Menopause is a natural phenomenon that is one of the processes in a woman’s biological make-up, which comes to women from 40 to 60 years old, bringing along with it hormonal and therefore also physical and psychological changes. Women experience these transformations in various ways and forms. The common ones are hot flashes, backaches, mood swings, vaginal dryness and change in sexual drive.
Various investigations reveal that about 65 percent of women at this stage experience these signs. When menopause begins to set in, there is less production of the estrogen and progesterone hormones in the ovaries. The pituitary gland is alerted by this change and it stirs up the ovaries to more production, causing an imbalance in the body. This imbalance starts around six years before the end of the menses until about a year after the final period. That is when the body gets to regain its equilibrium when the production of hormones is reduced.
Because of the numerous reports of complications arising from HRT, women have been seeking other means to cope with the pains and other signs of menopause. Yoga has proven to be one of those.
One effect of yoga positions is the stretching and easing of muscles, and this results in more oxygen regularly transported to the cells because of the improved blood circulation. The improvement in cell oxygenation and blood flow helps in leveling the physical changes brought about by menopause. Also, since menopause occurs at a woman's midlife, the physical disruptions at this stage, like bone strength and cardiovascular conditions, are well contained by consistent yoga practice.
Yoga best works when incorporated with proper diet, healthy lifestyle and consistent exercise. Inverted postures like Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) help ease the body. Therapeutic poses, supported by a chair or bolster provide calm to the nervous system and improve the functioning of the endocrine system.
The first and most common indicator of menopause is hot flashes, experienced by almost 80 percent of women in menopause. They are indeed like flashes, come-and-go so quickly but are easily set off by fatigue or stress or expending too much energy at one time. This symptom can be dealt with by the Bridge, Shoulder stand, Half Plow, Bow, Locust, Pump and Pelvic Arc postures.
Stress and Irritability are caused by the hormonal fluctuations which lead to heart palpitation and upset the digestive tract. To avoid or minimize this symptom, the Standing forward Bend, Wide standing forward bend, the Bow, Sponge, Dollar and Child's Postures are encouraged. Mental distractions are removed so stress is minimized and the body resumes its normal operations.
For stress-induced Insomnia, inversion poses ending with restorative postures ease this condition by stimulating a state of rest.
Another common sign is fatigue, which can be felt briefly or as long as many weeks, triggered by, again, the hormonal imbalance. Supported or easy backbends like the Supta Baddha Konasana provide relief because these poses expand the chest and heart and so improves circulation and respiration.
Mood swings and depression are as common as hot flashes among the menopausal signs. The mid-life can cause these condition but a sure cause is the hormonal imbalance. The opening of constricted areas and loosening of stiffened muscles and joints by yoga postures are certifiable evidences of yoga's efficient handling of these conditions.
Fluctuating hormone production can also lead to memory gaps, which then bring on anxiety. The Downward-facing dog and expanding postures can open the mind and enhance memory. The Corpse allows the nervous system to calm down, giving a state of serenity.
One effect of yoga positions is the stretching and easing of muscles, and this results in more oxygen regularly transported to the cells because of the improved blood circulation. The improvement in cell oxygenation and blood flow helps in leveling the physical changes brought about by menopause. Also, since menopause occurs at a woman's midlife, the physical disruptions at this stage, like bone strength and cardiovascular conditions, are well contained by consistent yoga practice.
Yoga best works when incorporated with proper diet, healthy lifestyle and consistent exercise. Inverted postures like Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) help ease the body. Therapeutic poses, supported by a chair or bolster provide calm to the nervous system and improve the functioning of the endocrine system.
The first and most common indicator of menopause is hot flashes, experienced by almost 80 percent of women in menopause. They are indeed like flashes, come-and-go so quickly but are easily set off by fatigue or stress or expending too much energy at one time. This symptom can be dealt with by the Bridge, Shoulder stand, Half Plow, Bow, Locust, Pump and Pelvic Arc postures.
Stress and Irritability are caused by the hormonal fluctuations which lead to heart palpitation and upset the digestive tract. To avoid or minimize this symptom, the Standing forward Bend, Wide standing forward bend, the Bow, Sponge, Dollar and Child's Postures are encouraged. Mental distractions are removed so stress is minimized and the body resumes its normal operations.
For stress-induced Insomnia, inversion poses ending with restorative postures ease this condition by stimulating a state of rest.
Another common sign is fatigue, which can be felt briefly or as long as many weeks, triggered by, again, the hormonal imbalance. Supported or easy backbends like the Supta Baddha Konasana provide relief because these poses expand the chest and heart and so improves circulation and respiration.
Mood swings and depression are as common as hot flashes among the menopausal signs. The mid-life can cause these condition but a sure cause is the hormonal imbalance. The opening of constricted areas and loosening of stiffened muscles and joints by yoga postures are certifiable evidences of yoga's efficient handling of these conditions.
Fluctuating hormone production can also lead to memory gaps, which then bring on anxiety. The Downward-facing dog and expanding postures can open the mind and enhance memory. The Corpse allows the nervous system to calm down, giving a state of serenity.
When doing yoga for menopausal symptoms, always remember to support the body. This will make the postures less difficult, and help avoid unnecessary additional stress and come up with the desired results.
Check out Yoga Instructors Kamloops for more yoga info.
Another highly recommended article is Want To Be Taller Ahead Of Your Peers? Do Yoga
Recent Comments