses - fevers, intestinal disturbances, obesity, even severe constipation, can also stop menstruation for a while.

If you have consulted with your doctor, start regular practice Yoga Nidra. It will bring deep physical and emotional relaxation and will help in your studies.

You probably also need more exercise, so add dynamic asanas to your program: Science Sanchalan, Chaka Chalanasana, Shashankasana, Marjariasana, Shashank-bhujangasana and Druta Halasana.

My periods come regularly, but so often! Usually in 21-22 days. Is there anything wrong here?

Check with the doctor, but don't worry too much. The average cycle is 28 days, although your period may be as short as 20 days or as long as 36 days but still be normal.

If you practice asanas, pranayama and meditation regularly, your cycle may become a little longer.

My periods are very heavy and last a week. This is fine?

- Normal periods can last from 2 to 8 days and 4-5 days on average.

Usually comes out 4-6 tablespoons or 2-3 ounces of blood. If you are bleeding very heavily, it is important to distinguish between menstrual flow and hemorrhage (bleeding from internal disorders).

If the flow occurs with a feeling of "flow" or "flooding", perhaps the bleeding is due not only to the destruction of the surface layer of the inside of the uterus.

Excessive bleeding can be a symptom of either endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue normal to the uterus grows somewhere else—often the bladder and intestines. This disorder is quite common in women in their 30s and 40s and requires the attention of a specialist.

20-25% of women develop a fibrous tumor of the uterus, which is a growth of hard fibrous tissue in the uterus due to incomplete separation of the membrane.

A small percentage of uterine fibroids are cancerous. This condition may be difficult to Bladder and large intestine. It is most important in the case of heavy periods to find a qualified doctor.

If your medical examination shows that your problem is due to a hormonal imbalance, then learn Antar Mouna or Yoga Nidra and practice them with the following asanas: Sarvangasana, Halasana, Kandharasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana and Paschimottanasana.

Since I stopped eating meat, my periods have stopped. This has happened to some of my vegan friends, but we all feel like our health has improved like never before.

“Diet affects every aspect of women's health, including menstruation, and it's now been established that a high-protein, meat-based diet can be the cause of pain and heavy periods.

Often, when switching to a vegetarian diet, periods are temporarily suspended, but when they come back, they usually pass without problems.

Women on a plant-based diet (grains and vegetables, no milk or other animal products) may stop menstruating. However, examination of her normal vaginal discharge shows that her hormones are functioning and there is no loss of biological femininity.

Such women, however, lead an active married life and give birth to healthy and happy children.

“Is it normal for menstruation to stop when a person takes on spiritual life?”

- There are certain spiritual practices that can reduce menstruation or even eliminate it for a while.

Some practices work directly on the sputum gland (Shirshasana), others deflect prana from its downward movement (Mahabandha), others bring one-pointedness of the mind and complete sublimation of sensual desires (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi).

However, this only happens when these practices are done intensively (for example, if Shirshasana is held for two to three hours at a time), in combination with a yogic lifestyle, under the guidance of a teacher.

The cessation of menstruation in itself is not yet an indicator spiritual development. Often this is a signal of physical or emotional imbalance, which is best addressed by a combination of medical advice and a balanced program of yogic exercises.

True spirituality comes with the predominance of sattva, purity and light on every level of our being.

Sattva on the physical plane means the harmonious and balanced functioning of the body in accordance with the laws of nature. This applies to every aspect of life, including the menstrual cycle. Through yoga we do not get rid of the natural functions of the body, but we purify them so that they do not distract the mind.

Nava Yogini Tantra

Notes and feature articles for a deeper understanding of the material

² Japa is the spiritual practice of meditative repetition of mantras or the names of God in Hinduism (Wikipedia).

³ Dhyana - contemplation, "a special concentration of consciousness on the object of contemplation." In all Indian religions, dhyana leads to a “calming of consciousness”, and subsequently to a complete stop for some time of any mental activity (

Maria Kalinina

Kundalini yoga:

In the first days of menstruation, when the bleeding is still heavy, we do not recommend Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) and Halasana (Plow Pose) for practice. Also prohibited are Agni Pranayama (breath of Fire), Mula Bandha (Root Lock) and strength exercises, during which the stomach tenses. During menstruation, forward stretches are very useful - postures of this class help the mind to remain calm against the background of “jumping” hormonal levels.

