Yoga for Period Pain

Yoga for Period Pain

Do you or does your child ever suffer pain with your periods? Try these four yoga postures to help alleviate your discomfort:

1. Cat/Cow: Start in tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor, keeping your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Take a deep breath in while dropping your belly and lifting your chin and hips. Breathe out. Press your palms into the floor. Drop your chin to your chest and round your back all the way in one motion, making sure to tuck your hips. Repeat this cycle five to ten times.
2. Downward Dog: Start in tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and roll your shoulders down your back. Curl your toes under and bend your knees. Exhale and press into your fingertips, hands and feet. Move your hips up and back while straightening your legs. Always keep your knees slightly bent. Hold this pose for about five big belly breaths before lowering down back to tabletop position.
3. Bridge: Start by lying on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet hips’ width apart. Bring your heels as close to your bottom as you can. Inhale and press into your feet, hands and shoulders to lift your belly up. Leave your arms straight beside you with your palms facing the floor, or you can squeeze your shoulder blades together and grab your hands underneath you. Try to keep space between your child and your neck. Hold this pose for five big belly breaths and then slowly lower down one vertebra at a time to the floor.
4. Wide-legged Child’s Pose: Start in tabletop position on your hands and knees. Keep your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale, bring your feet together and open your knees wide. Exhale and lower your hips back towards your heels. Move your forehead towards the ground. Press your arms out in front of you or relax them by your side, whatever feels good. Hold this pose for five big belly breaths, then slowly come back to a tabletop position.

Yoga and deep breathing can reduce period pain, inflammation and cramping by bringing blood flow to the area, releasing endorphins (or happy hormones) and opening your pelvic floor muscles. Namaste!