Yoga for Fibroids

Did you know yoga has been shown to manage pain and discomfort associated with uterine fibroids?

According to a case study in the Journal of Integrated Health Sciences, yoga and naturopathy-based lifestyle interventions for 45-60 minutes a day for 11 days reduced uterine fibroid size (and symptoms). These results, though from a single case study, are encouraging.

Keep reading to learn why yoga is effective at relieving fibroid pain, the best yoga asanas for symptom relief, and longer-lasting, minimally invasive treatment options.

Why Does Yoga for Fibroids Relieve Discomfort?

There are several reasons yoga can potentially relieve discomfort associated with uterine fibroids, including:

• Reduced stress—Stress can make fibroid pain and discomfort worse. Regular yoga practice can alleviate stress and indirectly alleviate fibroid symptoms.
• Improved blood circulation—Fibroids can reduce blood flow in the uterus. Certain yoga poses (see below) and breathing techniques can enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
• Improved strength and flexibility—Weak abdominal muscles and tightness in the hips, thighs, abdomen, lower back, and pelvis can exacerbate fibroid pain. Specific poses targeting these muscles can alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility.
• Balanced hormones—Uterine fibroids are hormonally responsive, and an imbalance can worsen pain. Yoga may influence hormonal balance by reducing cortisol (stress) levels and adjusting other reproductive hormones.
• Strengthened pelvic floor muscles—Fibroids can put excess weight and pressure on the abdomen, increasing fibroid pain. Certain yoga poses can engage and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and help reduce symptoms.

Yoga offers several benefits in managing fibroid symptoms, but it should always be practiced under the guidance of a qualified instructor—especially if you have health concerns like fibroids.

Yoga for fibroids should be used alongside medical treatment and guidance from healthcare professionals.

Top Yoga Styles for Fibroids

If you’re exploring holistic therapies to help manage the pain and discomfort associated with fibroids, we recommend three yoga styles: Hatha, Restorative, and Yin.

Each offers significant pain relief and helps promote overall well-being.

Hatha

This gentle form of yoga emphasizes physical postures to align the body and promote mindfulness and relaxation, potentially easing discomfort associated with uterine fibroids.

Restorative

This practice is an excellent choice for individuals with fibroid pain, as it involves extended periods of gentle yoga poses supported by props like bolsters or blankets. This approach promotes relaxation and reduces stress, effectively helping with symptom management of uterine fibroids.

Yin

This slow-paced style of yoga focuses on your body’s connective tissues. Holding poses for extended periods relieves pelvic pain by releasing tension in the muscles. Combining yin yoga with a pelvic floor-focused practice enhances the relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.

Important Health Notice Before starting any new exercise routine or yoga exercise for fibroids, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your health needs, especially if you have fibroids.   Inform your yoga instructor about your diagnosis so they can offer appropriate modifications if needed. Always listen to your body during yoga practice. If any pose causes pain or discomfort, stop and rest immediately.

Yoga Poses for Uterine Fibroids: 3 Moves to Try Right Now

Many yoga asanas for fibroids may be beneficial for alleviating fibroid pain. However, these three are specifically designed to target some of your most disruptive symptoms.

Pelvic Circles and Tilts

Begin in your preferred position—sitting, standing, or lying on your back. Straighten your torso and take a deep breath. Gently press your pelvis forward as you inhale, then exhale and rock your pelvis backward, allowing your body to round gently.

Cycle through this movement at least five times. This can help relieve tension and pain in the surrounding muscles and connective tissue and promote a sense of relaxation and flexibility.

Butterfly Pose

Find a comfortable spot on the floor or a mat, supporting your head and back with pillows (if needed). Begin by bending your knees and placing your feet flat on the floor. Take a deep breath to relax.

Gently bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to fall apart naturally. If your muscles feel tight, place blankets or pillows under your knees for added support and comfort.

Hold this relaxing pose for up to ten minutes, focusing on deep, soothing breaths. With each exhale, feel yourself easing into a deeper state of relaxation. This pose helps relieve tension and discomfort in your pelvis, back, and inner thighs.

Legs Against the Wall

This pose offers several benefits and is especially helpful for easing discomfort from fibroids and preventing varicose veins. To begin, find a clear space near a wall and lie down with your bottom as close to the wall as possible.

Lift your legs and let them rest against the wall, ensuring your lower back is supported by a blanket or pillow if needed. If your hamstrings are tight, gently bend your knees until you find a comfortable position.

Close your eyes, relax your arms by your sides, and breathe gently as you settle into the pose. Remain here for several minutes and allow yourself to sink into the ground.

When ready to release from the pose, you will roll to your side and rise gently to avoid dizziness.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

While yoga poses provide temporary relief from painful fibroid symptoms, they do not shrink existing fibroids or prevent new ones from forming.

If you’re seeking a more permanent fibroid solution and want to avoid invasive surgeries, consider requesting a consultation with one of our skilled Georgia Fibroid specialists.

During your first visit, we will assess your eligibility for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure that eliminates the need for general anesthesia and overnight hospital stays.