Yoga Poses to Treat Ovarian Cysts and PCOS
Ovarian cysts are becoming more common these days. Usually, these do not pose any serious health complications, but closely monitoring them is necessary to rule out any future risk. The most common causes of ovarian cysts are unhealthy lifestyle and poor eating habits.
We'll discuss ovarian cysts in women and how yoga poses can help reduce the risk of developing ovarian cysts. Many yoga poses are beneficial in ovarian cysts. Here are a few key points to help us comprehend all about ovarian cysts.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are sac-like structures that are filled with a liquid or semisolid substance and are found within the ovary. Cysts in the ovaries are very common. They mostly occur during ovulation. This is the time of the month when the ovary releases an egg. These are known as functional cysts. Most of them aren't malignant. These cysts frequently fade away on their own with no treatment. Many women suffering from PCOS or PCOD also develop ovarian cysts which need ongoing monitoring.
Do Ovarian Cysts Have Any Symptoms?
Ovarian cysts may not cause symptoms. But larger cysts are more likely to cause signs and symptoms:
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, sometimes radiating to the low back, are the most common symptom
- Feeling of bloating or indigestion
- Increased abdominal girth
- Having difficulty or pain during bowel movements
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- On one side, pain in the lower right or left quadrant of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
What are the Yoga Poses To Treat Ovarian Cysts?
Yoga is a natural technique to reduce the symptoms of ovarian cysts. Yoga helps in the maintenance of hormone balance, resulting in a reduction in the size of the cyst. In yoga, some asanas can assist women to strengthen their uterine muscles. They put pressure on the belly, which improves ovarian function. Some yoga asanas may help in the treatment of ovarian cysts.
Here are some yoga asanas to treat ovarian cysts:
Butterfly Pose:
The butterfly pose, also called the Purna Titli Asana, helps open up the pelvic region and reduces inflammation, and also helps to regulate the hormonal system, which helps reduce ovarian cysts.
How To Do:
- Sit on the floor & bend your knees and make the soles of your feet touch each other.
- Try to position your legs in such a way that they are placed as close to the pubic area as possible.
- Pull the inwards as much as possible.
- Keep your back straight and hold your feet with your hands.
- Breathe deeply, and as you exhale, try to push your knees down towards the ground with your hands.
- Stay within your comfort level, as this requires practice.
- As you exhale in a fluttering motion, let the knees raise again.
- Repeat the process 15 to 20 times.
Reclining Butterfly Pose:
The reclining butterfly pose is like the butterfly pose but is performed lying down and is even more effective for reducing ovarian cysts. It relaxes the pelvic muscles and promotes blood circulation to the abdominal organs.
How To Do:
- From the position of the butterfly pose, slowly lean back and lower your upper body as you exhale.
- Using your hands for support, balance the back of your pelvis and lower back.
- Bring your torso to the floor until your back touches the floor.
- You can use a pillow to support your head and neck.
- Keep your arms at your sides with the palms up.
- The knees are facing away from the hip, with the feet facing towards the pelvis.
- Try not to stretch the thigh muscles too hard. Let the knees hang in the air and breathe deeply for 10 minutes.
Cobra Pose:
Cobra pose, also known as bhujangasana is a great pose for women as it regulates proper blood flow and relaxes the pelvic region. This pose can also curb anxiety and stress.
How To Do:
- Begin by lying down on the stomach, forehead facing the floor.
- The feet should slightly touch each other, while the hands are under the shoulders, palm down and parallel to each other.
- On an inhalation, lift your chest and head until your navel.
- Use the support of your hands to keep your upper body off the floor.
- As you breathe deeply, stretch back and feel your spine curve.
- Keep the shoulders downwards and relaxed, while the elbows can be slightly bent.
- Maintain the pose for as long as you are comfortable.
Chakki Chalanasana:
Chakki Chalanasana is known as moving the grinding wheel and has many benefits. Mainly, it helps improve the function of many abdominal organs.
How To Do:
- Start by sitting on the floor, keeping your legs wide apart.
- Bring hands together, interlock fingers, and turn palms outside.
- Extend the arms outward so that the backs of the hands are facing you and the elbows are straight.
- Here, start moving the hands in a circular motion horizontal to the ground, as if using a grinding wheel.
- Bend at the waist using the lower back. Remember to keep the arms straight and not to bend the elbows.
- Inhale when hands come towards you and exhale when they move outwards.
- Move forwards and backward in large circular movements, covering the toes.
- Repeat the process 10 to 15 times in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions.
What should I do if I have an ovarian cyst?
If you have symptoms of ovarian cysts or if you are already diagnosed with PCOD or PCOS, you must consult an expert gynecologist. Your gynec may do a pelvic exam to feel for swelling of a cyst in your ovary. If a cyst is found, your doctor will order tests to help plan for the treatment. Most ovarian cysts will disappear on their own without any treatment. Surgery is also normally recommended if the cysts are cancerous or pose the risk of becoming cancerous. When advised for surgery, you must also check with a laparoscopic surgeon regarding your condition, surgery, and possible outcomes.
