Meditation for Menstruation

Ayurveda and menstruation

In Ayurveda the menstruation cycle is considered to be a natural and powerful process of detoxification for the body that aligns to the 29.5 days of the lunar cycle. Like all bodily processes, menstruation is governed by the doshas. In fact, the cycle is divided up into different phases - Vata, Pitta, Kapha phases. If you have any imbalances in your constitution, you are likely to experience irregularities, pain, PMS, insomnia, and any number of difficulties.

Although we all have different bodies and needs, and there are a number of case-specific ways you may need to address your imbalances, there is one over-arching thing that we can all do: support our downward flow of energy, from the gut area to the pelvic floor.

Apana Vayu / Apana Vata

Aapan Vayu is a sub-category of Vata, which governs movement and processes of expulsion in the body. It is the energy force in the seat of body that enables us to excrete, to urinate, to pass wind, to ejaculate, give birth and menstruate. When we hold tension in the intestines to the pelvic floor, or have stagnancies and resistances here, Apana Vayu cannot function effectively.

Meditation to assist downward flow of energy and breathe in calm

Around the time of my menstruation I always do this meditation. I focus on send energy, clearly and unhindered on my breath from belly, through pelvis and out into the earth beneath me. I then focus on breathing in calm and serenity (to address anxiety!). So it is a meditation on the breath - using the exhalation to stimulate Apana Vayu, connecting with Mother Earth beneath me, and using the inhalation to invite in calm.

Here is the meditation for you. If you have more questions about yoga and menstruation, see this post.