Yoga is a type of mind-body exercise. It focuses on the energy system present in the body with numerous energy centers. It does not only help in maintaining ideal body weight by burning fat and boosting metabolism, but it also helps in balancing hormones that may cause fibroids.
Yoga therapy is inexpensive, natural, and safe to do. Yoga postures increase the flow of energy towards the reproductive organs and activate them to regulate hormone production. This will then prevent estrogen dominance in the body, which actually causes fibroids to develop and worsen.
Exercise and Yoga
As per research, a high body mass index (BMI) is directly related with increased uterine fibroid risk. Also, abdominal visceral fat, which is linked to elevated estrogen production, is a major reason for fibroid growth. So, by reducing your BMI and visceral fat through regular exercise, fibroid development may be prevented or halted. Exercise even helps the liver disperse excessive estrogen, improving overall hormonal balance.
Regular yoga exercise can improve muscle tone in all areas of the body, which includes the pelvic muscles. It also helps in increasing endorphin levels, easing the pain and cramping experienced from fibroids. Yoga exercise relaxes the body enough to improve regular bowel movement, hastening the elimination of wastes and toxins that are related to fibroids.
Postures to Pick From
The idea behind yoga posture for fibroid treatment is to soften the abdominal tissues. This ensures that the tumors present inside the uterus do not grow and multiply at a quick pace. The following yoga postures are deemed extremely effective against uterine fibroids:
- Twisting yoga positions help ease discomfort because they help open the abdominal area and massage the lower spine, where women with uterine fibroids mostly feel discomfort and pain. Suggested twisting positions include:
- Bharadvajasana – Twist of Saga Bharadvaja
- Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana – Post from head to knee
These positions will remove any tension in the uterine area and stretches the abdominal region, which in turn increases blood flow to the reproductive organs.
- Parsva Virasana, a position where you are kneeled down while seated between the heels, can also help in the treatment of uterine fibroids. If you find it difficult, sit on a yoga block. Put your right hand behind you, with your left hand placed on your right knee, and bring yourself to twist to the right.
Practicing the Standing Forward Bend and Inverted Pose, apart from helping with the uterine fibroid will also make it easier to deal with extreme fatigue, stress, and anxiety. However, make sure that you maintain regular practice.
- Pranayama or yoga breathing exercises can help reduce hormonal changes, which can worsen fibroid symptoms. Stress interferes with woman’s menstrual cycle and delays ovulation, thus furthering hormonal imbalance. When stress is removed, estrogen production will also be diminished.
- Supta Baddha Konasana or the Reclining Bound Angle Pose helps in easing symptoms of uterine fibroid such as heavy menstrual flows, pain, and discomfort.
Your Other Options
Although Yoga is indeed effective against uterine fibroids and the symptoms they come with, it’s best to consider all the options available to you before finally choosing which ones to go for. If you’re yet to explore the various treatments for this particular health concern, don’t hesitate to pay your doctor a visit.