Women and Yogabhyasa

A woman’s body is like a fruit bearing tree and the symptoms attached to its branches - be it mood swings, headaches, period problems... can be treated through relevant yogasanas.

Ever wondered why there is a ‘gynecologist’ for women’s health issues, but no ‘cologist’ for a man’s problems?

Mainly because a woman’s body is a complex entity and there are more factors that can go wrong. Also a women’s ability to bear children requires a monthly cycle which take her on a roller coaster of hormonal changes, hormonal imbalance, every month, from puberty to menopause.

This is not so with a man who has steady hormones once past puberty till his death.

A women’s body is like a fruit bearing tree and the various symptoms attached to its branches - be it mood swings, headaches, period problems, PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome), weight gain, stress, etc. can be treated separately and alleviated but they are bound to return if the roots of this tree are not properly nourished and taken care of.

Therefore it is essential for a woman to follow a health regime regular. Here are some asanas recommended for women based on their age:

Puberty and adolescence

When: 11-19 years: What: Puberty leads to rapid fluctuations of hormones and this results in mood swings, and troubled skin as well as a new focus on communication, social connections, and sexuality.

Solution: Practice Surya Namaskar and Vinyasa sequences mainly to channelise teen energy, followed by stretches such as Paschimottanasana, Swan Kriya, Setu bandhasana Ushtrasana, and Balasana which leads to a surge of blood flow to the reproductive organs and helps them to deal with PMS. Adho Mukha Svanasana/Downward-Facing Dog Pose calms the overactive mind and balances out mood swings common during adolescence.

Urdhva Dhanurasana/Wheel Pose, Increases confidence and teaches them how to face turbulent times.

The other beneficial asanas are: Bhujangasana/Cobra Pose; Dhanurasana/ Bow Pose; Matsyasana/Fish Pose; Pavanmukhtasana/ Wind Relieving Pose

Youth – Childbearing age When: 19 – 35 years

What: The PMS peaks and complex life issues like settling on a career, finding a life partner, creating a home, child bearing and child rearing, adds pressures and emotional twists and turns. Pregnancy and postpartum are the largest fluctuations of hormones in a woman's entire life, which can bring about body, breast and fat tissue, and muscle changes. During menses, practice of restorative poses ease’s cramps and stabilizes mood swings. Self-care throughout this time is vital.

Solution: Surya namaskaras, energising backbends, and inversions are recommended during ovulation.

For post natal body, try practicing Trikonasna/Triangle Pose; Virabhadhrasnana/Warrior Pose; Standing side stretch; Prasaritha Padottanasan/Standing Forward bend; Paschimottanasan/Seated forward bend; Vajrasana/Hero Pose; Spread leg forward/Upavista Konasana, Badha Konasana/Butterfly, Surya Namskaras.

Note: Studies show that 20 minutes of meditation twice a day lowers blood pressure, decreases anxiety, improves sleep and memory—things you need in your 30s because you tend to be climbing up the ladder, building a home, and often taking care of others.

Middle age (38 onwards) Perimenopause, and postmenopause:

Perimenopause can take you into physical and emotional upheaval with symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, fatigue, PMS, depression, irritability, anxiety, and low libido

Solution: Try doing forward bends and inversions. Backbends and Pranayams help tackle depression. Sarvanganasana/Shoulder stand, Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana/Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose; Ardha Matsyendraasana/Marichi's Twist;

Oestrogen and oxytocin levels drop after menopause leading to brittle bones and stiff joints. Try doing weightbearing poses and standing poses which promote flexibility. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Virabhadrasana I, II, & III (Warrior Poses), Parsvakonasana, (Side-Angle Pose) and Ardha Chandrasana (Half-Moon Pose).

If you feel inspired by this article, feel free to publish it in your Newsletter or on your Website. Our humble request is to please include the Resource as follows: - Courtesy:Raahat Yoga Studio