From energy management to digestion, mood, sexual health, and development, almost all processes in the body require hormones. Hormones work as chemical messengers and communicate with different body parts by carrying messages through the blood and controlling functions. Hormonal imbalance occurs when the body makes too many or too few hormones. The disturbances in hormones in the body can lead to various health issues like migraines, depression, sleep disorders, night sweats, constipation, tiredness, skin issues, irregular menstruation, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and weight loss or gain. The endocrine system comprises a group of glands and organs in the body where these hormones are produced.
Yoga is an ancient practice based on subtle science that focuses on the mind-body connection. Most hormonal imbalances result from stress. Yoga works both on the mind and body and encourages calmness. Daily yoga for hormonal imbalances can help deal with these health conditions. Hormonal balance yoga asanas are designed scientifically to achieve health benefits that allow the body to heal.
Yoga improves overall health. However, having a health insurance policy can provide financial benefits during need.
5 Yoga Asanas to Regulate Hormones
Disturbance in hormone balance can result from a variety of reasons. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the reasons for hormonal imbalances. Yoga and hormone balance go hand in hand if we practice them with mindfulness. Mindfulness is very important while doing yoga to attain maximum benefit from this great ancient practice. Here are some yoga asanas and their health benefits:
-
Bhujangasana or cobra pose:
Bhujangasana has several health benefits. This yoga pose is good for strengthening the spine and expanding the chest and the abdomen. Cobra pose also stimulates the kidney and adrenal glands, which secrete hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. Follow the steps to do bhujangasana or cobra pose:
- Lie down on the stomach on a mat, keeping the feet together and placing the palms directly under the shoulders.
- Elbows should be straight back and hugged into the sides.
- With a deep inhale, slowly lift the chest off the floor by rolling the shoulders back. Lift only until the navel region and look up.
- During this pose, elbows stay hugged and don't wing out to the sides.
- Keep shoulders away from the ears and the neck neutral, avoiding cranking it up so the gaze stays on the floor.
- Take five long breaths in and out and relax.
-
Malasana or garland pose:
Malasana increases the blood flow in the pelvis region and provides great stretch to the abdominal muscles and ankles. Therefore, malasana may be a good yoga asana for hormonal imbalance and improving the health of organs in the lower body region.
Follow these steps for malasana:
- Stand with a straight spine with your feet wide apart.
- Lower the body slowly and sit on the floor in a full squat position.
- Heals should be touching the floor; if not, then use some support like a towel or blanket underneath the heels.
- Tuck the elbows inside the knees by bending the elbows against the thighs, and join the palms to make ‘namaste’.
- Push the hips toward the floor while keeping the spine straight.
- Keep the posture for 10 long inhales and 10 short exhales.
-
Setubandhasana, or bridge pose:
Setubandhasana stretches the hip, strengthens the lower back, opens up the chest, and helps in improving posture. This asana is one of the yoga asana for hormonal balance
Follow these steps for setubandhasa:
- Lie down on the back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Place your hands by the sides.
- Keep feet hip-distance apart, with knees and ankles in a straight line.
- Inhale, and then, with exhalation, lift the hips towards the ceiling while pressing feet firmly on the ground.
- Slowly lift the back and roll in the shoulders to touch the chest to the chin.
- Support the weight by placing hands on the lower back.
- Inhale and exhale deeply five times while maintaining the pose then relax.
-
Ustrasana or camel pose:
Utrasana is a back bend that helps open the chest. This asana improves posture and eases stiffness in the lower back. It has been observed that practicing utrrasana leads to a balanced hormonal profile due to increased glandular activity.
Follow these steps for utrrasana:
- Kneel while keeping the upper body in a vertical position. Hips should be stacked over the knees.
- Rest the hands on the back of the pelvis and push up the rib cage, with thumbs on the back of the ribs and fingers wrapped around the sides.
- Press the toes gently into the floor with the feet positioned behind you.
- Inhale and bend backward by rolling the shoulders back and lifting the chest.
- If comfortable, exhale and take the right hand back to hold the heel or a block, then repeat the action with the left hand. In this position, the thighs are perpendicular to the floor, and the hips are directly over the knees.
- Hold the position for five long breaths.
- Slowly release the pose and come into balasana to relax the body.
-
Shashankasana, or rabbit pose:
The rabbit pose increases oxygen and blood flow towards the brain, which aids in releasing stress-busting hormones and, therefore, promotes mental well-being. This pose also stimulates the digestive system, promotes spine flexibility, improves heart health, and improves lung capacity.
Follow these steps for Shashankasana:
- Sit in vajrasana by keeping knees bent and feet flat, resting on the heels.
- Raise the arms.
- Tuck the chin towards the chest and round the body forward, hinging at the hips. Drop your head toward the floor as your forehead touches your knees.
- At this point, lift the hips slightly in an upward direction so that the crown of the head rests on the floor without any discomfort or pressure.
Keep this posture for at least five deep breaths and slowly return to the vajrasana, or hero pose.
Conclusion
Yoga is not just about stretching or making different poses; focusing on breathing during yoga also stimulates the endocrine gland for effective functioning. Remember and practice five hormone balancing yoga poses for good health. Also, get a health insurance policy to cover medical and surgical costs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.
Also Read