I (Ana) have always continued my entire practice without modifying for menstrual cycles and feel it is beneficial for me, so the following suggestions are just general guidelines. The bottom line is to listen to your body and let that be your ultimate guide.

Yoga does recommend that a woman avoid inversions (i.e., Shoulderstand, Headstands, Plow Pose, etc..) and any poses that may put pressure on the lower back while she is menstruating. If your flow is heavy or if you experience undue fatique during your menstrual cycle, or any discomfort you may want to modify, or avoid, these poses as you feel it necessary. If you are not up to some of the more physically taxing exercises you may want to focus more on breathing and meditation at this time.

Also, any stomach pumping can be done very lightly, or not at all if any discomfort is experienced. You may also want to do a lighter Breath of Fire or substitute Long Deep Breathing during this time if the flow is heavy and you feel at all uncomfortable.

Bow, Cobra, Butterfly, and Baby pose with Long Deep Breathing are all excellent to do while menstruating as well as meditation in Rock Pose. The Yoga Beauty Body set (modify the shoulder stand by having the legs up against a wall) as well as the \"Positive PMS\" set on Yoga Quick Fixes are perfect for balancing menstruation

A regular Kundalini Yoga practice with its focus on the Navel Center, the glandular system, and working through tension around the ovaries is a great way to help smooth out menstrual cycles and associated symptoms such as mood swings and cramping.

Disclaimer: The advice we give is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program or nutritional protocol.