Is Breathwork Safe During Menstruation?

Your menstrual cycle is a sacred time to slow down, honor the wisdom of your body and go inward. Amidst the hormones and emotions, it's crucial to find moments of stillness and self care.

While period cramps and discomfort might be common during this time of the month, gentle practices like breathwork and meditation can offer solace and relief.

What is Breathwork & Meditation?

Breathwork and meditation are ancient practices revered for their ability to calm the mind, relax the body and tap into our inner reservoirs of peace and healing.

Breathwork involves various breathing techniques that invite spaciousness into your body, clearing blockages and allowing tension and stress to melt away.

It originates from an ancient yogic practice, called Pranayama, and is over 5,000 years old. The main purpose of these techniques are to help you enter deeper states of meditation. It is in this sanctuary of stillness where you can observe your thoughts, feelings and sensations with compassion and detachment.

Is Breathwork Safe During Your Period?

Every flow is different and while individual experiences vary, there are certain breathing techniques that should be avoided and others that are beneficial.

During the menstruation phase of your cycle, strong, hyperventilating breathing techniques, characterized by rapid, fast breathing should be approached with great caution or avoided altogether. These techniques stimulate various bodily systems, diverting energy away from the areas where it's needed most during this particular time of the month.

Breathing Techniques to avoid during menstruation:

• Strong Yogic Breathing (Wim Hof)

• Kapalbhati Pranayama

• Bhastrika Pranayama

• Holotropic breathing

• Kundalini Spinal Breathing

• Energy Awakening Chit Shakti Prakriya Pranayama

• Ujjayi Pranayama (this is not strong per say, but it influences our hormones and endocrine system)

• Bandhas - Mula bandha, Uddiyana bandha, and Maha bandha

• Kumbhakas or breath holds

It's best to practice calm and balancing breathing techniques, where breaths are slow and soft. Belly breathing, in particular, can help increase blood flow to the pelvic area, easing muscular tension and reducing the severity of cramps.

Breathing Techniques to practice during menstruation:

• Belly breathing

• 3 Step Yogic Breathing

• Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anulom Vilom)

• Pursed lips breathing (Kaki Mudra Pranayama)

• Pranav Pranayama

• AUM Chanting

By focusing your awareness on the rhythm of your breath, you can create a sense of internal harmony that soothes both body and mind.

With any breathwork practice, it's essential to listen to your body and honor its needs. Always prioritize self-care and compassion towards yourself.

Your menstrual cycle is not merely a monthly inconvenience; it's a sacred journey of shedding the old and welcoming greater renewal. By embracing mindful practices like breathwork and meditation, you can transform this time into an opportunity for deep healing and introspection.

Peace, love and good energy,

Namaste