Victor Boyko

Classic yoga:

If a woman during menstruation even just lifts her legs up while lying on the floor, then the discharge reflexively stops. And the systematic performance of inverted poses on critical days leads to the fact that the cycle simply stops. And menstruation can stop, say, for a year. It should be remembered that the illiterate, chaotic performance of inverted poses can greatly harm women's health. Therefore, during menstruation, you need to select such asanas and perform them in such a way that the practice does not affect the intensity and duration of the cycle. If you feel frankly unwell, you should limit yourself to Virasana (Hero's pose), Siddhasana (Initiate's pose) and Padmasana (Lotus pose). Having chosen a minimum of asanas for practice, it is better to repeat each of them two or three times. This is the only way to maintain a positive mood and good health.

Natalya Kuzmicheva

Kundalini yoga:

The natural rhythm of cleansing the body is associated with many factors, including the phases of the moon. While doing yoga, we kind of tune the body to a natural rhythm, but intensive practice just before and during menstruation can disrupt this mechanism. Therefore, 1-2 days before the expected start of the cycle, it is undesirable to practice Mula Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock). Pranayamas such as Agni Pranayama, Bhastrika (bellows breathing) and Kapalabhati (brain cleansing breathing) should be abandoned. And of course, you don’t need to do inverted poses during menstruation. Neglect of these recommendations causes headaches, delayed menstruation and many other unpleasant consequences. It is known that in the Taoist tradition, menstruation is associated with a loss of energy. To preserve vitality, women who practice this tradition practice what is called "ovarian breathing" to stop the cycle. Here, in my opinion, there is no particular contradiction with nature. When a woman has an experienced mentor, consults a doctor about her health and clearly understands what she wants, then she can achieve an adequate result.

Elena Ulmasbaeva

Iyengar yoga:

During menstruation, a woman's body gets rid of toxins. Some processes occur reflexively: for example, the discharge may stop while swimming in water or when the legs are raised up. Starting to regularly perform inverted poses during menstruation, you bring down the hormonal background and disrupt the cycle. During menstruation, a woman's body loses energy, these days you need to rest. And not just give up inverted poses, but engage in special program. While practicing yoga, it is still important to remain a woman, in other words, to accept your feminine nature. Every month, a woman's body prepares for pregnancy, and critical days are a vivid confirmation of this. Even if you are not planning a pregnancy, you need to respect the reproductive function in yourself and not contradict your nature. The absence of menstruation in young women - and there are a lot of them, believe me - is a sign of how deeply they have hidden their feminine function. Inverted postures during a cycle are a direct way to stop them. Repeatedly I had to observe how, against the background of intensive practice, menstruation stopped in many women. There are even special Taoist practices that are just aimed at erasing the boundaries between the sexes, when “she” turns into “it”. The girl who chose this path for herself should be ready for hormonal disorders in future. Meanwhile good health She will come in handy not only at 20 years old, but also at 30, 50 and 70.

Natalia Senina

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:

In tradition ashtanga vinyasas women in the first three days of the menstrual cycle are advised not only to exclude inverted postures from practice, but also to completely abandon yoga. In our method, it is important to perform not individual postures, but entire series of asanas, the most important part of which are inverted postures, which have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole. These include 7 basic poses: Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Halasana (Plow Pose), Karnapidasana (Knees to Ears Pose), Urdhva Padmasana (Lotus Pose in Shoulderstand), Pindasana (Fetal Pose), Matsyasana ( Pisces Pose) and Uttana Padasana (Lying Arm and Leg Stretch Pose). Without these asanas, which accumulate energy in the body, the practice of any other postures is meaningless.

