Probably one of the most famous yoga practices around the world is Surya Namaskar. It is a practice that is used often in the vast majority of asana classes throughout the world, particularly in Europe, the US and Australia. Surya Namaskar means Sun Salutation, and it is a dynamic series of 24 asanas, which is the salutation to the sun.
Many yoga enthusiasts ask can we do Surya Namaskar in periods if we feel comfortable. In traditional yoga, the first 12 asanas are practised on the right side of the body, and then 12 asanas are practised on the left side of the body, making a full round of Surya Namaskar.
So, can we do Surya Namaskar during periods with gentle movements? It is one of the common questions which a lot of female people who practice yoga ask: Is it ok to perform Surya Namaskar on the period? You can't just give a yes or no answer. This depends on various factors such as your energy, blood flow, comfort and overall health.
Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a set of yoga postures that requires moving, breathing, and paying attention to various aspects. It's common as a way to be more flexible, strong, directed and calm. Many women, however, find themselves in the situation of how severe Yoga practices are considered to be during this time of the day and night.
In today's day and age, most yoga practitioners agree there's no rule that women can't join yoga during their periods. The key is, however, to listen to your body and adapt your practice as needed to embrace your comfort zone. Is it ok to do Surya Namaskar during periods for women?
Many practitioners ask can I do Surya Namaskar during periods based on their energy level. Let's look at the benefits, risks, precautions, and other options to consider in yoga on menstruation. Let's take a look at Surya Namaskar: Is it Safe in Periods, what are the pros and cons, precautions and alternative yoga to consider in moments when menstruation is an issue.
Understanding Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is a total of 12 yoga asanas performed with a fluid flow while synchronising inhalation and exhalation. But can Surya Namaskar be done during periods with proper care?
The progression usually involves:
- Pranamasana (Prayer Pose).
- Hasta Uttanasana, until words can find a translation for 'Raised Arms Pose'.
- This pose targets the quadriceps, hips, and thighs and strengthens the spinal column.
- Equestrian Pose, Ashwa Sanchalanasana
- Dandasana (Plank Pose)
- Eight-limbed stand in the Namaskara (Surrender) posture.
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward or Reverse Dog)
- Go back the other way around
This exercise also works several muscle groups, pumps up the cardiovascular system, helps with circulation and provides body heat. But many people ask, can we do yoga during periods, or can we do pranayam during periods in a relaxed way? Restorative yoga is a relatively gentle practice compared with Surya Namaskar, so women wonder if there are any contraindications to doing Surya Namaskar when menstruating.
Can you do Surya Namaskar during periods?
Many women ask can yoga be done during periods if the body feels good? Yes, women can do the Surya Namaskar during periods as long as they feel physically fit and comfortable, and don't suffer from severe symptoms. In healthy persons, there is not much scientific evidence suggesting harm from gentle or moderate Surya Namaskar during the period of menstruation or through pregnancy. But it depends on the feeling of the body in different periods of the menstrual cycle.
Some women experience:
- Mild discomfort
- Low energy levels
- Abdominal cramps
- Lower back pain
- Fatigue
Others might feel fine and be able to do their normal yoga routine. Still, if you wonder, can I do yoga in periods with light poses? When your flow is gentle, and you feel very energetic, a gentle, mindful Surya Namaskar practice may be just fine. Rest or restorative yoga may be better if you're bleeding heavily, you have severe cramps, dizziness or exhaustion, though.
When should you practice Surya Namaskar during periods?
Many traditional yoga schools may recommend that women limit or refrain from more strenuous yoga practices during their periods. Hence, many women ask can we do kapalbhati during periods. This is based upon the theory of Apana Vayu (downward current of air), which is thought to aid the functions of elimination and menses. Vigorous vibrations, inversions, and extreme levels of physical energy exertion could disrupt this downward energy flow, according to some Yoga traditions.
If you still wonder, can I do Kapalbhati during periods, you must know that you can do it after checking your comfort. This is a way to look at it, instead of thinking of menstruation as a time to take on a full-time productive role, this is a time for resting, contemplating and softening towards oneself.
So, is it advisable to do yoga during periods for gentle relaxation? It is important to note that these recommendations are not based on medical research at the present time, but rather traditional yogic philosophy. During periods, yoga can be done with simple practices.
During the period of menstruation, practising Surya Namaskar with a modern outlook is recommended. With the advancements of Yoga, Yoga teachers and health care practitioners in the present times take a more personalized approach to seeking treatment. So far, it is thought that moderate physical activity throughout menstruation may provide several advantages, such as:
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduced menstrual cramps
- Better mood
- Lower stress levels
- Increased energy
- Reduced bloating
Most women experience a greater sense of wellness after light to moderate activity during their menstruation. Surya Namaskar during periods may be done gently. Most important when doing Surya Namaskar, is not whether it is allowed but if it feels good for your body that particular day. Surya Namaskar during periods can support flexibility.
What can be gained by doing Surya Namaskar during the periods?
Many people ask can we do yoga in periods with easy stretches. Well, yoga during periods may help reduce menstrual cramps. Slow stretching movements and breathing can help to increase circulation and help relax tight muscles around the abdomen and lower back.
It may help with some of the light, period-related cramps while improving blood circulation. It supports emotional well-being, mood and emotional balance, which tends to be affected by hormonal changes during menstruation. Surya Namaskar includes doing chants with the awareness of breath – it may help:
- Reduce stress
- Improve mood
- Promote relaxation
- Increase mental clarity
May improve energy levels
Menstruation can sometimes cause tiredness, and easy exercise can provide some relief from the sluggishness without resorting to energy-enhancing drugs.
The Surya Namaskar is a few simple rounds that can energise most women after performing them slowly.
Promotes improved blood circulation
The undulating movement helps to increase the body's circulation throughout it, which could benefit overall physical sensation during the period. If you still think can we do yoga in periods when energy feels normal? You should know that you can do yoga during periods for better blood circulation.
Helps Maintain Consistency
If women are regular yoga practitioners, changing Surya namaskar, instead of eliminating it, to maintain a healthy exercise regime.
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When Should You Avoid Surya Namaskar During Periods?
Many women ask can i do yoga during periods with mindful movements? Well, there are some specific times when you should avoid practising Surya Namaskar.
1. Heavy Menstrual Flow
If a woman has excessive bleeding during her period, then, during the first couple of days of her period, she should stick to relaxation yoga or restorative yoga practices.
2. Extreme Fatigue
But, if your body feels tired, don't be uniformed, you might not benefit from trying multiple rounds of Surya Namaskar.
3. Dizziness or Weakness
If you get dizzy, your body may need a rest more than exercise.
4. Medical Conditions
Women suffer from a range of ailments, such as:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Severe anemia
- Fibroids
- with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with severe symptoms
should seek medical advice before becoming really physically active when they are on their period.
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Final Thoughts
So, is it possible to practice Surya Namaskar daily? In many cases, yes. For those who are comfortable with mild symptoms, having a gentle approach to it, then Surya Namaskar can be safe and beneficial to practice during menstruation. It can assist with improving circulation, easing stress, promoting emotional health and physical activity.
But each woman's experience is unique. When you experience severe cramps, strong periods, tiredness or conditions that impact the functioning of your periods.