Do you feel a sharp pain under your navel during the monthly cycle? Are your periods irregular or feel intense pain during menstrual flow? Do you experience a bloated feeling all the time? If these symptoms define your monthly menstrual cycle, it’s time you get checked by a gynaecologist at the earliest as these are the common signs of Ovarian .

Also Read: Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst can be defined as a sac filled with fluid or semisolid element that either forms on or within one or both of the ovaries. The ovaries are small organs in your pelvis that hold egg cells that forms the basis of reproduction and generate hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.

Ovarian cysts are extremely common nowadays with most women getting diagnosed with one or two cysts in either or both ovaries. But the problem arises when these fluid-filled sacs increase in size and number and gradually lead to the condition known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD). A hormonal disorder with anxiety being a preliminary symptom, both PCOS and PCOD manifests symptoms like multiple ovarian cysts, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, hair loss, intense mood swings, abdominal bloating, pelvic pain and others. Causes for this condition also range from irregular sedentary lifestyle to high stress and strain.  According to experts, a natural and best cure for PCOS and ovarian cyst is to reduce stress and anxiety.

Also Read: Women’s Health: 7 Incredible Herbs For Managing PCOS Naturally

And one of the best ways to do so is to follow the age-old practice of Yogasana. Certain yoga poses when done properly help govern the functioning of the endocrine glands, stimulate the abdominal organs, stretch the pelvic muscles and mitigate stress which in turn help resolve obesity, infertility and psychological issues.

We bring you 5 such yoga postures that not only unwind your mind and body to let go off stress but also effectively manage ovarian cysts to prevent them from becoming PCOS.

Yoga Poses To Prevent Ovarian Cyst

Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):

Sit upright on the floor. While exhaling, fold your legs close to your body so that the soles of both your feet touch each other face to face. Let your knees hang to the sides. Clasp the thumb of your foot and see that the foot soles remain touched to each other and always pressed to the ground. Once you are relaxed in the pose, ensure that the torso is stretched through the top of the sternum, and the shoulder blades are also firmly pressed to the back. Now inhale and exhale normally. Hold this position for a minute, take 30 secs break and repeat 5 times.

Benefits:

This butterfly pose is extremely helpful in opening various obstructions within the body, especially in the pelvic region allowing a full range of movements and creating a channel for the free passage of  fluids within the body. It is also highly pivotal for stretching the groin, inner thighs, and knees and is good for stimulating the reproductive organs in women. Practicing it regularly, prevents formation of cyst and increases the chances of conception.

Supta Badha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

Start the pose by lying down straight on the back, in a comfortable manner, placing the arms close to but not touching the body. Now, gradually pull both legs in towards the body as much as possible, with the knees bent and feet aligned and touching the ground like in the butterfly pose. Stay in this posture for 3 – 5 minutes, then extend both legs completely in the outer direction and relax. For extra support to the spine and back, you can use a soft cushion or pillow under the hip while doing this asana.

Benefits:

The Reclining bound angle pose is one of the best poses for preventing ovarian cyst. Since the pose involves leaning back, the abdominal muscles relax which can help ease cramping during periods. Be it insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and headaches, this relaxing pose greatly helps in providing relief from the list of PMS symptoms.

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bent Pose):

Start the posture with your legs stretched out forward. Lift up your arms and keep your back straight. Breathe out and bend forward while keeping your arms horizontal to your legs. Try to clasp your big toes with your fingers and be in this position for 30 seconds. Repeat the yoga 5 times.

Benefits:

This forward bent posture holds high significance in enhancing the chances of conception. By conveying prana and blood flow to the far extremities of the body , this yoga pose not only stimulates the abdominal organs but also promotes blood circulation in the pelvic area. This asana renders the spine more flexible and helps in expelling trapped stress from the abdominal area.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

Lie flat on your stomach and place your chin on the ground. Place both your hands on either side of your shoulders. By putting pressure on your palms, slowly lift your body from the torso while stretching your back and belly muscles. Keep your arms straight and keep your shoulder blades pressed firmly against your back. Fix your gaze at a point on the ceiling and hold this stance for about 15-30 seconds and breathe out as you return to the starting position.

Benefits:

The cobra pose is one of the best poses to get rid of belly fat.  It improves the flexibility of the muscles of the back and strengthens the backbone. It also tones and improves blood flow to the various organs situated at the lower abdomen and is good for relieving stress and tension from the neck and shoulders. Regular practice of this yoga improves reproductive health and reduces chances of cyst.

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)

Lie down straight on your back and close your eyes. Loosen up your body and mind and think happy peaceful thoughts. Take your time while you do this, do not rush. Breathe in and out normally. After some time, stand up.

Benefits:

The corpse pose not only refreshes the body, and calms the mind, but also marks the end of the yoga session. The deep breathing during this yogasana improves oxygen supply to your brain, improves concentration, patience and boosts overall mental well-being. By mitigating stress, it also helps prevent the symptoms of PCOS and occurrence of cysts.