Combat The Menopause Through Yoga

At YES headquarters we’ve taken on a new practice this year - yoga!

Initially, we were a little nervous, if not slightly self-conscious lying on the floor right in the middle of our workspace (especially when the postman arrived mid-session during downward-facing dog!) but several months in and it’s proven to be a very popular activity that we look forward to each week. The difference it makes to our working day by taking an hour away from our computer screens to stretch out, relax and re-focus the mind is pretty amazing! It’s also been a great way to bond with each other in sharing an activity outside of our work, which has definitely made us closer as a team. We are truly converted yogis! (For those of you based in Hampshire, UK we recommend Roessa Marks – she’s just fantastic!)

There are so many benefits to yoga. In addition to providing clarity and relaxing the mind, it is a great way to improve flexibility and increase core strength, as well as boosting mood and energy levels. This also makes it a very effective practice in alleviating the more uncomfortable side effects of menopause. There are so many benefits to yoga. In addition to providing clarity and relaxing the mind, it is a great way to improve flexibility and increase core strength, as well as boosting mood and energy levels. This also makes it a very effective practice in alleviating the more uncomfortable side effects of menopause.

Headaches and migraines

Practising yoga involves controlling one’s breathing which is good for easing tension within the body, whether this is to relieve a headache or otherwise. Different positions are effective at opening up the neck, shoulders, and spine which helps the blood flow to your head more freely.

Anxiety

Controlled breathing and reduced tension in turn reduces anxiety. Meditating during yoga helps to clear any negative feelings and thoughts from the mind, working to achieve a blissful state.

Hot flushes

Yoga has been recommended by some as a great alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy. Supported poses and inversions can help to calm ‘the power surge’ during menopause attributing to hot flushes. Make sure that you choose cooling and restorative poses rather than those that include any gripping or tension, which can worsen hot flushes.

Vaginal dryness

Estrogen is one of the hormones responsible for moisturising the vaginal lining. During menopause the estrogen levels in the body decrease, which can be a cause for vaginal and vulva dryness, and in some cases even vaginal atrophy. This can lead to discomfort, itching, and pain during sex. Poses such as ‘cobra’ and ‘upward facing dog’ are particularly effective, as they repeatedly stretch the spine which can trigger the release of growth hormones. Aside from keeping the body young, these hormones ensure that the vagina is lubricated.

Has yoga helped you through the menopause? We’d love to hear your story! Contact us at hello@yesyesyes.org.

(1) https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/the-graceful-change/