The Yoga Poses That Have Helped With My Endometriosis

If you are reading this, you most likely rolled your eyes after reading the title. It’s OK, because that is something I used to do also whenever I would see endometriosis and yoga in the same sentence.

After my endometriosis diagnosis, I felt like a hostage in my own body. I felt weak, betrayed and powerless. I did not believe anything would help me find comfort or relief. The pain I was experiencing felt as though it was beyond repair.

I am sure many of you have felt like this also. These are feelings you will experience as a response to having a chronic illness. And it is not wrong to feel like this. However, it is vital that we do not let ourselves become stuck in a rut.

Whenever I saw posts about yoga, I would laugh and think how that would never help me. I was in too much pain and too tired to try and be flexible. But I began to realize that the more I brushed trying things off to help me, the more of a rut I was getting stuck in.

As I began to become more open to trying natural remedies to feel better, yoga was number one on my list. I learned quickly that yoga did not just involve being flexible and practicing difficult moves for hours. In fact, yoga offers many poses, stretches and variations.

Yoga has given me the opportunity to feel alive again. I may not be cured and will always have bad days, but yoga has taught me to love myself, breathe, take a step back and just take it one day at a time.

Here are three of my favorite poses I use when I am having a rough chronic illness day:

1. Malasana – Garland Pose

This pose is great when I am having pelvic pain and feeling dizzy. Garland pose opens up the pelvic area, helps ease pain and increase circulation.

To practice this pose, stand at the top of your mat with your arms at your side. Step your feet so that they are about as wide as your mat. Bend your knees slowly and come into a squat. Keep your thighs separated and a little wider than your torso. Lean forward slightly, with your heels still touching the ground. Bring your elbows along the inside of your knees and palms in prayer position. Shift your weight into your heels, keep spine straight and shoulders relaxed. Breath and hold for five minutes.

Modify: If you are having trouble balancing or pain in the knees, put a soft yoga block under you to rest your bottom on.

2. Balasana – Child’s Pose

This pose opens my back, hips and even helps with my migraines. This pose is known to help relieve cramping, soothe anxiety and release tension. It also helps when I am feeling fatigue or dizzy.

To practice this pose, start on your hands and knees. Spread your knees apart while keeping your big toes touching one another. Sit up straight and begin to slowly bow forward. Your chest will rest on your thighs and forehead will touch the floor. You can keep your arms extended in front of you or you can put them along side your body. Breath and hold for five minutes.

Modify: If you cannot get your head all the way to the floor, put a soft yoga block in front of you. Here, you can rest your forehead on the block. Resting your forehead on the block also helps with migraines.

3. Viparita Karani – Legs Up the Wall Pose

This pose helps when I have pain in my legs or period cramps. It is known to improve flow of blood to the pelvic region, refresh tired legs and calm you.

To practice this pose lay on your back facing a wall. Gently walk your feet up the wall until your legs are resting on the wall. Be sure your bottom is as close as you can get it to the wall. Rest your hands on your stomach or out to your sides. Close your eyes, breathe and hold for five minutes.

Modify: Place a pillow or towel under your lower back to relieve additional strain. You can also place a pillow or mat for support under your head. Use a strap around your thighs and knees to help hold legs in place. This helps take pressure off the lower back and pelvis.

You can follow more of my journey over at My Endo Journey.

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