Emotional pressure and stress both have pronounced effects on every woman’s health.  It has been proven that often times emotional distress translates into physical weakness and different illnesses.  There are also many other factors that affect women’s health such as hormone fluctuations, which are far more pronounced in women than men.  Yoga offers a solution to most of these unavoidable issues.

Different stages in a woman’s life can bring various problems.  Issues are associated with menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy.  All of which bring forth significant hormonal fluctuations.  Pregnancy is one of the most important issues because at this stage every health problem can be reflected in the health of the baby.  This makes it vital for the mother to remain healthy throughout the entire pregnancy.  Yoga offers solutions to all of these issues that enable women to move passed these inherent obstacles.

Yoga is frequently used by women to prepare for the last months of pregnancy and labor.  A fit and healthy mother has a much better chance of delivering a baby without any complications, so the importance of yoga becomes even greater.  Different poses such as the fish pose or cat pose help the mother to develop physical and mental strength along with focus that will help during labor and delivery.  Regular yoga practice can lesson the various negative side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness.  Stretching will help the mother relax and strengthen the pelvis muscles, which will function more efficiently during labor.  Breathing techniques are invaluable during birth because they allow the mother to focus on the delivery rather than fighting off the associated pain.

Women in the postnatal period or any woman wanting to improve her vitality and energy can try some of the following poses.  The fish pose helps women increase oxygen intake and relaxation.  It is also known to strengthen the back and neck muscles, while improving the responses of the nervous system.  The hero pose is one of the best poses for women looking for dedicated meditation.

The cat pose is frequently used by women of all ages and physical conditions because it increases spinal column flexibility, and relaxes the lower back muscles which carry the weight of the entire upper body while standing.  This pose also favors increased kidney blood irrigation.  The cat pose can be followed by the head stand, a slightly more difficult pose that also produces beneficial results.  This pose allows certain parts of the body to rest as they do not have to function to maximum capability due to the reverse of gravity.  Women may specifically benefit from this pose as it relieves back pain and lower back muscle pressure.

Kia Miori has practiced Yoga for over 20 years, and enjoys the peace and stress free life it enables her to leave. Visit her website Yoga for Your Health for more information!