The question arises: if the cycle lasts more than three days, should I practice on the fourth? Usually on the fourth day of the cycle, you can start exercising without any restrictions. But each body is unique, so listen to your feelings. If you feel the need for a deeper rest, take another "day off". Don't be afraid to lose your flexibility during the break. As a rule, after such a natural rest, new forces appear and the perception of yogic practice is sharpened. During my time, Guruji Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Rangaswami were often asked the same question: “What to do in these three days?” In response, teachers always joked: “Read books. Or just relax." Saraswati Rangaswami (daughter of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), expressing her opinion on women's perspectives in ashtanga vinyasa yoga, wrote: "... women should learn to listen to their natural cycles and be sure to rest on the days of menstruation", adding that "... men are physically stronger, but in general, women are more talented than men in yoga.”

The ban on the practice of inverted asanas during menstruation seems logical to me. If you follow the cycles of nature, then any creation always goes through three stages: creation, development and destruction. Then the same cycle is repeated. It is quite natural that on critical days the body is freed from what has already been destroyed for a new life.

Slaying the red dragon

In ancient Chinese spiritual literature, curious cases are described related to the special practices of Buddhist nuns who took a vow of celibacy. Closing themselves in monasteries from worldly life, these women also renounced their feminine nature. The set of practical exercises performed by the nuns was called “killing the red dragon” and included both special breathing techniques and inverted postures that were performed during menstruation. It was assumed that such a complex is capable of transforming the sexual energy of the reproductive organs into pure “chi” energy. As the exercises were performed, the “red dragon” left the nuns forever, taking their feminine essence with it into oblivion.

The ideal menstrual cycle is the exception rather than the norm. Moreover, it practically does not exist in nature. The nature of the course of menstruation and the length of the cycle directly depend on the type of constitution.

Women with a Vata constitution feel severe premenstrual pain, they have pronounced symptoms of PMS, and the stomach is tense during menstruation. The cycle itself is very long: 29-30 days or even more, and the discharge is quite scarce.

In Pitta women, the cycles are short: 21-24 days, menstruation is normal, within three to four days, the discharge is scarlet, healthy.

And finally, those whose constitution is dominated by kapha, the monthly cycle approaches the lunar cycle: 28-29 days. Menstruation is calm, but stagnation often occurs: it can be profuse leucorrhoea before menstruation or discharge that does not stop for several days after menstruation. These manifestations are exacerbated if a woman does not follow a diet. In addition, in women of the kapha type, menstruation is accompanied by severe soreness of the breasts.

Despite the fact that the length of the cycle and the nature of the flow of menstruation is always very individual, there are certain limits. Both Western medicine and Ayurveda say that there are critically short cycles: 17-15 days. As a rule, such frequent not even menstruation - bleeding, and not necessarily heavy, is a consequence of endometriosis. And certainly a serious reason to come to grips with your health.

Rest is the best medicine
The causes of menstrual disorders can be: physical activity, stress, hard work, nutrition, disruption of the natural biorhythm - frequent vigils at night, constant trips and flights, a sharp change in climatic conditions - everything affects the work of the reproductive system. Thus, if there are any problems - the cycle goes astray, menstruation is very painful, you become irritable (and not only during PMS), you feel a constant loss of strength - first of all, you need to pay attention to your lifestyle. Often, to eliminate dysfunction, it is enough to change the mode.

Ideally, during menstruation, a woman should spend more time alone with herself. These few days are good for getting back to your nature. During this period, teachers recommend studying at home - in the classroom we easily get involved in an active rhythm, succumbing to the general energy of the lesson, which often prevents us from immersing ourselves in ourselves. But the independent practice of restorative asanas, coupled with the observation of breathing and internal state, on the contrary, allows you to replenish the energy reserves that a woman loses during menstruation.

By following these rules, you may feel the effect immediately, or you may need more time. But if you do nothing at all in case of obvious violations - do not try to change the rhythm of life and continue to eat according to the usual scheme, sooner or later the problems will have to be solved in the doctor's office. Now let's talk about the most common types of dysfunction and how the practice of yoga can help to normalize the situation.

