International Yoga Day 2025: Can yoga help ease endometriosis pain? Expert shares asanas for cramps
Yoga Day 2025: 21 June is the International Yoga Day, a celebration of one of the world's holistic health practices, yoga. It is observed annually on the same date. As per the UN, the theme for this year is 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health'. This is also a fitting moment to explore how yoga can support and improve women's health. One of the common gynaecological issues affecting women of reproductive age is endometriosis. It is characterised by intense menstrual pain, deeply affecting quality of life. There are medical treatments for the same, but yoga can provide gentle relief with the help of calming movements or breathwork. Yoga gently helps ease the pain of endometriosis.(Shutterstock)
Dr Sonu Taxak, director and senior IVF consultant at Yellow Fertility, shared with HT Lifestyle how endometriosis is widely common among women of reproductive age.
He explained the condition endometriosis and said, 'Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This tissue usually grows on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other organs within the pelvis. It can cause severe cramps, chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, and sometimes infertility. Approximately 10% of women of reproductive age have endometriosis, and it can affect a woman's physical and emotional health in many unhealthy ways. But according to studies, practising yoga regularly provides relief from lower back pain, menopausal symptoms, stress, and depression. Further, improving the symptoms of endometriosis.' Does yoga reduce endometriosis pain? There isn't much awareness about the emotional toll of endometriosis pain.(Shutterstock)
Dr Sonu Taxak however cautioned that yoga is not a replacement treatment. It is only a tool for supporting the symptims betteer. But yoga does bring in some biological changes with the help of movements and breathwork, that may ease the pain.
He opined, 'While yoga is not a treatment for endometriosis, for many women it is a valuable tool in managing the effects of the disease. Yoga should always be a complementary approach to medical interventions, not a replacement. But consistent participation has been shown to reduce inflammation, encourage blood flow to the pelvic area, and decrease the production of cortisol, the stress hormone that can exacerbate pain. Since yoga encourages the parasympathetic nervous system, it acts to help the body settle into deep relaxation and or the body to release endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones.'
ALSO READ: Living with Endometriosis: Expert shares 5 ways it impacts mental health
Dr Taxak further named 'restorative yoga' as one of the standout yoga types that have added benefits. He explained, 'Restorative yoga poses offer significant comfort for pelvic pain. By moving gently, you can release tension in the pelvic muscles, improve blood flow, and promote the health of your reproductive and digestive systems. However, during an acute flare or your menstrual cycle with significant pain, it is best to take a pass on any intense stretching or heavy movement. ' Asanas and pranayama to help with the pain Certain stretches, like balasana, help in easing the pelvic pain.(Shutterstock)
He also shared these yoga asanas and pranayamas that help in supporting the chronic pain: Balasana (Child's Pose)
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose)
Setu Bandhansana (Bridge Pose)
Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose)
Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing)
Deep belly breathing
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
34 minutes ago
- The Hindu
International Yoga Day observed in Dindigul
A slew of events were organised by educational institutions in Dindigul district marking the 11th International Yoga Day observed on Saturday. Over 700 NCC Cadets of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) unit of 14 (TN) Battalion participated in the International Yoga Day event at SSM Academy. The celebration began with a brief introduction about the importance of yoga by the Commanding Officer of 14 (TN) Battalion Lt Col S. Jagadeesan. Cadets were given advice on the benefits of practising yoga and on how yoga promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Following the introduction, a yoga session was conducted under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. The session included various asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. The event emphasised the physical benefits of yoga and also focused on its philosophical and cultural roots, fostering awareness among the younger generation. The NCC Cadets pledged to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and spread awareness of its benefits. At the Gandhigram Rural Institute (Deemed to be University), the Yoga Day event was celebrated by the Physical Education, Yoga Centre and National Service Scheme (NSS) of the Institute. Vice-Chancellor N. Panchanatham spoke about the importance of yoga. Over 1,000 students and staff members from various educational institutions participated in the event.
The Hindu
34 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Yoga day celebrations in educational institutions
Alagappa University, under the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' celebrated 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday. The importance of celebrating International Yoga Day is to create an awareness about yoga among individuals across the world. In his presidential address, G. Ravi, Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the holistic value of yoga highlighting that it nurtures not only the body but also sharpens the mind and enhances social harmony. 'Yoga is part of our ancient culture, dating back over 2,000 years. Practicing it daily for at least 20 to 50 minutes leads to peace of mind, productive work and community well-being,' he said. He added that since 2016, the university has been offering yoga training to university fraternity and general public. In 2018, the university established the Centre for Yoga Education which offers Yoga Course. Mepco Schlenk Matric Higher Secondary School commemorated the yoga day by practicing yoga and speaking about its importance. A. Subash, one of the staff members, appealed to the students to practice yoga regularly for the betterment of physical and mental health.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Paryaya Puthige Mutt Seer leads Yoga Day session in Udupi
The Paryaya Puthige Mutt seer Sugunendra Tirtha Swami led a one-hour long Yoga session in the Sri Krishna Mutt premises on the occasion of International Yoga Day on Saturday at Udupi. The yoga session was conducted under the directions of Yoga trainer Mamata Shettigar. 'I am taking part in the whole session only to make people aware that seers also do Yoga. I have been doing Yoga for a long time,' the seer said. The ancient concept of Yoga, which is a resource for physical and mental well being, should be spread across the world, the seer added. The session started with warm-up exercises that included the neck and shoulder rotations, which were followed by twisting of waist. Then 'Tadasana', 'Vrukshasana', 'Padahastasana', 'Ardhachakrasana', 'Bhadrasana', 'Vajrasana', 'Ustrasana', 'Bhujangasana', 'Mandookasana', 'Uttana Mandookasana', 'Sethubandhasana', and 'Shavasana' were done. Then 'Kapalabhati', 'Nadishoodhana Pranayama', 'Sheetali Pranayama', and 'Brahamari Prayanama' were done. Yoga has helped Udupi District in charge Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Saturday said it was because of regular yoga practice for over two decades that she was in a position to work 15 hours a day. Ms. Hebbalkar said she was going about 20 surya namaskars every day. Recent motor vehicle accident in which she was injured has constrained her from doing Yoga every day. She was now doing Yoga fives days a week. Yoga brings mental joy and promotes a healthy lifestyle, she said. Apart from Ms. Hebbalkar, Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, Udupi District MLAs, Ashok Kodavoor, District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee Chairman, T.K. Swaroopa, Deputy Commissioner, Prateek Bayal, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer, Ganapathi, Kundapura Divisional Forest Officer, and Satish Acharya, District AYUSH officer took part.
