MOON DAYS AND LADIES HOLIDAY

Women - Ladies holiday
Practice during our Cycle

Menstruation is an apanic process. Anytime we over engage mulabandha and uddiyana bandha during our menstrual cycle we are messing with the apanic/downward moving energy, which can easily disturb our cycle. It is, therefore, in the study of yoga and yoga therapy advised not to do Ashtanga on the heavy cycle days , taking 2-3 days off. Taking rest from practice during menstruation is referred to as “lady’s holiday”as described in the Ashtanga Yoga Lineage. It is recommended that women take two to three days of rest from asana practice during the heaviest days of menstruation. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, the uterus lining builds up to prepare for pregnancy. When conception does not occur, the body sheds the lining of the uterus through menstruation. It is important to give the body time to rest during the menstrual period to allow and support the natural downward and outward flow that occurs during this time. Engagement of bandhas in asana practice is important to protect the body from injury. Without proper engagement of bandha, vigorous practice can be unsafe therefore resting on heavy flow days is advisable. Too much activity can also lead to an irregular menstrual cycle in the future or the complete cessation of menstruation, known as amenorrhea. Menstruation is therefore an important time to rest and allow the body to replenish itself, as it prepares to begin its next cycle. Engaging in more restorative practices is often more encouraged during this time. Observing “lady’s holiday” gives women a chance to stay more attuned to the changes in their bodies and adapt their practices in synch with their natural rhythm and cycles.