Can yoga be practised during menstruation?

Question

I have some friends telling me it's not safe to practise yoga during menstruation while some say only certain postures (head-stand,forward-bending,etc) can't be done. Can some experts/yoga practitioners shed a light on this? Thanx!

Answer 1

I've certainly practiced during menstruation. I do avoid inversions (headstands, shoulder-stands, backbends) during that time, per the advice of my instructors. I can't recall exactly how it was explained to me, but it had something to do with avoiding asanas that make blood rush to your head.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

From Day One until the menstruation ends one should stick to the practice of those asanas that help women keep healthy and that do not create an obstruction to the menstrual flow. Those asanas have to be selected which do not make her run out of energy or bring any hormonal disturbance.

One should avoid Inversions (viparita sthitti), such as Adho Mukha Vriksasana, arm-balancings like Bakasana (bhujatalan sthitti), backward extensions (purva pratana sthitti) such as Urdhva Dhanurasana, Kapotasana and the body knottings (grantha sthitti), such as Yoganidrasana, Ek Pada Sirsasana and abdominal contraction (udara akunchana sthitti) such as Navasana and Jathara Parivatasana.
One should avoid pranayama in sitting asana. Even if done it should not be for longer than fifteen minutes. Avoid Antara and Bahaya Kumbhakas, Uddiyana and Mula Bandhas, Bhastrika, Kapalabhati and Mahamudra.

Answer 4

Well all the Yoga books I've seen say that certain yoga is not to be done during menstruation. I wonder why though

Answer 5

Is it safe to work out while you're on your period? YES... it helps ease cramping and gets toxins out of your body. It's never a bad thing.
It can also take the headache away, the cramping, and the uneasiness that your body can be experiencing during that time of the month. It's all good.