A changing body is one of the inevitabilities of life. While most people are generally aware of the changes that are happening or will happen to them, very few are actually prepared for them. When it comes to menopause, various studies have highlighted the shocking knowledge gap amongst women around the world. Although it’s a process nearly all women undergo, the menopause discussion is largely swept under the rug. And even more so, how holistic practices like yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine, among other practices can help throughout the process.
The science behind menopause is, of course, relatively simple to understand. However, the reality can be difficult to navigate alone. While many women have been led to believe that the only symptom relief for menopause lies in your local pharmacy, that’s not necessarily the case.
Yoga is one way to naturally ease your menopause symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about how yoga can guide you through the worst of your menopause symptoms.
As of 2016, over 36 million Americans were practising yoga. Although stylish yoga pants and the wellness culture surrounding the practice recently hit the mainstream, don’t mistake yoga for a trend.
The practice is thousands of years old—and has arguably survived so long for a reason. In addition to a slew of other health benefits, yoga has been proven to help ease the transition into menopause. Find out how below.
When you consider menopause, chances are that hot flashes, or night sweats—the most common symptom—come to mind. A hot flash is exactly what it sounds like—a sudden onset of heat that can cause sweating and general discomfort.
Research links hot flashes to hormonal changes in the body that make you more sensitive to changes in body temperature. However, research also suggests a link between hot flashes and blood circulation.
According to one study, women who practiced yoga over 10 weeks reported an average 66% decline in hot flash frequency. The practice’s focus on breathing and relaxation techniques, combined with the effect physical activity has of circulation is likely behind this outcome.
With menopause comes a drop in estrogen, or oestrogen levels that leads to a loss of bone density and muscle mass. The lower your bone density, the more fragile your bones are and likely to break. Low muscle mass can impair your strength, balance and coordination.
That said, it should go without saying that a low bone density and muscle mass has the potential to negatively impact your quality of life rather significantly. One decade-long study notes that 12 minutes of yoga per day is enough to reduce osteoporosis—a condition characterized by low bone density.
One controlled clinical trial notes, “Increasing evidence suggests that complementary and alternative approaches that encourage increased physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviours might confer health benefits.”
Menopause increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This is due to the impact the lowered estrogen levels have on the heart. Pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure only serve to increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Yoga reportedly reduces the risk of CVD and shows great promise in cardiac rehabilitation. Of course, increasing your level of physical activity in general will reduce the risk of heart disease.
That said, yoga’s unique blend of physical poses and mindfulness set it apart from most other activities. Yoga is also one of the most accessible and affordable activities out there. This makes it a good option for women all around the world.
Unlike conventional medication which is often designed solely with symptom relief in mind, you can practice yoga before, during, and after your symptoms have subsided. The benefits of yoga extend far beyond mere symptom relief and it can make a great addition to your holistic wellness regimen.
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