Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea refers to severe lower abdominal pain during periods. Menstrual cramps are caused by the uterus contracting forcefully to expel the uterine lining. This leads to abdominal cramps. The blood and tissue eliminated from the vagina throughout the menstrual cycle is the uterine lining. Usually, the pain starts a day or two before the actual start of the menstruation. The common symptoms of dysmenorrhea are abdominal discomfort due to throbbing pain, aches in the inner thighs, lower back, and hips, and additional signs including headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and diarrhea. Many poses of yoga for period cramps are therapeutic, which helps the body adjust to comfort and relaxation. It also stretches the abdominal muscles, which creates a soothing effect on the mind and body.

How Yoga Helps with Period Cramps 

It’s typical to have mild to moderate period cramps. However, some people have pain so intense that it interferes with their daily lives and keeps them from engaging in enjoyable activities during their menstrual cycle. Anxiety and stress may naturally rise during these periods due to fluctuating hormone levels. Yoga encourages deep breathing, which helps to relieve unpleasant cramps or dysmenorrhea. Mild poses help to stretch the lower back muscles, which will relieve tension in the abdominal region. Yoga encourages you to move at your speed and re-energize during the cycle. 

But it might happen that during heavy bleeding, one might not feel like even performing the mild stretches. The core principle of yoga is concentration. Hence, pain perception is managed with restorative postures, deep breathing, and meditation techniques, and the body and mind are directed toward relaxation. Holding the yoga positions for period cramps longer with the help of props ensures body support and comfort. 

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