In a nice little study* published in this month’s Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, yoga practiced throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle diminished the severity of menstrual cramps. The poses used (cat, cobra and fish) were those that supposedly treat pelvic congestion.
Since the control group did not exercise, the study did not really control for the placebo effect of the yoga intervention, or for the fact that exercise has already been shown to decrease menstrual cramps. A better control group would have been given yoga poses that do not address the pelvic area (sort of like sham acunpuncture), and a third group could have used some other form of exercise, perhaps pilates.
Placebo effect or no, yoga is fun, the poses used are easy to do and if it diminishes menstrual cramps without the need for medication, I’m all for it.
Hi Peggy, I’m convinced that yoga may help relieve many but not all painful conditions. The question in my mind is if it’s worth the academic and trials costs to prove it.
I wonder if they teach Yoga in PE courses in schools these days? That would make a heck of a lot more sense than what we did, and might actually be good for lifelong activity.
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Really impressed by many of your articles. You’ve inspired me to leave my first ever comment in a blog.
At postpartum and sometimes prenatal visits, I’ve often suggested to women that they attend a yoga class with their newborn, and then continue the practice together for life.
Some of the many benefits include:
1. social contact post-partum
2. staying flexible and strong
3. relearning many balancing, physiologic, rejuvenating ways to move from observing and incorporating the patterns the growing child uses (this one requires explanation)
4. participating in a healthy habit and activity with one’s child(ren)
5. the general benefits of yoga.
Many non-pregnant and prenatal women practice yoga and can continue post-partum. Of course I support their practices. I am simpling pointing out that beginning a yoga habit seems especially suited to a time of new life.