Other relaxation poses include:
- SAVASANA or CORPSE POSE– which is a conscious relaxation pose, relaxes your body and mind. It equalizes your breathing and helps your mind get distracted from the menstrual pain thus, relieving you of the menstrual cramps.
- BALASANA or CHILD’S POSE– is an extremely relaxing pose which can help to relieve the menstrual pains. The child pose helps in the alignment on your back. It helps in relieving the pain in the back region. This pose massages the internal organs and releases the tension in your back, shoulders and neck. Along with that, it helps in relaxing the mind too.
ASANAS TO SKIP WHEN MENSTRUATING/AVOID CRAMPS:
In a yoga practice there are certain asanas that should be avoided during menstruation. The main type of asanas are inversions. Any extraordinarily strong asanas particularly strong backbends, handstands, twists, arm balances and standing positions that put a lot of stress on the abdominal and pelvic region should be avoided, especially if the woman is going through a lot of pain at the time. These asanas are:
Shirshasana, Sarvangasana, Dhanurasana, Halasana, Karnapeedasana, and Bakasana.
The reasoning for this is very logical. If the pelvic region is causing spasm and pain, why cause more contraction and pressure to the area. Also, these positions need more physical strength and exertion which can be lacking during this time and can be depleted further by the practice. Strong vinyasa and power yoga should be avoided for the same reasons. Surya namaskar, when done slowly and gently, can be useful, however it should be avoided if there is a lot of pain or heavy bleeding.
OTHER NATURAL REMEDIES TO RELIEVE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
- HYDRATE – Drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses of warm water. Herbal teas like chamomile tea or peppermint tea provides a cooling effect on the body. Reducing your sodium intake also helps reduce the bloating.
- DIET– As much as we crave sugary foods and junk a lot more at that time of the month, these don’t really help, since it elevates your mood at that moment, but makes you feel worse, makes you bloated, it increases the inflammation and actually encourages the period pain.
- VITAMIN D– The sunshine vitamin supports the immune system and fights inflammation, brightens your mood, calms the mind.
- AT HOME TREATMENT– Applying a heating pad, heat wrap, or hot water bottle to your abdomen works wonders for relieving menstrual cramps.
- ESSENTIAL OILS– Steam inhalation with Peppermint oil can relieve a headache and calm the nerves. To aid sleep, you can also put 2-3 drops of lavender oil on your pillow, this will not only help you sleep well, but also cure a migraine. To relieve abdominal pains, apply a few drops of coconut oil in your navel, this will also help in bloating.
- UNWIND: Avoid TV, your smartphone, computer, and other screens before bed to help you wind down. You may feel more comfortable sleeping in different positions during your period. Pay extra attention to sleep hygiene in the days leading up to your period.