Lossless

Menorrhagia is a very long, exhausting menstruation that lasts more than seven days and is associated with a large loss of blood. If the constitution is dominated by vata dosha, such a disorder can even cause anemia. In Ayurveda, menorrhagia is associated with stressful situations and emotional overload, such as grief, sadness, fear. The physiological cause is often endometriosis. The problem may also be a consequence of the lack of ovulation, when changes in the hormonal background do not allow the bleeding to stop. If usually the menstruation proceeds more or less normally and the disorder is of a single character, B.K.S. Iyengar recommends that on the eighth day of bleeding, begin to do inverted poses. Sometimes it helps to stop the process. And if a woman gets out of a stressful state, the body recovers within a month, and the next menstruation is normal. Inverted postures in this situation are also good because they allow a woman to replenish the reserves of wasted energy. If such failures are repeated quite often and menstruation is very plentiful, and the practice of inverted postures does not help, you need to see a doctor.

As for the general practice of yoga for menorrhagia, during menstruation classes should be dominated by passive backbends and variations in them, such as Upavistha Konasana and Baddha Konasana. Here Special attention should be given to the alignment of the position of the pelvis - its front and back surfaces, elongation of the sacrum. For this, auxiliary materials are used. In Shavasana, it is better to place the shins on a chair. As a rule, when the pelvis is tilted forward, the internal organs are constantly in tension. And if the doctor does not see obvious serious reasons for dysfunction, adjusting the position of the pelvis during asanas can normalize the cycle.

On the other days of the cycle, you also need to do it in a certain way. Firstly, with prolonged menstruation, a woman loses a lot of blood and a lot of energy, so it is advised to include several standing poses in the complex, but the practice should not be exhausting. Secondly, inverted poses are very important: they allow you to make up for the loss of energy, and it is necessary to do them on days when there is no menstruation.

Complete cleansing

Scanty menstruation, lasting one or two days, is a consequence of the weak energy of apana vayu. If in the previous case it works too hard and the body is exhausted, then here purification does not occur at all. Subsequently, menstruation may completely stop. In this case, they speak of secondary amenorrhea (the natural absence of menstruation before puberty is called primary). Among the causes of the violation are sudden weight loss and strict diets aimed solely at maintaining a certain form, associated, for example, with professional activities (top models often become victims of dysfunction). Excessive thinness and the almost complete absence of body fat lead to the fact that the body simply “ceases to understand” whether it is female or male.

The cause of scanty menstruation can be strong physical exertion, for example, in professional athletes. When a woman achieves what she wants by a certain date physical form, she, as a rule, either does not ovulate, or menstruation stops. Lack of ovulation, among other things, is dangerous because calcium begins to leach out of the bones. The result is osteoporosis early age. Scanty menstruation is a serious signal to reconsider your lifestyle. This type of dysfunction can be even more dangerous than too much discharge, because in this case the body is not completely cleansed, and the consequences can be disastrous.

Yoga does not give unambiguous recommendations. If in the case of heavy menstruation, everything is clear - a woman loses a lot of energy and the practice should not be too active and energy-intensive, then with scanty menstruation or secondary amenorrhea, the nature of the classes can vary dramatically - depending on the causes of the disorder. If the dysfunction is associated with a lot of weight loss and extreme thinness, you need to exercise like during pregnancy, that is, to allow the body to build up more flesh - even when there is no menstruation. In this case, all poses are performed on a soft surface, with support and a large number of auxiliary materials. And the diet will be appropriate. In a word, a woman should be ready to sacrifice her slimness or sportswear. If you intend to continue working, exercising or maintaining a certain weight, you should not resort to the practice of yoga - it will not help.

If scanty menstruation or amenorrhea arose against the background of severe stress, they speak not of a physiological cause, but of a psychological one. Stress can lead to depression, against which the diet becomes illegible. A woman may even begin to gain weight - but there is no menstruation. In this case, yoga practice should be active: it is recommended to perform Surya Namaskar, standing postures, active backward bends, such as Urdhva Dhanurasana, Ushtrasana, Kapotasana. Classes built in this way will bring you out of depression and turn on a mechanism that will direct energy into the reproductive system and make it work normally.

Of course, in both cases, inverted postures cannot be done during menstruation. The practice should be soft bends and passive backbends with the opening of the pelvis. Breathing is especially important, because if a woman's mind is occupied with extraneous thoughts about household chores or work during the period of practice, the practice will give minimal results. In passive postures, it is useful to connect pranamic breathing, to direct it to those parts of the body where tension is felt, to observe the stretching and sensations in the body. In general, during menstruation, sensitivity rises to a maximum. If a woman does not practice on critical days and lives in a normal rhythm, she does not notice this. But as soon as she begins to pay attention to the practice during menstruation, she will be able to learn a lot about herself.

With amenorrhea, inverted postures are not excluded from practice until menstruation resumes. But in the case of meager menstruation, lasting 1-2 days, they are engaged in a special program for four days, that is, even when the discharge has already stopped. Thus, the woman seems to be trying to deceive the body, "pretending" that menstruation continues.

Like clockwork

Dysfunction, in which constant failures occur in the cycle, can also have many reasons. Most often, such incomprehensible failures begin in women after 40 years. They may be associated with age-related hormonal changes or disorders such as cysts, polyps, and endometriosis. By the way, the predisposition to certain gynecological diseases also largely depends on the type of constitution. For example, kapha is more prone to the appearance of various kinds of neoplasms - fibroids or cysts, and women whose constitution has a lot of vata, most often suffer from endometriosis. Of course, the practice of yoga can help stabilize the cycle and minimize disruptions, but before starting classes, you need to find out exactly what the cause of the violation is, since a certain program is built depending on the cause. With fibroids, they are treated like during pregnancy. You can’t strain your stomach, because this provokes the growth of fibroids. And you should definitely see a doctor.

As for the cyst, yoga sometimes stops the growth process - the cyst can caramelize and even begin to shrink. The emphasis in practice is on pulling the internal organs to the spine. For example, in Navasana, the angle between the torso and legs should be much sharper than usual. There should be a connection between the sacrum and the pubis. In general, certain tricks are used in practice so that a woman does not strain her stomach, but feels work in this area. It's stimulating, but not stressful. For example, Uttanasana is performed with a belt on the sacrum and feet: pushing the belt with the sacrum, you direct the internal organs to the sacrum. But with myoma, this practice is strictly contraindicated: it stimulates tumor growth. That is why, I repeat, when cycle violations appear, a woman must first find out the cause.

With endometriosis, Upavistha Konasana and Baddha Konasana are good, and they need to be performed, leaning back in a chair, creating a slight deflection and stretching. These variations relieve pain. And of course, you should know that endometriosis is "fueled" by stressful situations and any of them can lead to an exacerbation.

Anxiety, grief, fear are the psychological causes of a violation of the regularity of the cycle. To return the situation to normal, it is necessary to include such poses as Adho Mukha Shvanasana, Uttanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Viparita Dandasana on a chair, plus inverted poses - Sirshasana and Sarvangasana without fail. Emphasis on inverted postures is extremely important because they give the body a chance to recover and have a powerful effect on the hormonal system, especially on the production of reproductive hormones. The fact is that if some hormonal glands secrete hormones independently of the pituitary gland, for example, the adrenal glands, then all hormones produced by the organs of the reproductive system are directly related to the pituitary gland. And everything that happens in your head - any strong emotional stress, instantly affects the functioning of the reproductive system. In this case, it is inverted postures that will help to influence the pituitary gland in the most favorable way.

During menstruation, you should follow the usual program provided for this period. A question of hygiene. Of course, there are things that are difficult and sometimes impossible to control. For example, we are not always able to avoid stressful situations or radically change our work schedule. However, we can, for example, cancel meetings that require serious tension. After all, cleansing occurs not only physiologically, but also energetically. There are moments that can be easily corrected - there would be a desire. These include, in particular, a change in eating habits and, oddly enough, a review of the habits in the use of personal hygiene products. From an Ayurvedic point of view, tampons are not the best of these remedies. The fact is that they impede the flow of apana-vayu energy, which is responsible for cleansing the body. Tampons are not very useful from the point of view of physiology either. After all, menstrual flow is not only blood and endometrium. Within a few days, toxins are also released with the blood. And if we interfere with purification, all this is immediately absorbed into the blood and tissues. As a result, we get, as Ayurvedicists say, primarily endometriosis.

