Effect of Inverted Yoga Postures on Menstruation & Pregnancy:
Effect of Inverted Yoga Postures on Menstruation & Pregnancy:
Inverted yoga postures or inversions are those wherein the head remains down and the body is in an inverted position. The inversions include asanas such as sirsgsana, sarvangisana, halisana, vipadta karni, pinch rnayurasana etc. The variations of Sirsisana and Sarvjngasana are also included in this group.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika on Inversions
The third chapter of Svatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika is named mridavidhanam mentions about the inverted yoga postures. Hatha Yoga Pradioka deals with asanas in the first chapter, pranayama in the second chapter, mudras as well as bandhas in the third chapter and samadhi in the fourth. Mudra means a seal while bandhas means bondage. Mudra seals the energy and bandha regulates the energy. Svatmarama devotes six stanzas (slokas) to explain vipadta kami in the third chapter.
Viparita karni is a mudra where the head is down and legs are up, palate is down and the navel is up, moon or soma chakra which lies in the centre of the brain is down and sun or surya chakra which lies in between the navel and diaphragm is up. It has to be learnt under the guidance of a Guru and practices everyday gradually increasing the duration of stay in the posture. In the upright position the sun (navel) swallows the nectar which is dropped down by the moon but in viparita karni the sun absorbs the nectar. The practice of viparita karni increases gastric fire and improves the digestion and keeps the person younger preventing him from getting wrinkles or grey hair and postpones death.
The Effects of the Inverted Postures on the Endocrine System
All the other inverted postures come under viparita kami. Inversions done accurately are always relaxing and reduce stress and strain. The blood circulation to the brain is improved in Sirsasana; the sluggish cells are rejuvenated and the brain being the seat of intelligence is stimulated. It also stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands on which the growth, health and vital strength of a person depends.
Sarvangasana works effectively on the thyroid and parathyroid by increasing the blood supply. Halasana is effective on adrenals.
The secretions of the pituitary regulate sexual characteristics and growth of the reproductive organs. It also regulates the function of adrenal, thyroid and the ovaries. It is the hormone which stimulates the production of milk in nursing mothers. Thus, pituitary is the master gland which plays a very important role in regulating menstruation and pregnancy. The inverted postures in turn regulate the functioning of this master gland.
Guruji has rightly said that one must practice asanas regularly and in case, one does not have enough time then one should at least do the inversions. If Sirsgsana is the father of asanas, then Sarvangsana is the mother of isanas. The health of the body and mind is dependent on the practice of these two isanas as the health and happiness of the children is dependent on their parents.
Practice of Menstruation Inversions
One should not perform inverted postures during menstruation. Inversions performed during menstruation arrest the menstrual flow. They dry up the uterus and can lead towards complications like cysts and fibroids if practised during menstruation. On the other hand, inversions can control menstrual bleeding when it exceeds its normal duration or if it occurs in between. They check the flow and strengthen the uterine system. They dry up the area faster than any other Asana.
One should immediately commence the practice of inversions after completion of menstruation since it is the time for re-establishment of hormonal balance. Such a practice will prevent diseases like endometriosis, leucorrhea and also miscarriages. They help in maintaining the health of the reproductive organs.
Practice of Inversions during Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an opposite state of menstruation as the fetus has to be retained. Inverted postures should be performed in the first three months when there is a chance of miscarriage especially for those who are prone to miscarriages and abortions. One can continue practising them upto the end of pregnancy. Their regular practice strengthens the spine, improves blood circulation, checks water retention, prevents infection, maintains hormonal balance, lubricates the reproductive passage, checks blood pressure, maintains emotional and mental balance.
Inversions are harmful during menstruation and helpful during pregnancy. Avoid inversions during menstruation but practice them religiously during pregnancy.
One should continue with the practice of inversions even after menopause in order to keep a cheek on the blood pressure, heart problems, circulatory defects and aging. We have to learn to be in an inverted position as long as we are in an upright position.
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