6 Yoga Poses for Period Pain Relief
Table of Contents
Practicing yoga can be a great way to alleviate period pain and discomfort. The following poses are specifically designed to target common areas of discomfort during menstruation and provide relief:
- Child's Pose
- Cat-Cow Pose
- Downward-Facing Dog Pose
- Standing Forward Bend
- Pigeon Pose
- Happy Baby Pose
Child's Pose
Child's pose, also known as balasana, is a restorative pose that can help relax the body and calm the mind. To practice child's pose, start on your hands and knees with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. As you exhale, lower your hips back towards your heels and stretch your arms forward, resting your chest on your thighs. Hold this pose for at least 30 seconds, or longer if it feels comfortable.
Cat-Cow Pose
Cat-cow pose, or marjaryasana-bitilasana, is a great pose for relieving lower back pain and tension in the spine. To practice this pose, start on your hands and knees with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. On an inhale, drop your belly towards the mat and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling, forming a gentle arch in the spine. This is the cow pose. On an exhale, round your spine towards the ceiling and tuck your chin towards your chest, forming a concave curve in the spine. This is the cat pose. Continue to alternate between these two poses, moving with your breath for several rounds.
Downward-Facing Dog Pose
Downward-facing dog, or adho mukha svanasana, is a classic yoga pose that can help stretch and release tension in the back, shoulders, and legs. To practice this pose, start on your hands and knees with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. As you exhale, lift your knees off the ground and straighten your legs, forming an upside-down "V" shape with your body. Press your palms into the ground and lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming a gentle arch in the spine. Hold this pose for at least 30 seconds, or longer if it feels comfortable.
Standing Forward Bend
Standing forward bend, or uttanasana, is a great pose for relieving tension in the back and calming the mind. To practice this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. As you exhale, hinge at the hips and fold forward, bringing your chest towards your thighs. Let your head and arms hang heavy, and hold this pose for at least 30 seconds, or longer if it feels comfortable.
Pigeon Pose
Pigeon pose, or eka pada rajakapotasana, is a great pose for relieving lower back pain and stretching the hips. To practice this pose, start in downward-facing dog. Bring your right knee towards your right wrist and lower your right shin to the ground, forming a "pigeon" shape with your body. Keep your left leg extended behind you, and lower your hips towards the ground. Hold this pose for at least 30 seconds, or longer if it feels comfortable. Then, switch sides and repeat on the left side.
Happy Baby Pose
Happy baby pose, or ananda balasana, is a restorative pose that can help relax the body and calm the mind. To practice this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat
Use MyLivia Pain Relief Device
The Livia period pain device is a non-invasive and drug-free solution for managing period pain. By emitting low-frequency pulses to the skin, the device is able to block pain signals and provide relief from cramps and other menstrual discomforts. While the yoga poses described in this article can be very effective on their own, using the Livia device in combination with these poses can provide an even more powerful and comprehensive approach to managing period pain. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, the Livia device is a convenient and effective way to help you feel your best during menstruation.