Yoga practice during periods is still controversial. Some say Kundalini yoga practice during this time of the month can reduce stress and cramping, while others avoid it altogether. For some, restorative asanas can do the trick during periods. This begs the question: Can you do Kundalini yoga during your periods?
This article seeks to answer the question and put the debate to rest. We’ll help you understand how Kundalini yoga works and its benefits during menstruation. You’ll also get a guide for practicing this yoga exercise during your periods. There’s a lot to learn!
Understanding Menstruation in Yoga
As said earlier, menstruation in yoga is still a dividing topic. While some experts say it has immense benefits, others say it can have side effects. In fact, some classes can advise participants to avoid certain poses or exercises during their ‘moon cycle.’
However, the ‘traditional approach’ has always been to avoid yoga during the first 3 days because the flow is heaviest at this stage. As a result, some people can feel effects like mood swings, bloating, and fatigue during this time. It’s okay to stay in bed and avoid all exercises altogether until the effects subside.
But overall, there are no set rules regarding exercising during menstruation. It’s vital to listen to your body during this time because some people may feel energized during their periods. Remember that yoga exercises like Kundalini can be an all-around mood booster, helping with mood swings and cramps.
The Nature of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini is inspired by the Sanskrit word “kundal,” which means “coiled energy.” The inventors of this yoga practice believed that the base of our spine harbors untapped energy. Therefore, practicing Kundalini, which involves breathing, moving, and chanting, can help us explore that hidden energy. The energy moves along the chakras of your spine.
In yoga, the chakras are the energy centers of our body, including:
- Root chakra
- Sacral chakra
- Heart chakra
- Naval chakra
- Throat chakra
- Crown chakra
- Third eye chakra
Note that practicing Kundalini may involve challenging exercises, meditation, and asanas, often practiced repeatedly for an extended period. The idea is to move untapped energy in your body and improve both your psychological and physical well-being. Some people call it “yoga of awareness.”
Benefits of Practicing Kundalini Yoga During Menstruation
It’s obvious you can perform this yoga exercise during your periods. Now let’s explore its health benefits. Below are some of them:
1. Reduces Anxiety
The hormonal disorder during your menstrual cycle can lead to effects like anxiety and mood swings. In some cases, depression can also set in. Thankfully, Kundalini yoga involves deep breathing and meditation, which can reduce those feelings. The last yoga resting pose (savasana) increases focus and body relaxation.
2. Eases Aching and Cramping
If mild cramps often accompany your periods, the solution might be in the yoga classes. Kundalini yoga involves taking deep breaths, allowing oxygen to circulate in your body and muscles. Remember that the leading cause of menstrual cramping is oxygen deficiency in your uterine muscles, which Kundalini yoga addresses.
3. Relieves Fatigue
Heavy menstrual bleeding can make one feel very tired, often called “period fatigue.” That’s because the body is receiving increased estrogen levels. Thankfully, research says that yoga practices like Kundalini significantly increase energy levels. This exercise releases endorphin hormones, giving the body more energy.
Guidelines for Practicing Kundalini Yoga During Menstruation
One thing is sure – you must be careful to get the most out of Kundalini yoga during your menses. Below, we’ll share a few tips for practicing this ancient healing practice during your moon cycle and improve your overall wellness:
1. Learn your body
This is the first place to start before hitting the yoga class. It’s vital to listen to your body before making any decisions. Some people can feel immense cramping and fatigue during the first few days of their menses. In that case, it’s better to rest until the effects subside.
2. Choose the right exercise
Not all Kundalini yoga postures are beneficial during your menses. Therefore, avoid postures or exercises that can counteract downward flow. For example, you can skip doing inverted postures or breath of fire. Yoga Nidra and pranayama can be very beneficial at this time.
3. Wear loose and comfortable clothes
Wearing loose clothes during Kundalini yoga classes provides comfort and breathability. Ideally, you would want to prevent your body from overheating and allow more oxygen intake during the exercise. As said earlier, this can help with those unwanted cramps.
4. Practice in the morning
This can be a long shot, especially if you have a tight schedule. However, practicing Kundalini yoga in the morning is recommended because the earth’s spiritual energy is at its highest. In addition, the air is fresher in the morning and contains more prana (cosmic life force).
Conclusion
Go ahead and practice Kundalini yoga during your menstrual cycle after reading this guide. We wish to remind you that exercising during menses isn’t a do-or-die affair. You may want to monitor your body for the first two days before hitting your yoga classes. Don’t push or strain!