Understand yourself

In terms of maintaining health, Geeta Iyengar recommends that women practice just a few asanas every day between periods. These are Shirshasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Pashchimottanasana, Upavishtha Konasana, Baddha Konasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana (no other twist will have such an effect on the spleen: the main organ that supports immunity), Adho Mukha Svanasana and Savasana. These nine asanas, according to the Gita, will help keep the reproductive system healthy, provided that you perform them every day. But if this or that problem nevertheless arose, first of all you need to deal with yourself, try to understand what is wrong, and do everything in your power to correct the situation. Of course, one cannot count on a quick result - nature requires observation. But if you do everything you need for two to three months, and there is no improvement, you need to go to the doctor and, having determined what exactly caused the failure, build a training program in accordance with a specific problem. In some cases, it is impossible to do without drugs: for example, it is simply impossible to get rid of thrush in another way. But at the same time, you should not “rush” to drugs at the first sign of a disorder. It can be associated with a stressful situation or simply with fatigue, and if you put yourself in order within a month, the body will restore itself.

For prolonged and excessive periods

Supta Padangushthasana II
The posture will cool the mind and reproductive organs. Working in this asana will help counteract abdominal tension, the growth of fibroids and other diseases of the abdominal organs. Lie on the floor, feet pressed against the wall. Bend your right leg and loop the strap over your foot. Pass the index and middle fingers of your right hand through the loop. Straighten your right leg up. Pass the end of the strap under your neck and grab it with your left hand. Press your left thigh and lower leg into the floor. Open your left foot and press the ball under your thumb against the wall. Exhale and take your right leg to the right. Place the bolster diagonally under your right thigh first. Relax into the pose, keeping the abdominal muscles soft.

Supta Baddha Konasana in Viparita Dandasana
Reduces abdominal cramps and inflammation caused by endometriosis. Lay two bolsters, one on top of the other, crosswise. Place two folded blankets at each end of the bolster to support your head, shoulders and feet. If you feel discomfort in your lower back, place more blankets under your shoulders and feet. Sit on the bolster and tie your legs for Baddha Konasana. Leaning on your hands, lower yourself onto the bolster and slide slightly towards your head. Bend over on the bolster and relax the back of your head on the folded blanket. Place your arms at your sides, bending them at the elbows.

With scanty frequent periods

Uttanasana with wall and chair
Stand with your back against a wall and place a chair in front of you. Move your feet away from the wall by 20 cm, lean your pelvis against the wall. The feet are parallel to each other, slightly wider than the pelvis, the ischial bones are pressed against the wall and rise up. Rest your head on the chair seat. Extend your arms and place them on the seat too.

Adho Mukha Upavishtha Konasana with bolster and blanket
While in the pose, draw in the sacrum in the same way as you do it, performing backbends. This action will relieve compression and heaviness in the abdomen, and will increase blood circulation precisely in the pelvic area. The pose stimulates the ovaries and regulates the menstrual flow. Sit on the corner of the folded blanket in Upavistha Konasana. Place the bolster in front of you, bringing its end close to the pelvis. Place a head blanket on the other end of the bolster. Move forward slowly so that the stomach and rib cage fully lowered onto the bolster. Rest your forehead on the blanket. Stretch your arms forward and press your palms to the floor. Let the mind relax and calm down as it permeates the entire body.

For irregular periods

Adho Mukha Svanasana
Increases blood circulation in the chest and abdomen, helps to cope with constipation, and also correct the position of the uterus. It relieves headaches and helps the endocrine glands to normalize the menstrual cycle. Sit down in Adho Mukha Virasana, put your forehead on a support, place your palms shoulder-width apart and open them. Raise your pelvis, straighten your legs (feet hip-width apart) and enter Adho Mukha Svanasana, leaving your forehead on the brick. Pushing off with your palms, lift the sides of the body, lengthen the spine upwards, transfer body weight from hands to feet. Relax your stomach, breathe slowly and calmly.

