Yoga can relieve PMS

Posted on March 27, 2008 in Latest News

Did you know that PMS has as many as four forms and manifestations? In 1980 Dr. Guy Abraham, an obstetrician and gynecologist classified PMS into 4 types namely –

The anxiety that characterizes Type A is often accompanied by irritability and mood swings. In addition to experiencing cravings-notably for sugar-those who have Type C PMS often have fatigue and headaches. Confusion and even memory loss frequently accompany the depression that is the hallmark of Type D. The water retention characteristic of Type H PMS can also cause weight gain, bloating, and breast tenderness. This is not to say that a woman will experience only one type of PMS or that her symptoms will be the same each month. Any combination of these symptoms may occur; they will vary from month to month depending on which stress is present and which hormone predominates.

The next time you feel low due to Pre Menstrual Stress you can rejuvenate and uplift your mood with some simple Yoga asanas.

Dr. Susan Lark of  the PMS Self-Help Center in Los Altos, California, recommends the practice of certain asanas for certain types of PMS.

For Type A PMS, the corpse pose (shavasana), the crocodile (makarasana), and the child’s pose (balasana) are very helpful in relieving anxiety and depression.

Women who experience Type C PMS have cravings of particular foods. This can really take a toll on their metabolism the bow (dhanurasana) and the modified bridge (setu bandha) are good for the type C PMS. The bow pose stretches and tones the ovaries, uterus, and abdominal organs. The upward momentum created by the sweeping movement of the head, eyes gazing toward the sky, and legs drawn up, increases energy and elevates the mood. Performing the modified bridge with controlled breathing rejuvenates and tones the reproductive organs as well as the abdominal organs, thereby helping to relieve carbohydrate cravings.

Type D PMS can be relieved by the upward-facing dog (urdhva mukha shvanasana), which is also a backward-bending pose, stimulates both the back and front of the body, especially the lumbar and pelvic regions. The upward gaze and sweeping movement skyward not only counteracts the downward pull of gravity, but also helps relieve depression.

The modified wide-angle pose (upavishtha konasana) and the half or supported plow (halasana) are two gentle, effective postures for relieving the symptoms of Type H PMS.

Comments

Leave a Reply