Guest guest Posted October 13, 2000 Report Share Posted October 13, 2000 I think how many days women should take is an individual thing and can vary even in the same woman from month to month. Some can do with two others need more than three.The main thing is she should not practice or use mula bandha during the active flow, when apana energy and it's downward flow need to be unobstucted. Western women (myself included often resit this on feminist grounds) but I have observed first hand some negative effects from practicing during this time, which changed my mind about it. What do think Sun? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2000 Report Share Posted October 14, 2000 Thank you for the insight regarding mula bandha, because I have not thought of it in this way. I'm still in the learning stages of this issue. I've tried an regular practice during my period (both with and eliminating inversions) and I've also tried abstaining from any asana--and I've tried in-between. So far I've had no correlation between how I've felt either during or after my period. I have had a history of cramping, so I'll do just about anything to alleviate or prevent the cramps.<br><br>A while back someone posted about the potential negative effects of doing inverted poses during the period, and I made a decision at least not to practice those.<br><br>It seems that the ashtanga communtiy promotes a "no asana" policy. However, when do we draw the line? When the flow tapers? Sorry to be so graphic, but I've wondered myself, when do we start practicing inversions again--when there is absolutely no blood or when it just feels "over"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2000 Report Share Posted October 14, 2000 I think Ashtanga practice differs because of mula bandha and also it may be more strenuous, especially if you are doing the intermediate or advanced series. Many years ago I used to do other forms of yoga during periods without noticing any ill effect, but with this practice the flow can be stopped before it should which is not good and also there can be some weakness. In general I think three days is about right for most women (just during the heaviest flow days)Some asanas do help with cramping though, baddha konasana for instance and gentle pelvic rocking or janu sirsasana A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2000 Report Share Posted October 14, 2000 gorakshadevi,<br><br>thanks for the valuable insights.<br><br>sunshine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2000 Report Share Posted October 14, 2000 namaste-<br>I believe that no 2 periods are alike. For me, I take the first day off completely, and do all poses minus urdhva dhanurasnana through to padmasana on day 2 & 3. I do mysore on Saturdays because it's a very important class to me. Moon days-I used to ignore it, but it does seem to make me a little hyper active if I practice. I did a restorative class for this full moon, and it felt just perfect. I like taking Sundays off, because it has always felt like a day of rest anyhow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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