Is it safe to meditate to regulate periods?

Imagine waking up one morning with a random dull ache in your lower back that can be associated with a particular time of the month. As the day progresses, this transfers to a throbbing pain radiating from your core that spreads to your lower back and even your thighs. Cramps, bloating, mood swings. That's how periods look like.

About 99% people are unaware about the fact that meditation doesn't only influence your mental but also physical health which includes menstual health. As we progress through this blog post, we will delve into how meditation can not only provide you relief during periods but also contribute to a more regulated menstrual cycle. This will be comprehensive of how the practice can be safely conducted during periods, the right techniques to follow, and the powerful role it can play in curing delayed periods. Additionally, we'll touch upon other helpful exercises and how incorporating meditation and yoga into a regular routine can significantly improve overall menstrual health.

The benefits of meditation on general well-being

Meditation is more than just sitting in silence to focus on your breath. Here's how it impacts you:

1. It reduces production of the stress hormone, cortisol, thus helping you reduce stress.

2. It provides relief to anxious thoughts and makes you develop a positive outlook.

3. It improves focus, concentration, memory and overall cognitive abilities.

4. It improves sleep quality and boosts immune system.

And it's not even about controlling your thoughts, it's about acknowleding your thoughts and letting them go.

Also read: What is the best time to meditate- Morning, evening, or.?

Meditation and menstrual health

In today's fast paced world, it becomes important to have a balance in your physical, mental and emotional health. One of the best tools to achieve this is meditation. Menstruation, often termed as periods, is an integral part of a woman's life, but it is often accompanied by discomfort along with pain.

Menstruators  around the world experience a variety of symptoms like cramps, bloating, mood swings, and, in some cases, even severe pain. Meditation has a unique ability to reduce stress, manage pain in a better way, and promote overall wellness which makes it a promising avenue for menstrual health.

Often, women wonder, "Can we meditate during periods?" The answer is undoubtedly, "Yes". Not only can we do meditation during periods, but it's also highly beneficial. Periods can be a stressful time for many women, with physical discomfort often accompanied by emotional ups and downs attributed to hormonal changes. Meditation during periods can not only provide emotional balance and reduce the perception of pain but also promote a sense of calm and peace.

During your periods, the parasympathetic nerve system, sometimes referred to as the "rest and digest" system, is activated. As a result, our heart rate and blood pressure are lowered and the body is able to utilise its energy for recovery and healing more efficiently. This is particularly helpful during periods when the body is already working overtime.

Additionally, meditation can also help woth irregular periods. It contributes to a balanced hormonal state which in turn results in regular periods and less severe PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.

Also read: 5 meditation sitting poses for beginners

Is it safe to meditate during periods?

A common question for many women these days is, "Is it okay to meditate during periods?" The question stems from genuine concerns related to the physiological changes and discomforts that the body undergoes during periods. And to answer it: Yes, it's not just safe but advisable to meditate during periods.

Meditation during your periods can empower you, as a woman. During periods, women are often more in tune with their bodies, making it an opportunity to practice mindfulness and observe bodily sensations without judgement.

Meditation has been found to activate the body's relaxation response, which can help ease physical discomfort like cramps and bloating that are your uncalled period buddies. By focusing on your breath and practicing mindfulness, you can better manage these symptoms, leading to more comfort during menstruation.

From a mental and emotional perspective, meditation can do wonders. Menstrual cycles often bring mood swings and heightened emotions due to hormonal fluctuations. Regular meditation can help manage these emotional ups and downs, promoting mental wellbeing.

Also read: What is the right type of meditation for you?

Furthermore, the regular practice of meditation can lead to more balanced hormonal health, which is crucial for your menstrual cycles to be regular. Chronic stress can cause major changes in your hormones, potentially leading to irregular periods. By reducing stress, meditation can support a healthier, more regular menstrual cycle.

