She Strengthens

The Age-Old Debate: Yoga Inversions During Menstruation

As I’ve navigated the world of yoga, attending classes of various styles at studios far and wide, one question has continued to pique my interest: Should women avoid inverted poses during their period? While I’m more than happy to take a break and relax in Child’s Pose, I’ve always wondered if there’s a legitimate medical risk involved in doing certain poses during menstruation.

A Philosophical Perspective

In yogic tradition, menstruation is considered a time of downward-flowing energy, or apana. Some instructors believe that inverted poses, such as handstands and shoulder stands, can disrupt this natural energetic flow. However, this philosophical perspective isn’t necessarily rooted in medical fact.

The Risk of Endometriosis

One potential concern is that inverted poses may increase the risk of endometriosis, a condition in which cells similar to those lining the uterus implant themselves outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring, and pain. According to Dr. Kecia Gaither, OB/GYN, there is no definitive cause for endometriosis, although retrograde menstruation, genetics, hormonal imbalance, and uterine anomalies have been linked to the condition.

Retrograde Menstruation: Fact or Fiction?

Some argue that inverted poses can cause retrograde menstruation, where the blood flow goes backward instead of down and out, potentially leading to endometriosis. However, renowned yogini Gina Caputo notes that the expulsion of the uterine lining during menstruation is propelled by uterine contractions, not gravity. Moreover, retrograde menstruation is a common experience for an estimated 90% of women, yet only 1 in 10 women are diagnosed with endometriosis.

Vascular Congestion: A Theoretical Risk

Another theory suggests that inversions during menstruation may cause “vascular congestion” in the uterus, leading to excessive menstrual flow. While this risk may be relevant for women holding inversions for extended periods, it’s unlikely to be a concern for most practitioners.

Listening to Your Body

Ultimately, the decision to practice inversions during menstruation should be based on individual comfort and bodily awareness. As Caputo emphasizes, “If a woman isn’t paying attention to her body during yoga practice while menstruating, who will?!” By tuning into our physical and emotional needs, we can make informed decisions about our practice.

The Verdict

While there may be philosophical and theoretical reasons to avoid inverted poses during menstruation, there is no conclusive medical evidence to support this claim. So, go ahead and invert away, pretzel people – as long as it feels comfortable and right for you!