The menstrual cycle can be a challenge for some people, bringing with it discomfort, inconvenience, and illness. But did you know that — in Kundalini Yoga — it is believed to be a powerful and profound experience?
The menstrual cycle follows the moon, bringing its energies through us, cleansing the body of the toxins on a monthly basis. When we work with this cycle, not against it, we are able to see benefits not only monthly, but consistently.
In this guide, we will look at some of the simple tools that we already have in our Kundalini toolkit in order to start to unlock the power that is held within the menstrual cycle.
Crystals for Menstruation
It may come as no surprise to you that some healing crystals can be the perfect companion during our menstrual cycle.
Kept on the body, in pockets, jewelry, or close by, they can encourage and amplify energy flow, creating protective boundaries, and even help to give us the mental strength to manage pain.
To feel their full effect, try lying on your back and placing crystals on the lower abdomen, close to the sacral chakra.
This chakra is most closely associated with menstruation (although the root chakra also has an effect), and when certain crystals are placed here it can help to alleviate discomfort and draw positive energy into the body.
Give these Crystals a Go:
Tiger’s Eye is closely associated with fertility as it draws a swirling, fluid energy in, settling any disturbances and allowing the sacral chakra to flow freely.
Black Tourmaline is more closely associated with the root chakra, but it is perfect for use during the menstrual cycle, especially for anyone who struggles with feelings of anxiety or tension that can be prevalent during that time.
Rose Quartz is fantastic for stimulating blood flow, which helps to reduce pain and bloating associated with certain points of the menstrual cycle. It also reminds us to love ourselves, and encourages us to be kind, even when we are in discomfort.
Citrine is a beautiful and energizing crystal which is perfect for cleansing the sacral chakra, allowing positive golden light to flood the body and cleanse us, full of the promise of fresh starts, new life, and embracing our opportunities.
Amber is a crystal with a very powerful cleansing ability. When we use this during the menstrual cycle we are giving a helping hand to the cleansing aspect of this function. It has the bonus function of being a de-stressor, allowing us to feel those feelings of tension wash away.
Aromatherapy During Your Cycle
Like crystals, aromatherapy can also bring support and power to us during our menstrual cycle, offering pain relief, helping to cleanse our surroundings of negativity, and banish stress and tensions which we might feel.
We are very susceptible to the environment we live in, so it is essential that we create a space which supports us. Here are three essential aromatherapy incense for use during the menstrual cycle.
Damiana is a powerful incense, used to regulate menstruation, reduce symptoms of menopause, and soothe cramps.
Cedarwood is a very grounding incense. When we feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or like we do not even recognize ourselves, cedar helps to bring us back down to Earth.
Honey is a great incense for relaxation, allowing tension to slip away. It also works closely with the sacral chakra, ensuring that energy is flowing freely.
Kriya to Empower Your Cycle
At different points in your menstrual cycle, different tools will help to harness your power and connection to your body.
This might be a savasana or deep relaxation during ovulation, when the energy is high and electric. Or it could be a pain-relieving mindfulness meditation during times where discomfort is at its highest.
This is a kriya, or exercise set, which is useful throughout the cycle for regulating hormones, balancing emotions, and encouraging positivity to flourish.
You may wish to set the scene using the incense and crystals that we have previously mentioned in this guide. It is also important to create a comfortable, peaceful environment where you will not be disturbed, to truly allow yourself to connect deeply with your body.
When you are ready to begin, simply follow these easy steps.
Step One: Start in Easy Pose, or any other comfortable, seated position that works for you. The key here is to keep the back as straight as possible.
Rest the back of the wrists gently on the knees, keeping the arms straight and palms open and facing up. Allow the eyes to fall closed.
Step Two: Inhale in four parts, breathing for a second and pausing, before continuing to inhale, pausing again, until you have counted four in-breaths.
With both hands, on the first breath, press the index finger to the thumb and mentally make the noise Saa.
On the second breath, press the middle finger to the thumb and mentally make the noise Taa.
On the third breath it is the ring finger that is connecting to the thumb, and you will mentally make the noise Naa.
And on the final of the four segments of inhalation, your thumb will touch the ring finger as you mentally vibrate Maa.
Step Three: Exhale in one long, smooth breath. This breath should take about the same amount of time as the four inhalations together.
Step Four: Keep this going for as long as you want, although it is recommended to go for around three minutes to start with, increasing the more times you practice this four-part segmented breath.
To Finish: When you come to the end of the segmented breathing, lay back onto your yoga mat and breathe slowly and deeply into the stomach, feeling the warmth of the exercise spread throughout your torso, down to your bellybutton and beyond.
The Takeaway
For many people, the menstrual cycle can bring its challenges. In this guide we have explored some of the tools that we have available to us through Kundalini yoga in order to harness our menstrual power, making the most of the profound power of the universe as it flows through us.