The monthly menstrual cycle is a stressful period for any woman. Long gone are the days when menstruation and pregnancy were seen as illnesses that had to be gotten rid of at the earliest. Women today are walking hand in hand with their male counterparts. They are matching the pace in all fields be it academics or physically demanding jobs.
Periods are the ideal time for personal cleansing, rejuvenation and meditation for self and family members too. This time is also marked by mood swings, cramps and pain. Meditation during periods can alleviate many of the symptoms of menstruation.
Research has shown that meditation can relieve pain during periods and can even change your attitude towards pain. It also alleviates physical symptoms like sweating, water retention and many others. Meditation can work wonders for pain and discomfort during periods. An easy way is to “Close your eyes gently, and bring one hand to your heart and one hand over your uterus. Inhale deeply through the nose to the count of four. Hold the breath in for four. Exhale for four counts.” Repeat the practice for a minimum three times.
“Using self-affirmations while meditating can be an impactful, drug-free way of focusing on uplifting health and well-being, potentially assisting with the distress of period cramps and creating mind-body-spirit balance.” Self-affirmations help you to gain a positive outlook on situations and symptoms. The subconscious mind is most open to helpful and beneficial suggestions while we are in a relaxed state of mind.
Meditation promotes physical and mental changes throughout the body. It helps in preventing stress-related symptoms like depression and anxiety. Women experience high stress during menstruation leading to dysmenorrhea (pain during periods). Meditation has been found to provide relief from this pain during periods. It is known to improve the emotional and physical symptoms of PMS.
It is a low cost and harmless and beneficial practice that provides relief during periods. It can be done anytime and anywhere in a variety of ways.