Inverted positions and your period...

I'm not a yoga teacher, but I can explain why women shouldn't do inverted poses while on their period. The theory is that it can cause or worsen a condition called endometriosis, which is abnormal (and sometimes very painful) cell growth on the outside of the uterus. According to some people the blood flows backward from the uterus, but not all of it drains back out.

Yoga was never meant to be about exercise. The west has taken this eastern way of life and turned it into a form of callisthenics. Yoga goes beyond the physical and works on an energetic level too. In Chinese medicine the energetic level is known as the Qi, Prana in Hindu, Western Traditions call it Life Force. Stretching, becoming flexible helps move blockages at this energetic level in the body which also in turn helps the physical. Primarily Yogis knew about the flow of energy in the body. When a woman menstruates there is a natural downward flow. Doing an inverted posture is going against this natural flow. Inverting the pelvic area is felt by some as going against the natural flow. However, whilst it is written that doing inverted postures during menstruation is not recommended, for some women it is not an issue at all. So tune into your own body while you are menstruating and if you feel it is okay, go ahead. If your first couple of menstruating days are heavy you may not want to do them.

I have only done yoga a few times and have not heard this. Maybe if you do the inverted positions it can cause cramps?

I've wondered about this too as during your period when you have cramps is a good time to do Yoga surely? The only explanation I can think of is it may stop the menstrual fluid flowing out of your body like it's meant to, and so make your period heavier towards the end. Hopefully someone who knows a bit more about it will be able to explain it better.

It's to do with the blood flow, when you do upside down poses the blood flow move easier as it is no longer pumping against gravity and while this is good usually, it isn't good for menstrual blood. Also do not do back bends unless you want to increase the menstrual blood flow, I know from experience it does quite a lot.

As yoga is all about energy (and blood) flow, it will be about disturbing the pattern of flow for the menstrual blood. To be honest, unless you were practicing yoga at a very advanced level, or found it uncomfortable, I can't see it being a major stumbling block though.