Inversion Postures Of Yoga – Are They Advisable For Women?

Yoga is practiced by an increasing number of people all over the world. Both men and women find the yoga exercises as the perfect way to attain inner peace and calm, the ideal channel of relaxation and the best way to get rid of mental strains and stresses. Yoga methods and styles, and the poses involved therein, try to attain the desirable balance among the human spirit, body and mind. Hence, if practiced correctly and regularly, yoga promises immense physical and mental benefits to students.

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There are quite a number of yoga styles that can be adopted by the beginners in the realm of yoga. Each of the yoga method or style comprises of unique yoga poses (or, asanas). These asanas vary in their complexity and the level of focus, perseverance and pain-endurance capabilities required, and should ideally be followed in a prescribed sequence. One of the most common poses of yoga techniques is the inversion pose. Inversion postures of yoga are those which require students to keep the head and feet at a lower level than the heart (as in the Standing Forward Bend posture). Inversion yoga poses are broadly classified in two types – the major and the minor inversions. In a major inversion pose, the head remains above the level of the heart, but the feet remains below the latter (e.g., headstands). Minor inversions involve both the head and feet remaining below the heart.

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There is a scope of doubt, however, regarding the advisability of practicing inversions by women, particularly during the menstrual cycles of the latter. Although never confirmed in real-life, it is often thought that if women practice yoga poses like the headstand during their periods, their menstrual cycle may get interrupted and the normal flow may be hampered. If indeed this were to be the case, the fertility of the woman may be adversely affected over the long run. There is no substantial proof for or against this scenario actually manifesting on a student till date. However, most yoga teachers’ advice their female students to border on the side of safety while practicing the inversion poses.

It is generally believed that inversions can be performed by women, albeit with due care and prudence. For absolute newcomers to yoga exercises, inversions should not be performed during their menstrual cycles. Over time, as the female student gains experience and is more comfortable with inversion exercises, they can start performing them, even during periods. However, if they indeed decide to do so, such poses should be held only for small lengths of time at a stretch. It is perfectly common, and indeed, wise on the part of women, not to perform intense yoga exercises while having their cycles. Although there is no evidence regarding the adverse effects of inversion on the female period, taking undue risks makes absolutely no sense at all.

It does appear that cultural and religious beliefs of individuals have mostly led to the so-called ‘adverse’ effects of inversions on the menstrual cycle of women. Of practical, medical evidences of such effects, there are absolutely none whatsoever. However, it is true that inversion postures of yoga demands a lot of physical exertion and stamina. It is not uncommon to feel totally drained physically, after performing the inversion poses. During the menstrual cycle, the female physical system already has to undergo considerable amounts of stress and strain. Hence, during these periods, they might not be able to summon up enough energy that is required for inversions. In fact, a lady should decide for herself whether she is capable of doing inversion exercises while having her period.

A normal, healthy woman is much less likely to observe any ill-effects of inversions on their menstrual cycles, than a lady who already has prior problems. In any case, it is recommended by experts that, women should go light on the strenuous yoga exercises (particularly, inversions) during their cycles. Performing these arduous asanas of yoga between the menstrual cycles is the best idea for women, in order to avoid risking her health and the natural cycle.