When you’re suffering with PMS, try these yoga poses for PMS relief. PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is disturbingly common, with at least 85% of menstruating women have at least 1 PMS symptom as part of their monthly cycle. The list of symptoms includes: bloating, acne, breast tenderness and swelling, joint or muscle pain, food cravings, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, backache, cramps, depression, diarrhea, headaches, and insomnia. UGH! But yoga can help with these! Its benefits include balancing the endocrine system, metabolism, and neurotransmitters, and the gentle stretching releases muscle tension, regulates breathing and improves circulation. Try it!

Belly down back bending poses will stimulate the reproductive organs to balance the levels of progesterone and estrogen.

Shoulderstand, camel, plough, and bridge poses all help stimulate the thyroid gland in the center of the neck to balance metabolism and effect the entire endocrine system.

Child’s pose, side seated angle pose and meditation (especially our 3rd eye meditations) will activate and balance the brain centers that regulate the levels of neurotransmitters and most hormones in the body.

Using meditation and breathing is also beneficial.