Yoga: A Gem for Women - Three Milestones in a Women's Life
This last chapter before Part Two on Practice discusses the three important stages in a women's life.
Youth, middle age and old age - with youth is the beginning of menstruation, then pregnancy and delivery and lastly menopause as a woman reaches old age. It is another wonderful chapter to read as gives many helpful clues for women at every stage of her life.
Geeta writes, each milestone can have trying periods in a woman's life affecting her body and mind.
Many physical changes occur in a woman as they reach puberty so one needs to maintain a healthy body so the organs and glands can all function properly.
There is also an emotional shift during this time so yoga can help not just physically, but also to maintain a calm and balanced mind.
Geeta gives information about the many menstrual disorders that a woman may suffer from throughout her life. Yogic practice is a great help here and from other works I know Geeta has many recommendations to help women experiencing disruptions or problems with their menstrual cycles.
Pregnancy is a natural stage in many women's lives. Geeta writes that it is essential for a pregnant woman to maintain her physical and mental well-being both for her sake and the sake of the child within. Although caution must be practiced Geeta gives much great information on the benefits of yoga pre, during and post pregnancy.
Menopause is the last stage, occurring anywhere from 40-50 years old. As the ovaries stop functioning there is many changes again to a woman's life as menstruation ends. Once again this is both physical and physiological.
Geeta gives us hope - she writes, "Yoga is a gift for old age. One who takes to Yoga when old gains not only health and happiness but also freshness of mind, since yoga gives one a bright outlook on life.."
"How useful Yoga is can only be understood by practicing it."
Geeta Iyengar
Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
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