Parshva Adho Mukha Svastikasana
It helps both in the premenstrual period and during the period of menstruation, as it reduces back pain, relieves the feeling of bloating and menstrual cramps. Place a bolster or chair to the right of the mat. Sit in Swastikasana, stretch your spine up, with an inhalation, turn to the right and lower your forehead onto a chair or bolster without lifting your left buttock from the floor. Bend your elbows and place them on a support.

Kundalini Disorders Kundalini is the main energy of the astral body. For most of us, it lies dormant at the base of the spine. Only a small part of it remains active to maintain nervous activity. Kundalini can be awakened through pranayama, mantras, meditation techniques, or drugs. Karmic causes also influence her awakening. Many drugs stimulate the Kundalini but fail to fully awaken it.

Many of the means that increase Kundalini, such as gi and, contribute to raising the Kundalini. Kundalini is stimulated by calamus and camphor (it is taken orally in very small doses). It also has a good effect when taken with milk.

One of the steps on the path of spiritual development is the awakening of Kundalini and raising it up the spine, which contributes to the opening of cosmic consciousness. Some systems of spiritual development bypass the issue of Kundalini or consider it as a force of illusion, interaction with which is best avoided.

Kundalini awakening is not always beneficial. Artificial or premature awakening of it can lead to "burnout" of the nervous system and other states of high Vata or Pitta, accompanied by hallucinations and false ideas.

Kundalini is a force that should be handled seriously and better under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Errors in this are not allowed. Before awakening it, one must purify one's nature. Kundalini awakening should be combined with anti-aging therapy. Soma is an ancient Vedic herbal preparation taken during anti-aging therapy to awaken the Kundalini. If inner balance and purity were not achieved, the intake of Soma became the cause of illness or even death.

Kundalini disorders are accompanied by pain in the lower back and often painful swelling in the genital area. Burning pain may be felt along the spine - from the sacrum to solar plexus. In many cases, sexual desire is increased with a predominance of strong emotions, such as anger. It becomes difficult or impossible to fall asleep, the need for sleep decreases. Strengthening the imagination is accompanied by the appearance of bright colorful visions that are beyond control. They can be negative or destructive. It is common to see both heaven and hell, with self-image as a great guru, deity, or bodhisattva. Contacts with astral entities are possible, which can contribute to the emergence of these fantasies.

Naturally, it is very difficult to objectively assess such a state on your own. It can easily be mistaken for the right spiritual experience. However, symptoms such as prolonged pain, anxiety and mental agitation are indicative of disorders. Even great yogis can go through periods of such negative experiences.

Treatment of Kundalini Disorders

It is necessary to stop any meditative practices and remain in contemplation, in a state of peace without any effort, or else surrender yourself to the Divine Will. You need rest and relaxation. Breath holding with effort and "breath of fire" are contraindicated. You can perform lunar pranayama (inhale through the left nostril, exhale through the right) or sitali.

A diet that reduces both Vata and Pitta at the same time is prescribed. Spices are excluded, except for fennel and coriander. Milk and ghee may be eaten, but pure sugars, including honey, should be avoided. Any drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited. It is better to refuse herbal wines.

Herbs with soothing and nourishing properties are prescribed - ashwagandha, sandalwood, aloe juice. Stimulants (calamus, camphor, myrtle, sage) should not be used.

Of the preparations, the composition "Ashwagandha", ghee with ashwagandha, ghee with brahmi, the composition "Shatavari" help well.

The base of the spine, pelvis and genitals are massaged with warm sesame oil. Or a general oil massage. The head is lubricated. Essential oils from sandalwood, rose, lotus, etc. are applied to the area of ​​the third eye, the navel chakra, as well as the top of the head.

Of the precious stones, yellow sapphire, yellow topaz, emerald, jade, pearl, moonstone balance and regulate the Kundalini energies. Do not use ruby, garnet and cat eye(the latter especially activates the Kundalini).

The best mantras for calming the Kundalini are Sham and Ram. Too much repetition of the mantra "Om" can have a stimulating effect. The mantra “Hum” awakens the Kundalini most of all, and its use requires special care.