In summary, meditation during periods is not only safe but also offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. However, the most important thing during this time is to listen to your body. If you feel like a particular posture or practice doesn't feel right, you can modify it to suit your comfort level. Ultimately, the main goal should always be to nurture your body and mind, giving them the care and attention they deserve.

Meditation techniques for menstrual health

Maintaining regular periods is not only important for reproductive health but also a general indicator of your overall well-being. Stress, lifestyle changes, or hormonal imbalance can sometimes lead to irregular periods. The reason why meditation can serve as a natural and effective way to achieve menstrual health is because of its stress-busting and hormone-balancing effects.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to meditate for menstrual health:

Step 1: Find a comfortable place
Choose a quiet, peaceful area in your home where you are least likely to be disturbed. You could sit on a comfortable chair, a cushion, or even your bed. The key is to be comfortable and maintain a good posture, keeping your back straight.

Step 2: Set a timer
Especially if you're new to meditation, it can be helpful to set a timer for the length of your meditation. It' completely fine to start with just five minutes per day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable and at ease with your meditation practice.

Step 3: Relax your body
Close your eyes and take a few moments to observe any physical sensations that may be going on in your body. Try to relax your muscles consciously, starting from your toes and working up to your head. Pay special attention to areas that might be holding tension in your body.

Step 4: Focus on your breath
Bring your awareness to your breath. Observe how if feels when the air enters and leaves your nostrils. You don't have to control the way you breathe, you just need to observe it.

Step 5: Observe mindfully
As you continue breathing, start observing your body as a whole. Notice how your abdomen rises and falls with each breath. If your mind is distracted by thoughts, gently bring it back to your breath.

Step 6: Visualization
Now, visualize a warm light flowing through your body, starting from the top of your head, gradually moving down to your toes. As this light reaches your abdominal area, visualize it healing your reproductive organs and giving you an overall sensation of warmth and peace.

Step 7: Ending the session
When your meditation session is about to end or when your timer goes off, don't get up begin with your household chores already. Sit there, take some time to express gratitude for taking this time for yourself. Gently open your eyes and return back to your actual life.

Regular practice of this meditation can be a supportive tool in how to maintain regular periods. As you continue this practice, you may notice that you feel more comfortable during your periods as compared to before and a greater sense of calm during your cycle leading to regular periods.

The important thing to note here is that even though meditation is be a powerful tool for your menstrual health and regular periods, it's not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. If you are experiencing discomfort in your menstrual cycle, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Also read: Bosses, workplaces and periods

Yoga: An effective exercise to regulate periods

Yoga, much like meditation, is a holistic practice that harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit. Its benefits are not just limited to making your body flexible and increasing strength in your body, it's meant for your overall well-being, including menstrual health. Yoga for irregular periods can be an effective and natural method to manage and maintain regular menstrual cycles.

Also read: Meditation vs yoga: Which practice suits you the best?

Several yoga poses or 'asanas' have been recognized to stimulate the pelvic and abdominal organs, improve hormonal balance, and eliminate stress - all of which contribute to a more regulated menstrual cycle. Let's explore some of these asanas and their benefits:

1. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

This pose aids in opening up the hips and easing menstrual discomfort. It is also beneficial in stimulating the ovaries and regulating menstrual flow.

1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

The Cobra pose stimulates your abdominal organs, boosts circulation to the ovaries and uterus, and potentially regulates the functioning of thyroid, which is linked to menstrual health.

1. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

The bow pose can help in strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, and stimulating reproductive organs making you feel more comfortable during periods.

1. Malasana (Garland Pose)

This pose helps in opening up your pelvic region, which can help to lighten the intensity of menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles.

1. Savasana (Corpse Pose)

While this pose doesn't involve much physical movement, it helps in reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and rejuvenating the mind and body.

Remember, don't  listen to your body and don't push beyond your comfort level. In addition to yoga, other exercises can also help in regulating menstrual cycles.

