Yoga and Ayurveda: How Combining Practices Can Help with PMS Relief

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common challenge for many women, characterized by a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms that occur before the onset of menstruation. These symptoms—such as bloating, cramps, fatigue, mood swings, and irritability—can interfere with daily activities and overall well-being. While there are various approaches to managing PMS, a combination of yoga and Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural way to address these issues. Both systems promote balance, harmony, and healing within the body and mind, helping to reduce stress, alleviate cramps, and improve mood during the premenstrual phase.

In this blog, we’ll explore how integrating yoga poses with Ayurvedic practices, such as the use of herbal remedies like ChumYum—a candy made from 22 Ayurvedic herbs—can help provide effective relief from PMS symptoms. Let’s dive into how these practices work together to promote overall wellness during PMS.

How Yoga Helps with PMS Relief

Yoga is an ancient discipline that connects the body, mind, and spirit through physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation. The practice of yoga can be incredibly effective in relieving PMS symptoms by addressing the physical discomforts and the emotional stress often associated with this phase of the menstrual cycle.

1. Relieving Stress and Balancing Hormones

PMS is often triggered or exacerbated by stress, which disrupts the body’s hormonal balance. The mental and emotional symptoms of PMS—such as irritability, mood swings, and anxiety—are directly linked to fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness and deep breathing can help regulate the nervous system and calm the mind, reducing the impact of stress on the body.

Certain pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) are particularly beneficial for managing the emotional aspects of PMS. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) is a powerful method for calming the nervous system, balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and promoting a sense of inner peace. By calming the mind, yoga helps restore emotional balance and reduces the irritability and mood swings often seen in PMS.

2. Improving Circulation and Reducing Cramps

Physical discomfort during PMS—such as abdominal cramps, bloating, and fatigue—can result from poor circulation, tension, and inflammation in the body. Many yoga poses help promote blood flow to the pelvic region, releasing muscle tension and reducing discomfort.

In addition, gentle, restorative poses that focus on the hips, lower back, and abdomen can alleviate menstrual cramps by releasing tension in these areas. Forward bends and twists encourage better blood circulation to the pelvic area, helping to reduce cramping and discomfort.

3. Boosting Digestion and Reducing Bloating

Another common symptom of PMS is bloating and digestive disturbances. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of good digestion (Agni) for overall health, and yoga can play a significant role in supporting this process. Certain yoga poses stimulate the digestive system, relieve bloating, and improve bowel regularity.

For example, Apanasana (Knee-to-Chest Pose) and Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) gently massage the abdominal organs, helping to relieve gas, bloating, and constipation. These poses also promote relaxation and alleviate discomfort, making them ideal for women dealing with digestive issues related to PMS.

Ayurvedic Practices for PMS Relief

Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine, offers a complementary approach to managing PMS. While yoga focuses on balancing the body and mind through physical postures and breathwork, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the internal energies (doshas)—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which govern bodily functions. PMS is often a result of imbalances in one or more of these doshas, particularly Vata (air and ether), which can lead to stress, mood swings, and digestive issues, or Pitta (fire and water), which can result in irritability and inflammation.

Ayurvedic remedies aim to restore balance to the body by addressing the root causes of PMS, such as hormonal imbalance and digestive disruption. One such remedy is ChumYum, a convenient and effective Ayurvedic candy that contains a blend of 22 potent herbs known for their ability to relieve PMS symptoms. Ingredients like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Fenugreek, and Ginger are commonly used in Ayurveda to balance hormones, reduce inflammation, alleviate cramps, and calm the nervous system.

• Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb that helps regulate hormonal fluctuations and supports emotional well-being.

• Ashwagandha reduces stress and anxiety, balancing cortisol levels and supporting the adrenal glands.

• Turmeric and Ginger are anti-inflammatory herbs that help alleviate cramps and bloating.

By taking ChumYum, especially during your period (up to 3 candies per day), you can experience natural relief from PMS symptoms, complementing the benefits of your yoga practice. The combination of yoga and ChumYum’s herbal blend supports hormonal balance, reduces inflammation, and helps the body function more efficiently during the premenstrual phase.

Recommended Yoga Poses for PMS Relief

Incorporating specific yoga poses into your routine can enhance the benefits of Ayurveda for PMS relief. Here are a few poses that work wonders in alleviating cramps, bloating, stress, and mood swings:

1. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

This restorative pose is perfect for calming the nervous system and releasing tension in the hips, lower back, and pelvic area. It gently opens the hips and improves circulation, helping to relieve menstrual cramps and promote relaxation.

2. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose)

This pose is excellent for reducing stress, promoting blood flow to the pelvic region, and calming the nervous system. It also helps to alleviate fatigue and swelling in the lower body, making it particularly effective during PMS.

3. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)

Bridge pose helps open the chest, stretch the spine, and stimulate the abdominal organs. It is especially beneficial for improving digestion and relieving bloating, while also promoting emotional balance.

4. Apanasana (Knee-to-Chest Pose)

This simple yet effective pose gently massages the abdominal organs, helping to relieve bloating, gas, and constipation. It also promotes relaxation and reduces abdominal discomfort associated with PMS.

5. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

A restful, grounding pose, Child’s Pose calms the mind and reduces stress while gently stretching the lower back and hips. It’s a great pose for releasing tension and promoting relaxation.

Combining Yoga with Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to PMS Relief

The synergy between yoga and Ayurveda offers a powerful, holistic approach to managing PMS. Yoga helps alleviate physical symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and fatigue, while also balancing the mind and emotions. Ayurveda, with its focus on restoring internal balance, supports the body through herbs like ChumYum that regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

By incorporating both practices into your self-care routine, you can experience significant relief from PMS symptoms. Yoga and Ayurveda together help to not only ease the discomforts of PMS but also promote overall wellness, creating a harmonious balance in the body, mind, and spirit.

Conclusion

PMS can be a challenging experience, but with the right combination of practices, it’s possible to reduce its impact and restore balance to your life. Yoga’s physical postures and breathing techniques, along with Ayurvedic remedies like ChumYum, can provide natural and effective relief from the symptoms of PMS. By integrating yoga into your daily routine and supporting your body with the healing power of Ayurveda, you can experience a more comfortable and harmonious menstrual cycle. Always remember, it’s important to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider to tailor these practices to your individual needs.