Is Yoga the Best Fitness Choice for Menopausal Women?

Menopause can be one of the most challenging stages of a woman’s life. As raging hormones take over your life, you could start feeling too overwhelmed to handle even simple every day activities and on some days just wish you could go in to hibernation where you don’t have to put up with annoying neighbours and colleagues.

Can Yoga truly help you deal better with this trying time of your life better?

Could yoga be the answer to menopausal woes?

The stretches are designed to bring energy and restore hormonal balance, especially because women who are going through menopause or are in the menopause transition suffer from fluctuating body chemistry.

The gentle stretching exercises can counteract the effects of physiological instability by relaxing the muscles, improving blood circulation, boosting the nervous system and enhancing oxygenation to body cells.

Also, yoga exercises result in optimum functioning of the endocrine glands, improves digestive functioning and also increasing blood flow especially to female reproductive tract to bring relief from the common symptoms brought about by the onset of menopause.

5 Yoga Poses that Alleviate Menopause Symptoms

There are several issues and symptoms associated with menopause, like decreased bone strength and cardiovascular health that become major concerns for women experiencing menopause.

Here are 5 must-try simple yoga poses that are guaranteed to bring relief.

1.       The Locust Pose (Ardhsharbasna)

The locust pose will energise the complete female reproductive tract, while also enhancing thyroid, intestines, liver, and kidney functioning. It also brings relief from dysfunctional bleeding, as well as other common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. it promotes healthier ovarian function by improving oxygenation and blood circulation to the pelvic region.

It also strengthens the lower back, buttocks, abdomen, and legs, hence preventing abdominal cramps and lower back pain when practiced regularly.

2.       The Pump Pose (Ardh Halasna)

The pump pose promotes healthier ovarian functioning through improved blood circulation and can control excessive bleeding and hot flashes in  premenopausal women. The exercise will also help calm anxiety, while strengthening the muscles of the back and abdominal region.

3.       The Boat Pose (Naukasana)

The boat pose opens up the entire pelvic region which energises the female reproductive tract, and improves ovarian function. It is also very effective in improving blood circulation to the legs which can bring relief from varicose veins and leg swelling.

4.       The Bridge Pose (Setu Bandasana)

This spinal flex exercise rejuvenates the reproductive system while it also stretches and tones abdominal muscle. It works like a gentle massage, improving the functioning of liver, pancreas and the adrenal glands. It also strengthens the pelvic region and brings relief from lower back pain, sciatica and shoulder pains.

5.       The Bow Pose (Dhanurasna)

The bow pose is very effective in strengthening the abdominal muscles and can bring immense relief from menopause-related fatigue as well as lack of vitality. It improves stamina and elevates your mood, while the gentle stretch it offers to the entire spine helps relieve cramps and lower back pain.

It also stimulates the digestive tract and endocrine glands, while stretching the hips and thighs to alleviate pain in the legs.

What makes yoga the ideal choice for middle aged women is the fact that these exercises facilitate slow, gentle and controlled movements. And that limits risk to injury, giving one greater control over body movements.

Also, these improve focus and concentration as well, while working like a complete work out for the mind, body and soul. Practicing yoga stretches regularly will loosen tense muscles, joints and ligaments, while also adding to suppleness to your body and making you feel a lot better about the changes in your body.

Also Read: 5 Things A Man Should Know About Female Hormones