Posted: July 2, 2018

Women and their periods

You've spoken about them in a different language - secret code words at school, quiet glances exchanged with girl friends amidst a college hangout, a quick bonding session with an office colleague, or a chance conversation with a fellow mother in a grocery line. It's something that remains an inevitable part of womanhood, from whispers about "monthly friends coming here" to a painful admission for the modern day, super multi-tasker-- “perhaps today, I won't be at my optimal best.”

Cultures across the world view the monthly period differently. Women across the board cope with the signs and the days of 'housecleaning' through tried and tested means. Hot water bottles can comfort the piercing cramps, and gentle rubs ease the fatigued back.

What is PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS or Dysmenorrhea) means 'painful periods.’ This temporary but often intense physical and emotional discomfort can begin up to two weeks prior to menstruations or during the cycle itself. It can indicate psychological, genetic, nutritional and behavioral irregularities.

Physical symptoms

The severity of PMS symptoms vary for each female. They often include the following:

1. Pain in the abdomen or pelvic region

2. Backache

3. Dizziness

4. Migraines

5. Nausea

6. Swelling or pain in the knees or thighs

7. Reduced energy

In addition to physical symptoms, emotional symptoms of PMS can include:

1. Anxiety

2. Depression

3. Irritability

4. Anger

5. Confusion

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a force that every woman needs to reckon with individually, because it affects every woman differently.

Yoga and meditation can ease the problem of PMS

There are simple ways to ease the physical changes and psychological swings, such as mindfulness-based therapies that relieve depression. Studies confirm that yoga and meditation are two such relaxing methods that are natural to the body and mind as well as easy to integrate in your day. Such a routine would require a few extra minutes every day to simply allow your body to relax, and your mind to release pressures. It would include:

• Gentle postures to ease specific aches and make the monthly cycles easier
• Simple breathing techniques and meditations to allow the mind to relax from the PMS and allow any emotional turbulence to subside.

Helpful postures:

Cat pose

Also called marjari asana, this posture tones and relaxes the spine and abdomen.

Child pose

Calms the nervous system and soothes the back.

Cobra pose

Great for blood circulation and relaxing the back.

Bow pose

Ideal for menstrual discomfort and removes fatigue.

Fish pose

Stretches the chest and neck and great for releasing tension.

Corpse pose

This posture brings about a deep, meditative state of rest, which may help in the repair of tissues and cells, and in releasing stress.

Alternate nostril breathing

Releases accumulated stress in the mind and body effectively and relaxes them. It also helps to harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain, which correlate to the logical and emotional sides of our personality.

It's in your hands:

It's important to make life-supporting decisions that will help to sustain your body and mind and complement a fast moving lifestyle. Becoming aware of your lifestyle and consciously choosing to act towards the goal of a healthier life is one such decision.

1. A diet rich in fruits and nutrients helps restore immunity and alleviates anxiety.

2. Avoid certain foods that contain excess sugar, salt, and fats. Eliminate beverages with alcohol and caffeine. Be mindful that drinking a cola or coffee could trigger premenstrual headaches. You could probably substitute these with healthier options.

However, no rigorous exercise or inverted postures should be performed during the menstrual period itself as that could obstruct menstrual flow. Easy, non-inverted postures are usually safe during this time, if performed gently.

It's best to practice gentle postures that help assuage the discomfort, and to learn the postures and techniques from a yoga teacher. You could enroll yourself in a Sri Sri Yoga program, where you will learn gentle combinations of asanas and meditation techniques to help you through the monthly cycles.

It’s your body and you could choose the best routes to make your menstrual cycles easier. Try something that's natural and easy – today!

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition