Hormone Yoga Therapy (HYT) is a natural and holistic approach to reactivate hormone production in order to improve vitality and overall health. Many of us experience hormonal imbalance at some time in our life. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance can range from brain fog, rapid or persistent weight gain, irregular periods, hot flashes, intense PMS, unstable or unpredictable moods, painful and irregular periods, low libido and difficulty conceiving. HYT is also a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hormone Yoga Therapy was established in the 90s by a Brazilian yoga therapist, Dinah Rodrigues. She graduated in psychology and always had a keen interest in yoga which she has now practiced for more than 50 years. Nowadays she is an internationally recognized yoga therapist. She spent approximately twenty years developing the concept and teachings of HYT. She used techniques from classical hatha yoga, classical medicine, and physiotherapy. At each step she consulted with well recognized doctors, yoga teachers, and therapists.
The practice of hormone yoga therapy helps to create an optimal, well-balanced level of reproductive hormones in a woman’s body.
Dinah recommends the practice to all women over 35 whether experiencing symptoms or not. Our hormones naturally decrease from this age onwards and practicing HYT can keep levels balanced and reduce discomfort experienced when entering menopause. HYT is a combination of asanas, breathing techniques and the subsequent circulation of energy that stimulates the glands and increases the production of hormones. It is a dynamic technique which involves strong abdominal breathing. The sequence consists of several exercises and Dinah recommends practicing them in the given order as each one of them has a special impact on a particular area. Together they harmonize the hormonal system as a whole.
It must be stressed that neither of these techniques are a cure. They require dedication and are best suited to motivated students who intend to permanently incorporate the regular practice of these exercises in their lives.
Symptoms and conditions treated by HYT:
- Hot flushes
- Urogenital dryness
- Incontinence
- Low libido
- Bladder infections
- Insomnia
- Night sweats
- Polycystic ovaries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Thyroid imbalances
- PMS
- Infertility
- Painful periods
- Amenorrhea
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Contraindications:
- Pregnancy: pregnant women should practice only a special yoga for pregnancy.
- Breast cancer hormone dependent, before or after surgery.
- Advanced endometriosis
- After surgery of aesthetic breast – only with medical liberation for exercises
- People with severe psychiatric problems
Research shows that the progesterone and estrogen our bodies naturally produce provides the best protection against diseases like breast cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease and menopausal symptoms without the danger of side effects associated with HRT or low hormones.
Furthermore, Dinah Rodrigues together with several doctors published findings from their research regarding HYT and its effects on decreasing symptoms of menopause. For easier access you can download her scientific research here: Yoga decreases insomnia in postmenopausal women.
To find out more about Dinah Rodrigues, her background, research and her technique please visit her website.