Why are certain postures contraindicated during menstruation?
The postures that are contraindicated for mensuration are inversions: shoulder stand, head stand, plow, etc. These postures increase the flow of the menses, and cause a greater loss of blood which could leave to health problems. Other postures may be cautioned because they put stress or pressure in the lower abdominal region. A slow gentle yoga practice is recommended during mensuration, focusing on postures that stretch the sides of the torso (triangle), open the hips (bound angle), forward folds and spinal twists. I am 45, in early menopause and I would like to know which styles of yoga would best help me at this stage of my life. The best styles of yoga to balance the endocrine system and regulate the hormones are ones that hold postures for long-ish periods of time: Kripalu, Iyengar, Sivananda.
