Our bodies are governed by hormones. Our job is to regulate those hormones, and we do that through food and exercise. Over time hormonal imbalances happen. Age, poor diet and lack of exercise exacerbate naturally occurring hormonal fluctuations.
One thing that can be done to regulate the endocrine system (hormones) is Yoga. Yoga poses compress and decompress different glands as it is carried out. This helps to excrete or stop excretion of essential hormones. This is especially handy when starting menopause. If you haven’t tried it before, here are ten reasons to try yoga.
- Certain yoga poses aid in hormone secretion. This is especially useful when entering menopause. One of the simplest poses for this is rabbit pose. Rabbit pose ( first sit on your heels, then lean forward while grabbing the outside of your heels and placing the top of your head in front of your knees) is said to increase pituitary activity. This helps the whole endocrine system.
- Yoga allows for better sleep by stimulating the pineal gland. The lotus pose is perfect for this. (sit with your legs crossed with the hands resting on the knees, keep the back straight)
- GABA can be increased, causing better sleep and relieving anxiety.
- Yoga decreases hot flashes by 31 percent.
- It improves blood flow aiding in memory loss particular due to PMS, menopause, and andropause.
- Decrease aches and pains with yoga. The stretching and posture correction aids in the reduction of pain.
- Yoga increases the production of serotonin, a ‘feel good’ chemical that helps to cut cravings.
- Get off the emotional rollercoaster. Yoga’s ability to manage stress allows for a more even temper.
- Relax and breathe, keep stress under control. The focus on breath, in yoga, helps keep stress under wraps.
- Beat insomnia with a relaxing bout of yoga. Not only does it relieve stress, yoga is good exercise depleting the body of energy as well.