Also read: 12 yoga poses for weight loss busy people

Other exercises for period regulation

Apart from meditation and yoga, various other forms of physical activity can significantly contribute to maintaining regular menstrual cycles. In fact, moderate regular exercise is often recommended as an effective strategy for period regulation. Here's a look at some exercises to regulate periods:

1. Aerobic exercises: Activities such as brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming can greatly aid in period regulation. These exercises enhance blood circulation, restore hormonal balance, and help you in maintaining a healthy body weight, all of which are crucial for regular menstrual cycles.
2. Strength training: Strength training in a regular manner can help in regulating periods. Exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts strengthen your core as well as stimulate hormonal balance.
3. Dancing: Dancing is not just a fun activity; it's also a great full-body workout. It can act as a stress-buster and help maintain a healthy body weight, promoting regular periods.
4. Stretching exercises: If you're thinking that you shouldn't exercise during periods, then, you should understand that simple stretching exercises are a must during periods to relax your muscles and reduce menstrual cramps, contributing to regular periods.

Also read: What should do after meditation?

Natural cures for delayed periods

A delay in periods can often cause stress and concern, especially when it's not due to pregnancy or menopause. Various factors can contribute to irregular or delayed periods, such as stress, lifestyle changes, fluctuations in your weight, or hormonal imbalances.

To maintain regular periods, try out these natural remedies:

1. Meditation: As we've discussed above, regular meditation can help manage stress and restore hormonal balance. When you're highly stressed, it can directly impact your menstrual cycle leadingto delays or even missed periods. By reducing stress, meditation can potentially contribute to more regular menstrual cycles.

2. Regular exercise: Exercising regularly in a moderate manner can promote hormonal balance and maintain a healthy body weight, both of which are crucial for regular periods. To manage pain during periods, begin your workout journey with the Level Supermind app. Also, try out Menstrual stretches to provide releif during periods.

3. Healthy diet: You might have heard it a lot of times but engaging in a rich balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains is a must for your overall health and hormonal balance. Additionally, food items like pineapple and ginger are also believed to stimulate or increase menstrual flow. To know more, read this blog on whether you should meditate before or after eating.

4. Stay hydrated: The last thing you want to do is not have enough water. Drink plenty of water, not just during periods but also otherwise, it will contribute to you having regular periods. Apart from other problems and issues caused by dehydration, irregularity in your periods is one of them.

5. Herbal teas: Certain herbal teas like green tea, raspberry leaf tea, and cinnamon tea are believed to help regulate your menstrual cycles. They can also help alleviate menstrual cramps and bloating.

6. Adequate sleep: Regular sleep patterns are essential for hormonal regulation. Disruptions in your sleep cycle can lead to irregular periods, so ensure you're getting adequate quality sleep each night.

7. Limit caffeine and alcohol: Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol are one of the most common reasons that can be attributed to hormonal imbalances and delays in your menstrual cycle. It's recommended to limit consumption of these substances.

Level Supermind app- Your period buddy

Feeling stressed, moody and not your best? Don't worry, Level Supermind is here for you. Whether it's about dealing with PMS or alleviating period cramps, you don't need to go anywhere else. Here's what you can search for on the app:

Beginners meditation series: Start your meditation journey in your preferred language amongst the 7 different languages available, by learning the basics and making it a part of your daily routine in order to reduce stress and lighten the symptoms of PMS.

Menstruation stretches: Periods can make you feel exhausted, both physically and mentally. With these stretches, help yourself relax and relieve your pain.

Chakra meditation series: Chakra meditation is all about balancing the energy centers in your body. Access Chakra meditation series by Zeel on the Level Supermind app to reduce stress, be emotionally balanced, manage pain better and enhance the mind body connection.

Om mantra meditation: Om chanting promotes mindfulness and focusing your attention on your breath which may help menstruators shift their attention away from menstrual discomfort. To understand this further, read this blog on the correct way to chant Om.

Download the app by Ranveer Allahbadia also known as beerbiceps from here- Level Supermind.