Ovarian cysts are non-cancerous cysts that form in the ovaries and can affect women of any age. This can make you feel extremely uncomfortable and lead to sharp pain in the abdomen. The condition has become a serious concern for people as the number of cases continues to rise in the country. Did you know that 25 percent of women in the reproductive age group in India develop ovarian cysts? One way to reduce the risk is yoga. This holistic practice has been proven to reverse the likelihood of serious consequences. If you’re thinking about how yoga for ovarian cysts works, here’s everything you need to know.
Health Shots reached out to yoga and spiritual leader Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar to understand how it works.
Benefits of Yoga for Ovarian Cysts
Yoga is believed to be a great way to improve overall health, including ovarian health. In fact, studies have shown that yoga can help manage such problems and manage your health. Akshar explains, “Yoga can support ovarian health by improving blood circulation to the pelvic area, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.”
You can do yoga asanas such as child’s pose and cat-cow pose, which help stretch and stimulate the pelvic organs. You can do relaxation poses like Savasana to relieve stress, which positively affects the hormonal balance that is crucial for ovarian health. He emphasizes that it is crucial to approach yoga as a complement to conventional medical treatments.
6 Best Yoga Poses for Ovarian Cysts
Here are some of the simplest yet most effective yoga poses when dealing with ovarian cysts:
1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
- Start by sitting on your knees, with them slightly apart.
- Sit on your heels, extend your arms forward and lower your chest toward the mat.
- This gentle stretch can help release tension in the pelvic area.
- Inhale and exhale as you do this pose.
2. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
- Sit on a mat with your back straight and the soles of your feet together.
- Hold your feet by interlocking your fingers and gently moving your knees up and down.
- This pose helps improve blood circulation in the pelvic area.
Also read: Flit into butterfly pose for these 5 amazing benefits
3. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
- Lie on your back and bring the soles of your feet together.
- Let your knees fall to the sides.
- If necessary, support your knees with supports, allowing a gentle opening in the pelvic area.
4. Cat-cow stretch (Marjaryasana-Urdhva and Ado)
- Start with your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
- Arch your back as you inhale and lift your head. Exhale, round your back and tuck your chin.
- Move between these poses and synchronize your breathing and movement.
- Repeat this for a few breaths.
- This dynamic movement promotes spinal flexibility and can relieve tension in the abdominal area.
5. Legs Against the Wall (Viparita Karani)
- Sit on the floor and close to a wall.
- Now lie on your back and stretch your legs against the wall.
- Slide your hips as close to the wall as is comfortable while keeping your legs straight.
- Relax your arms at your sides.
- This inversion can improve blood flow to the pelvic organs and reduce stress.
6. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
- Sit with your legs extended in front of you.
- Hinge at your hips and reach for your toes, keeping your spine straight.
- This forward bend can help stretch the pelvic area and promote relaxation.
Also read: Signs of ovarian cysts that you absolutely should not ignore
“These asanas are meant to be gentle and soothing, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being. It is important to note that yoga is not a cure for medical conditions, but it can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to health and wellness,” adds Akshar. If you have ovarian cysts, you should consult a doctor before adding anything to your daily routine.