Can I Get Inverted In Yoga When I'm The One Flowing?

Two rumors you’ve always believed true: 1) Swallowed gum takes seven years to digest and 2) Doing inverted yoga poses on your period can totally screw up your flow. Congrats, you’re half right. According to gastroenterologist David Milov, your Bubbleyum is long gone, but when your period’s a-flowin’, keep it upright. Here’s what you need to know:

The Lowdown: Inverted poses like Headstands and Shoulder Stands are used to energize and nourish the body, strengthen the reproductive system, and maintain balance. But most yoga instructors suggest avoiding inverted poses (those that bring your hips above your heart) during your period because it changes the natural downward direction of blood flow.

Paging Your Period: When the instructor advises those on their periods to avoid inversions, Boulder yogini extraordinaire Jeanie Manchester recommends Reclining Bound Angle pose. Pair with a strap, bolster and eye bag and see for yourself why it’s also called the Goddess Pose.

Ground Yourself: According to yogis, your body creates more apana - grounding force – during your period. So ladies, take it to the ground and open your hips with Pigeon Pose, clear the space between your rib cage and abdomen with Seated Forward Bend, and test your grounding powers with standing poses like Twisted Triangle that massages and increases blood flow in the lower abdomen.

Light Days: There are really no hard and fast rules against doing inverted poses while on your period, so be your own judge. If you’re feeling light and agile, go for it! Otherwise, use these few days per month to be restful and conserve your energy. You deserve it, you goddess you.

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