Yoga for Endometriosis
Written by Tahlia Thomas
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the endometrium, is found in unlikely areas around the body. Most commonly, endometriosis occurs in the pelvis, causing symptoms that can significantly impact the individual's quality of life.
Symptoms of endometriosis include pain during or after sexual intercourse, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, and infertility. Women with endometriosis also experience nausea, fatigue, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation during menstruation.
Endometriosis affects roughly one in ten women. When managed holistically endometriosis signs and symptoms can be minimised effectively, often providing life-changing relief for women.
With the pelvis being a primary area of presentation for those with endometriosis, movement that encourages reproductive blood flow is imperative. Endometriosis is often referred to as a stagnation of blood reproductively and movement is imperative to reduce this stagnation and encourage healthy blood flow to the pelvic region.
New research (see reference below) on endometriosis reveals yoga reduced pain and improved quality of life. A randomized control trial was performed in Brazil, looking at the use of yoga to treat pain caused by endometriosis. The goal of the study was to evaluate chronic pelvic pain, menstrual patterns, and quality of life.
Pain decreased in the group who practiced yoga. Quality of life improved, as documented by a participant questionnaire, was also statistically significant. The study demonstrates that yoga is an effective practice in reducing the day-to-day chronic pelvic pain you can experience as someone diagnosed with endometriosis.
Using yoga as part of a holistic treatment plan for endometriosis allows you to have a tool that is safe, portable, and effective in improving quality of life.
Yoga has undoubted healing power, and all forms of the practice can be incredibly restorative. More specifically, the breathing techniques incorporated act as a grounding and calming tool, which subsequently allows the body’s natural healing processes to take control.
Breathing skills play an incredible role in chronic pain relief for endometriosis sufferers. Often, a large part of the pain comes from muscle cramping, akin to severe menstrual pain. By mindfully breathing, it’s possible to override this muscle tension and significantly reduce discomfort.
Another key way that deep yogic breath can be curative is through the hormones that release through relaxation. While stress chemicals, such as adrenaline and cortisol, can be harmful in excess, their calming counterparts, such as dopamine and oxytocin, have notable healing effects. The latter is particularly important when combatting inflammation, which is a large part of the problem caused by endometriosis.
We recommend a minimum of two yoga practices per week for the best results. During your week of menstruation, we recommend opting for our Restorative, Gentle Flow, and Meditation class offerings.
In addition to yoga, I always recommend a specific anti-inflammatory diet, increasing your intake of things like ginger and turmeric daily to assist with pain and reducing inflammation. It’s also always important to investigate the type of endometriosis you’re presenting with, and this is best done alongside a practitioner (Integrative Nutritionist or Naturopath), I generally categorize into the below to enable a structured and personalized treatment plan that supports long term relief and treatment of the root cause.
- Inflammatory related Endometriosis
- Immune-related Endometriosis
- Bacterial/GUT related Endometriosis
When looking at the work of Louise Hay, she refers to Endometriosis energetically involving feelings of insecurity, disappointment, and frustration. Her recommended affirmation is;
I am both powerful and desirable. It’s wonderful to be a woman. I love myself and I am fulfilled. Write this one down so you don’t forget it!
Please let our teachers know on your initial intake form or at the beginning of class if Endometriosis is something you struggle with so that they can offer specific and tailored poses just for you throughout your practice.
If you’re a podcast lover, we highly recommend listening to this podcast discussing the importance of yoga for endometriosis management. Listen here
We’re always here to guide you on your holistic wellbeing journey, you can book your yoga classes here.
Research Reference