Last updated on August 21, 2024 by Dr. Subashri Thanigaivel
According to nature’s law, the fittest will only survive. And “the fittest” represents an individual who is not only physically strong but is also strong from the inner core.
Yoga strengthens an individual’s inner core potential through deep breathing and meditation principles. Also, Yoga is one such technique that can improve the strength, balance, and flexibility of an individual. Enhanced concentration can be measured and analyzed through regular yoga and meditation practices.
Now comes the question;
Can yoga be a cure for PCOS?
Yoga can’t be the only remedy, but yoga can definitely help in reversing the PCOS condition. While doing yoga, you can observe a steady blood flow in your body, deep and strong breathing, etc. This aids in regulating your hormonal secretion, thus minimizing your PCOS symptoms.
PCOS is also becoming a very common disorder among women of childbearing age. This is highly linked to the lifestyle that is being followed. So doing yoga can calm both your mind and body aiding in effective PCOS control.
Most Effective Yoga Poses For PCOS
- Surya Namaskar
Surya Namaskar is an exercise with a series of 12 physical postures along with synchronous breathing. And it is tagged as one of the best exercises for PCOS conditions. A full-body exercise that can aid in weight loss too.
In each posture, the time gap given for both inhale and exhale process makes us feel the magic of this asana. Hold each posture for as long as 15 seconds for breathing while doing this asana. Because inhaling and exhaling flushes out the toxic air present in your body cells.
It regulates the blood flow from head to toe. All your muscles from top to bottom are stretched. Also, this asana helps in reducing the waist-to-hip ratio.
During your forward bend postures, blood flow towards the brain gets increased, giving you a chance to enjoy good hair growth and a glowing face. Also, bending postures improves your spine flexibility. These 12 postures include mild stretches, yet they help in strengthening muscles, joints, and ligaments.
Apart from so many benefits, this asana increases the metabolism of your body, thus helping in regularising the menstrual cycle for PCOS condition.
- Virabhadrasana
Virabhadrasana is also called a warrior pose. It is named after the formation that is formed while doing this asana. We push ourselves forward and try to balance by focusing on the core weight of our body. Doing this asana improves our focus and concentration power. So doing a warrior pose will boost the warrior power – self-confidence, oneself. Quite similarly, I am able to link this with an epic story – Bhagavat Gita, where lord Krishna will boost the self-confidence of Arjuna.
So, every morning doing the warrior pose can boost your confidence to overcome PCOS symptoms.
This asana stretches your legs, buttocks, front hip, and shoulder and strengthens your calf muscles, thigh muscles, and adds power to your back and arms. It also releases stress from the shoulders, a good exercise for desktop people. This ultimately tones your body and opens up your chest and lungs to improve the respiration process. Hence, increases stamina.
- Baddha konasana
It is also called as Butterfly pose. Here your tailbone comes in contact with the ground level. By expanding the thighs to join the soles of your feet you build strength in your thigh muscles. And it is called the butterfly pose because the movement of the legs up and down imprints the movement of a butterfly.
This asana opens your hip and strengthens your knees and groins. It also prevents menstrual cramps and acts as a strengthening asana for the female reproductive organs.
- Setu Bandhasana
The name of the asana itself conveys the meaning. Setu means “bridge”, and bandha means “lock”. So lock your body in a bridge posture. It helps in relieving menstrual cramps. This pose stretches your neck, spine, chest, and hip to strengthen back muscles. Get relieved from tired back instantly. Doing this asana on regular basis can alleviate stress and mild depression. It opens up your lungs to regulate your thyroid function and also improves your digestion.
- Dhanurasana
While doing this asana, your body takes up the form of a bow. Hence, called a bow pose. Dhanur means “bow” and asana means “pose” or “posture”. This improves your body flexibility and builds a good posture. A complete asana to tone your back and strengthen your abdominal muscles. It also improves your spine flexibility and opens up your chest to facilitate easy breathing. Enhances blood circulation and stimulates your pelvic organs. One of the best asanas to bring your PCOS symptoms under control.
Yoga, as such is very good for your body. Both physical and mental fitness is balanced. These asanas mentioned above are good for people facing PCOS symptoms. Since we are all traveling in a fast-moving world, we sometimes tend to ignore our health (physical as well as mental health). So, one in five women faces PCOS conditions. Get your lifestyle on track. Just follow a proper diet with an Ayurvedic lifestyle and include some forms of exercise. This can help all of us to stay healthy and happy.
Ayurveda; leads us through wellness!