Practising yoga can greatly reduce many of the symptoms of menopause. From hot flushes to mood swings, stress, insomnia, exhaustion and lack of sex drive, yoga can alleviate and comfort as we go through this transitional stage of life.
Here are 6 simple yoga poses for the menopause, suitable for all levels of experience. Try practising these as a sequence a few times a week.
Getting to a group class could also be really beneficial. Restorative or more gentle yoga can help if you are suffering with hot flushes, but any yoga can help so find somewhere local and give yoga a try.
Yoga teacher, Saira Francis shows you a few simple poses that can be of great benefit when practised regularly.
Mellulah Yoga Classes are held in Dorchester, Hazelbury Bryan nr Sherborne
and Milborne st Andrew near Blandford.
1.Setu Bandha Sarvangasana – Bridge Pose
This pose helps to balance, fluctuating hormones, it also reduces stress levels and lowers blood pressure which can rise as a woman oestrogen levels lower. It also stretches and tones the back, reduces anxiety, fatigue and insomnia.
2. Adho Mukha Svanasana – Downward Facing Dog Pose
A yoga pose that becomes part of every style of yoga. This pose is excellent for stress relief and relief of fatigue. Holding the pose for 2 minutes can be very energising. The pose also helps to lengthen and stretch the spine, it relieves menstrual pain and as many yoga poses do, it can prevent osteoporosis.
3. Uttitha Trikonasana – Triangle Pose
A classic yoga pose, Utthita Trikonasana is great for preventing osteoporosis. It can stimulate the abdominal organs, including the reproductive organs and calms the nervous system. Really beneficial to reduce anxiety and also improves digestive issues.
4. Baddha Konasana – Butterfly Pose
This gentle pose is great for calming the nervous system and aligning the spine, It helps to soothe menstrual pain and alleviates menopausal symptoms. Stimulating and balancing the abdominal organs, ovaries, digestive system and also receives sciatica. A lovely pose for anxiety, close the eyes and enjoy rooting down into the base of the spine. The pose will also help insomnia and depression. Hold for a few minutes each day.
5. Janu Sirasana – Head to Knee Pose
The forward fold stretches and tones the spine, hips, hamstrings and groin. It massages the internal organs and is wonderful for headaches and migraines, a common symptom of menopause. The pose helps to calm the mind and the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress.
6. Virasana – Hero Pose
A fantastic pose for the thighs, knees and ankles, brilliant for the digestion and symptoms of the menopause, reduces hot flushes and also beneficial for high blood pressure. Sit and still the mind in this pose for a few minutes.
At the end of each set of poses, find time to rest in Savasana, Corpse pose. Lie on your back feel comfortable and warm, close your eyes and let go completely.
Look out for ‘Affirmations for the Menopause’ and ‘Healing Meditation for the Menopause’ coming soon.
Enjoy, love Saira xx
