Yoga poses for menstrual cramps

Do you ever get period cramps? If you have, you know how miserable they can be! Some months, even with a Pixie Cup and essential oils, we just need more help to get past those cramps.

Thankfully, while period pain sometimes feels all-consuming, there are some things you can do to decrease the pain of cramps and the list goes a little further than heating pads and pain reliever!

In this article, we will introduce you to five fantastic (and totally beginner-friendly) yoga poses that are proven to relieve menstrual cramps!

Wind Relieving Pose

While the name of this laugh might make you giggle – hey, a great mood lifter – this pose is wonderful for relaxing your lower core.

For this pose, start by lying on your back. Next, lift your legs straight, then bend your knees and tuck your thighs into your stomach as demonstrated in the picture. Finally, wrap your arms around your legs and tuck your chin into your chest.

Ragdoll Pose

This pose stretches the lower back and can ease the tension and pain that builds there during your menstrual cycle.

Start out with your feet a hip-width apart. Bend forward gently, as far as you can. You can place your arms behind your calves as seen in the photo, or cross your arms, holding each elbow gently with the opposite hand. For maximum impact, very gently sway from side to side.

Half Pigeon Pose

This pose opens your hips and increases blood flow to the reproductive system. This naturally decreases menstrual pain.

To complete this pose, place your left knee on the mat. Next, stretch your right leg straight behind you. Next, as seen in the illustration, bend your left leg slightly toward the left, bringing your shin to face the front of your mat. Place your hands on the mat next to your hips, making sure your hips are squared. Then, gently lower your body over your left leg, with arms out in front of you. Repeat this on the other side as well.

Child’s Pose

This pose is such a relaxing and wonderful to relieve anxiety as well as menstrual pain! If you are experiencing back pain related to menstruation, this pose is a wonderful choice for you.

To start this simple pose, place both knees on the mat and slowly bend until your torso rests on your bent knees. Allow your body to relax and stretch your arms out, resting on the mat in front of you. Next, just breathe and allow your mind to calm.

Bow Pose

This pose is a wonderful stretch for the lower back. The pressure of your body against your organs is also wonderful for the reproductive organs and can relieve bloating.

Begin this pose by lying flat on your stomach. (If you end up falling asleep, that’s great, too! Sleep is great for extra energy during your cycle! ) Next, bend your knees and bring your heels as far up as you can, and reach back to grasp your ankles with both hands. Lift your feet, head, chest, and as much as your torso as you can, up from the mat and into the air. You can hold this pose for 30 seconds or less, and then gently release.

Give these yoga poses for menstrual cramp relief a try and comment below to let us know which ones were helpful for you!