The Surprising Benefits of Yin Yoga & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Women’s Health

Sarah, a 33 year old woman, has suffered with anxiety and an overactive mind for as long as she could remember. A self confessed Type A personality, she found herself questioning her life decisions as she got onto her Yoga mat to practise Yin Yoga for the first time. 

High intensity workouts were her go to for fitness but she was finding that along with the anxiety and feelings of uneasiness, her sleep was being impacted and her menstrual cycle was disrupted. Her PMS symptoms were getting worse, with feelings of irritability and frustration and sometimes she felt utterly exhausted and completely depleted.

After seeking advice from her GP, it was suggested she try Yoga and acupuncture, and so Sarah now found herself feeling like a fish out of water in a Yin Yoga class. 

Sarah was used to pushing her body and feeling the burn of intense exercise so she found it disconcerting and frustrating to be in poses for a few minutes at a time, with nothing to distract her. Her mind, which seemed now to be even more erratic, jumped from thought to thought without relief. Eventually though, through prompts from the teacher to come back to the sensations in her body along with her genuine desire to look after herself in a more sustainable way, she persisted.

After a few classes she noticed she could be in the poses now focusing on her breath and sensation without feeling irritated. Her mind and thoughts, although still active, were not as intrusive - she noticed her thoughts but then could bring herself back to her body. She began to feel an appreciation for her body which for so long she had pushed and sometimes reproached. Eventually she found she had developed a friendliness and compassion for her body that she had not known before. After practising with regularity for a few months she began to see her sleep improve, the disruptions to her cycle dissipate and along with the severity in her PMS symptoms.

Sarah was beginning to feel the beneficial effects of Yin Yoga on women's health first hand. Sarah’s story reflects what science is now confirming: Yin Yoga, which is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can have profound benefits for women’s health. These inlcude:

Hormonal Balance: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that Yoga practice, especially those that emphasise relaxation like Yin Yoga, helps lower cortisol levels, which is critical for hormonal balance. This has significant implications for conditions like PCOS and other stress-related hormonal imbalances common in women.

Menstrual Pain Relief : A 2016 study found that Yoga can significantly reduce dysmenorrhea (painful periods). The slow, prolonged holds in Yin Yoga help relax the pelvic area and reduce tension, which can alleviate menstrual discomfort​

Pelvic Health: Yin Yoga’s focus on deep stretching and connective tissue work helps increase flexibility and improve pelvic health. This is particularly useful for women’s reproductive health, enhancing circulation in the pelvic region, which can aid in reducing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and other related issues​.

Improved Mental Health and Sleep:
Research has found that Yoga can improve mental well-being, including reductions in anxiety and stress, which are particularly beneficial for women balancing work, family, and other life pressures. Yin Yoga, which emphasises slow, mindful movement, helps engage the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging better sleep and relaxation​

Unlike some interventions which seek to override menstrual cycle difficulties by artificially controlling a woman’s cycle, we know there are alternative ways to have a meaningful and significant impact on women's health that allow and encourage autonomy and empowerment. In today's health conscious and educated society women are actively seeking out these alternatives in order to improve and enhance sexual and reproductive health. 

For Yoga teachers and practitioners, a 50-hour Yin Yoga CPD course is a chance to dive deeper into the theory and practices that can offer powerful tools to enhance women’s health. Check out Reformation’s Yin Yoga course here.