62 Yoga During Menstruation: Yes or No?

Today hosts Rachel and Tiffany tackle the taboo topic of yoga during menstruation. We examine traditional barriers to practicing during menstruation and more modern takes on which poses and practices might be more or less supportive.  In this episode we also reframe menstruation as a “fresh start”, a window into our internal state, share a wide range of techniques to ease menstrual discomfort, and consider the process from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. Whether you menstruate or teach people who do listen in to this episode to learn how to craft a yoga practice that is physically and energetically supportive before, during, and after menstruation. Show Notes: Menstruation can be cloaked with secrecy or shame [3:00] The traditional origin of abstaining from yoga during menstruation [4:48] Could practicing during menses deplete vital energy? [8:05] Yoga inversions during menstruation: physical and energetic considerations [9:05] Twists and abdominal compression during menstruation [14:02] Menstruation as a “fresh start” and the importance of circulation [17:07] Lessons from TCM; why movement is key [19:33] Thoughts on bandhas during your period [21:33] More yoga techniques to ease menstrual discomfort [25:55] Alternatives to movement to ease menstrual discomfort [30:12] Pre-period tactics to set up for easier menstruation [31:10] Menstruation in the context of fertility challenges [36:35] Key takeaways [38:15] Yoga Medicine Online resources [40:02] Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube Female Health Yoga Teacher Training Yoga Medicine Podcast Episode 48: Research Roundup: Female Hormones Yoga Medicine Resources: Menses Practice Eliminating Stagnation: Yoga for your Period Move Your Midline Mellow Floor Mobility Flow Tiffany’s PMS Playlist Tiffany’s Fertility and IVF Support Playlist You can learn more about this episode, and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-62. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.