Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of a wide range of symptoms that occur between the time of ovulation and the beginning of the menstrual period. PMS has been characterized by more than 150 symptoms, ranging from mood swings to weight gain to acne. The exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is not known. Many practitioners believe that an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may be the cause of many cases of PMS. Others believe decreased levels of neurotransmitters, abnormal metabolism, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies are to blame. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees the root cause of PMS as either an excess of the Liver system’s energy or a deficiency of the Spleen and/or Kidney systems’ energy. Yoga can be used to address both the physical and energetic systems of the body to bring the body’s hormones, neurotransmitters, metabolism, and energy back into balance.

Yoga Postures


Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
The torso and legs represent the body of the bow, and the arms the string.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
For this pose you can pad your knees and shins with a thickly folded blanket.

Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose)
Stretch along the top side of the body, from the back heel through the raised arm.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
It is said that if you perform this pose in water, you will be able to float like a fish.

Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)
Highly effective strengthener for the legs and ankles.

Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
The ultimate yoga pose, Padmasana requires open hips and consistent practice.

Pasasana (Noose Pose)
In the full pose the arms are wrapped around the squatting legs and the hands are clasped behind the back, forming a "noose."

Supta Virasana (Reclining Hero Pose)
Intensifies the stretch in the thighs and ankles of its upright version.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Calms the brain and rejuvenates tired legs.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
One of the most widely recognized yoga poses... an all-over, rejuvenating stretch.

Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose)
Stretches the outer hips intensely, particularly the piriformis, which is often the main culprit of sciatic pain.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
This twist energizes the spine and stimulates the digestive fire.

Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend)
A forward bend for all levels of students, Janu Sirsasana is also a spinal twist.

Marichyasana III (Marichi's Pose)
Marichi's Pose is sometimes called the Sage's Pose.

Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Big Toe Pose)
Provides relief from backache and stretches the hips, hamstrings, and calves.

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
Paschimottanasana can help a distracted mind unwind

Pranayama
Use Dirga and Nadi Sodhana Pranayama to reduce stress and anxiety. Use Kapalabhati Pranayama to boost energy and circulate energy in the abdomen.

Meditation
Meditation reduces stress, calms the mind, and activate and balance the brain centers that regulate the levels of neurotransmitters and most hormones in the body.Use one of the following by itself and/or at the beginning and end of your yoga practice: Third Eye Meditation or Yoga Meditation.