During menstruation or menstrual periods, the body is governed by the quality of apana vayu or vital breath – a descending energy. It resides in the pelvis and lower abdomen and facilitates the downward movement of fluids and blood down and out of the body.

Apana Vayu also intervenes in our sense of anchoring and physical and emotional stability.

In addition to an adapted choice of yoga postures (asanas), we can also use breathing to facilitate this process of apana or elimination to the ground.

The benefits of apana vayu breathing or breath

Apana breathing is a way to naturally support the natural process of elimination by menstruation, avoid or reduce menstrual cramps and detoxification of your body by releasing ama (toxins and residues) every month. It helps to regulate reproductive system disorders and relieve menstrual pain.

It also has a balancing effect on your mind and emotions by helping you to anchor and connect to the earth, which comes to support you during this period.

Practice apana breath during your period

Apana breathing can be done during menstruation or even in case of constipation. Settle into a restorative posture that suits you, for example the inverted butterfly (Supta Badda Konasana), savasana or even Malasana (the garland), the posture of the goddess or simply standing with your feet slightly apart.

AUDIO PRACTICE OF THE APANA BREATH – guided by Aurélie Maire

Click on the play button below to be guided by Aurélie Maire in the practice of Apana’s breath.

Make yourself comfortable and let yourself be guided.

Use the up/down arrows to increase or decrease the volume.

This breathing in audio format is one of the practices included in our yoga therapeutic teacher training for endometriosis. We explore in depth the subtle or vayus breaths in the context of endometriosis and women’s health. And also yoga, breathing, relaxation and meditation postures adapted to endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Other breaths are also accessible in my book “Better living endometriosis naturally”, written and published in French (Editions Leduc).