Some of you might be thinking, "ok enough already with the yoga healing articles all over the internet" and you might be rolling your eyes right now, but take a chance and read on.
Last night I experienced some of the worst menstrual cramping I have experienced in some time and, as the clock ticked I rocked in pain realizing I might not get enough sleep tonight. So, I took control, there is no way on my weekend night that I am going to wake up feeling less than refreshed and rested. I immediately looked up the quickest yoga routine for cramps and what do you know...slept like a baby.
I had to hold each pose for 2 minutes and I did each pose twice, but I was able to ease the pain enough to rock to sleep.
I kept the lights off, not only because my partner was sleeping next to me and the dog, but because once you are preparing to sleep you should keep bright lights off so your brain doesn't register it as sun light. I put on my tiny cell phone flashlight and began.
First (slideshow above in order of the poses I did last night) I held Uttanasana (forward fold), really emphasizing rocking my weight forward, pulling my inner thighs outward and back to release my body forward, and I held this for almost two minutes. Wow, this was really working.
Then I moved toward the wall for a supported ardha chandrasana (half moon), emphasizing pushing the top hip back to feel the wall and opening my hips up while stretching my arm towards the sky...the effect? I felt the contraction feeling slow down and my body begin to relax.
I repeated on both sides. This was amazing for me.
Then I did a series of leg opening/hip openers with a pillow to guide my head to keep my mind relaxed.
This last one was really helpful, I felt completely relaxed I held reclined bound angle for about 3 minutes then...a little inversion..Legs up the wall, Viparita Karini. I stayed here for about 5 minutes massaging my low belly with a blanket on top of me to stay warm. I moved on from here laid in my bed in childs pose for a few breaths and I was sleeping in less than 10 minutes. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, pain free and relaxed so I started my day with a meditation to stay present and relaxed and a few sun salutations as the sun peeked around the clouds. Off for a hike with the puppy feeling good, feeling great.
I hope this helps. email or leave comments if you have questions.
Namaste.
Please share with anyone you know that could benefit from this post.
LOVE. BLESS.
Last night I experienced some of the worst menstrual cramping I have experienced in some time and, as the clock ticked I rocked in pain realizing I might not get enough sleep tonight. So, I took control, there is no way on my weekend night that I am going to wake up feeling less than refreshed and rested. I immediately looked up the quickest yoga routine for cramps and what do you know...slept like a baby.
I had to hold each pose for 2 minutes and I did each pose twice, but I was able to ease the pain enough to rock to sleep.
I kept the lights off, not only because my partner was sleeping next to me and the dog, but because once you are preparing to sleep you should keep bright lights off so your brain doesn't register it as sun light. I put on my tiny cell phone flashlight and began.
First (slideshow above in order of the poses I did last night) I held Uttanasana (forward fold), really emphasizing rocking my weight forward, pulling my inner thighs outward and back to release my body forward, and I held this for almost two minutes. Wow, this was really working.
Then I moved toward the wall for a supported ardha chandrasana (half moon), emphasizing pushing the top hip back to feel the wall and opening my hips up while stretching my arm towards the sky...the effect? I felt the contraction feeling slow down and my body begin to relax.
I repeated on both sides. This was amazing for me.
Then I did a series of leg opening/hip openers with a pillow to guide my head to keep my mind relaxed.
This last one was really helpful, I felt completely relaxed I held reclined bound angle for about 3 minutes then...a little inversion..Legs up the wall, Viparita Karini. I stayed here for about 5 minutes massaging my low belly with a blanket on top of me to stay warm. I moved on from here laid in my bed in childs pose for a few breaths and I was sleeping in less than 10 minutes. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, pain free and relaxed so I started my day with a meditation to stay present and relaxed and a few sun salutations as the sun peeked around the clouds. Off for a hike with the puppy feeling good, feeling great.
I hope this helps. email or leave comments if you have questions.
Namaste.
Please share with anyone you know that could benefit from this post.
LOVE. BLESS.