Today’s video is an eight minute yoga flow sequence for opening the hips. I like to teach this sequence at the beginning of a longer yoga class. You could use this sequence as your warm-up or as your entire practice today.
I’ve designed today’s video to ease cramps and any menstrual pain, but is also a wonderful hip and back-opening practice for just about anyone. Here are the five poses that I’ve featured:
diamond pose – with a forward fold and rounded back
wide-legged pose – with a forward fold
butterfly pose – optional rocking side to side, then opening the heart
wide-legged child’s pose
laying over a rolled blanket on to the belly
When you practice yoga on your “moon cycle” (menstrual cycle), keep your practice easy and short, especially during the first day or two. Some of us in the yoga world call it the moon cycle, because in yoga the sun represents masculine energy and the moon is the feminine energy. Think of feminine energy as being more receptive, less active, gentler and cooler. Of course, we all have both feminine and masculine energy. Sometimes one is more dominant than the other.
Here’s a 15 minute asana (pose) sequence that you can use to release tension in the hips. I hope you enjoy and that you are having great success with practicing yoga and meditation every day.
Namaste,
Suzanne
P.S. If you hear screeching in the background of the video, it’s trash trucks going by. What can I say, I’m definitely an imperfect videographer!