Yoga Therapy and Treatment of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

This post is about Yoga Therapy to treat PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) which is becoming quite prevalent in women today. I have been teaching a number of clients and felt the need to describe the therapy in more detail in this post. Let me know if you have any queries / concerns.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS)?
PCOS is an endocrine disorder, which is said to affect 15% of women of child-bearing age.
PCOS is also diagnosed by irregular or scant periods, infertility issues, sudden spurt in body hair or sudden hair loss.
It is now being considered as one of the main causes of feminine infertility in India and in USA.

What Happens In The Body With PCOS?
In the woman's reproductive system, the function of the ovaries is to produce eggs on a regular cycle, resulting in monthly menstrual cycles. But, in a person with PCOS, the ovary does not release the matured egg and fluids start to accumulate in the follicles. This later leads to formation of multiple cysts in the ovary that can cause hormonal imbalance and lead to reproductive problems.
But, PCOS responds well to early treatment and it has been shown in various studies that Yoga Therapy also helps as an additional source of healing for the body.

How Yoga Therapy Helps :
The Pituitary gland regulates the endocrine metabolism of the reproductive system. As PCOS is an endocrine disorder, the emphasis should be to bring balance to the pituitary and other related endocrine glands like thyroid and hypothalamus.
According to Yogic Philosophy, 'apana vayu' is the downward flow of energy that regulates the monthly cycles and the elimination of toxins from the body. 'Prana vayu' is the Life-force energy which is present in every cell and helps in the day-to-day activities of the body. Both of these have to be in balance for a healthy  reproductive system.
In the Yogic view, in women with PCOS, 'apana vayu' has become stagnant and positive energy has stopped moving into the cells. Hence, in Yoga Therapy, we practice hip-openers that stimulate the pelvic area, open up the muscles, and re-invigorate the menstrual cycle. These allow the 'apana vayu' to move more freely and help regulate the ovary function. Strengthening the lower back and hip muscles is an added challenge in the asana practice. 

A well-rounded yoga therapy series for PCOS would include Twisting & Folding postures to stimulate agni, so the metabolism of the body is improved and weight-loss can happen gradually, Back-bending poses to restore the nervous system, Restorative poses that induce relaxation response and Gentle Inversions that stimulate the thyroid, hypothalamus and pituitary glands.

In addition, the Praanayaama techniques of Ujjayi, Kapala Bhati and Naadi Shuddhi help in regulating stress in the blood stream and restore harmony and balance.

I feel Yoga would be quite beneficial to women  with PCOS.
The essential quality would be consistency of practice and trust in the system.
I hope you will read and spread this message to friends and family to take better care of themselves.
Let me know of any questions.

Warm Wishes & Namaste,
Asha