Should I Avoid Yoga Inversions During My Period?

Question: Should I Avoid Yoga Inversions During My Period?

Answer: Depending on which school of yoga one follows, there are a range of opinions about whether one should do inverted poses such as Shoulderstand, Headstand, and Handstand while menstruating. On one end of the spectrum are people who say you do not need to change your yoga practice at all while menstruating. On the other end are people who say you should not do anything but the most gentle restorative yoga poses while on your period.

The most important thing is to listen to your body. Each woman has a different experience with her period, so no blanket rule will make sense to everyone. If doing a vigorous practice with no modifications makes you feel great when you are menstruating, then by all means do that. On the other hand, give yourself permission to take it easy when you have your period if that makes sense to your body.

Though there no medical research has been done on the issue, many women choose not to during the times of heaviest flow. If you don't want to call attention to yourself by calling out "I have my period!" when the teacher instructs the class to do an inversion, take Goddess Pose - Supta Baddha Konasana in which you lie on your back with the soles of your feet together and your knees falling out to either side. Or if you still want the benefits of the inversion, take Legs up the Wall - Viparita Karani, in which you lie on your back with your butt right at a wall and your legs going up the wall.