The Benefits of Yoga for Menopausal Women

The practice of yoga is beneficial for women who are experiencing menopause.

flickr image by lululemon athletica

The stages of menopause (pre-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause) occur between the ages 40 and 60. During this menopausal stage, hormonal imbalance occurs. Irregular menstruation, hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, and unusual cravings for sweets and/ or carbohydrates, fatigue, weight gain, depression, mood swings, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, and back pain may be experienced. An increased rate of heart disease and osteoporosis are what post menopausal women are at risk of.

According to Mariko Fusillo, a yoga therapist, personal trainer, and meditation guide, the practice of yoga is beneficial for women who are experiencing menopause.  It helps in releasing the uncomfortable symptoms and it makes the woman’s body simultaneously become stronger and more flexible.

 

Here are the steps that help alleviate the symptoms of menopause in addition to the other yoga exercises:

Lymphatic Massage – While sitting or standing, place hands on the upper chest and gently make a circle around breastbones and sternum.  Next, place the hands on the lower ribs side to side and make circles.  After belly circles, breathe in and breathe out, into the belly.

Cooling Breath – Extend the tongue and curl it like a tube.  If the tongue doesn’t curl, shape it into a bowl.  Inhale slowly through the tongue, like sipping the nectar from the flower.  Hold the breath for a second and exhale slowly through both nostrils.  Repeat until cool down.