There are many misconceptions about yoga related to menstruation. For example, some women believe they can’t practice yoga at all when they are menstruating. This misconception comes from the belief that women should not practice inversions when they have their periods.
Even in this belief, there is division in the yoga community. Some experts believe women should never practice inversions during menstruation and others feel this decision is best left to the individual woman.
There are two different ideas behind the belief that inversions should be avoided during menstruation. One is related to the flow of energy in the body. Some experts cite the downward flow of energy in the body during this time and the often decreased energy level experienced by some women.
Another reason for the advice to avoid inversions is the fear it could cause or exacerbate problems, such as endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which the menstrual blood flows backwards through the fallopian tubes and into the abdominal cavity. From here, adhesions and scar tissue forms outside the uterus, on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and abdominal wall.
Some experts believe inversions can result in excessive bleeding and contribute to backflow, which would worsen endometriosis in susceptible women. For this reason, many teachers recommend avoiding inversions. Others feel there is no increased risk of endometriosis with yoga practice.
There is also controversy about which inversions should be avoided. Some teachers recommend avoiding inversions such as shoulder stand and headstand. Others include positions such as downward facing dog and standing forward bend in the list of poses to avoid during menstruation.
Even if you decide to avoid inversions, this doesn’t mean you can’t practice at all. You can still practice, but avoid inverted poses, if you prefer. In fact, there is evidence to suggest certain yoga poses are beneficial during menstruation. Cat pose and twists can help in relieving pain and yoga practice in general can help with the mood swings and anxiety that are common during this time of the month.
In the end, it is up to each individual woman to decide what is right for her. Part of yoga practice is connecting the mind, body and spirit and making decisions based on keeping the body in balance. Like many elements of yoga practice, this idea can vary from woman to woman.
If you are a person who experiences a reduction in energy level during menstruation, there is no harm in putting off practice for a few days. Similarly, if you have a history of endometriosis, you may want to skip it. I have a history of endometriosis, and although there is no scientific evidence inversions are bad, I skip them to be on the safe side. Others practice as usual and that is fine too.