5 Yogic Practices that Support Postpartum Bliss

5 Yogic Practices that Support Postpartum Bliss

There are moments in life when we need to slow down and bring our self back into our self. That’s what these practices are for.  

Yogic practices are ancient methods purposed to bring harmony and grounding back into our lives. When we allow ourselves the time and space to slow down and apply these practices to our daily routine, the space that is created enables bliss to flow through. These are the crucial elements that can be integrated into the daily lives of postpartum families in order to beat the overwhelm. 

Studies show that yogic practices can not only affect your emotional well being, but also the physiological well being. This is shown in improved cognition, blood pressure, respiration and more.¹

The fingers of the hand are together  and point straight up. Press the side of the thumb on the right nostril to  gently close it. Begin long, deep, complete yogic breaths through the left  nostril. Inhale and exhale only through the left nostril. Continue for as long as  is required.  

Benefits: This breath brings a sense of calm, nourishment, rejuvenation and rest.

and fully inhale through the left nostril. Then close the  left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. Then inhale through the right  nostril. Close the right nostril and exhale through the left nostril. Continue  repeating, alternating nostrils after each inhalation for as long as is required. 

Benefits: This breath brings balance, a sense of wholeness and clarity.

MUDRA: Place the left hand on the center of the chest at the Heart Center.  The palm is flat against the chest, and the fingers are parallel to the ground,  pointing to the right. Make Gyan Mudra with the right hand (touch the tip of  the index (Jupiter) finger with the tip of the thumb). Raise the right hand

up to  the right side as if giving a pledge. The palm faces forward, the three fingers  not in Gyan Mudra point up. The elbow is relaxed near the side with the  forearm perpendicular to the ground. 

Breath: Concentrate on the flow of the breath. Regulate each bit of the  breath consciously. Inhale slowly and deeply through both nostrils. Then  suspend the breath in and raise the chest. Retain it as long as possible. Then  exhale smoothly, gradually, and completely. When the breath is totally out,  lock the breath out for as long as possible.  

Time: Continue this pattern of long, deep breathing for as long as is required. 

To End: Inhale and exhale strongly 3 times. Relax.  

Benefits:  For moments when you feel overwhelmed, stressed or tense, practice this meditation to bring a sense of calm to the heart.

Mudra: Curl the fingers in as if making a fist. Place the fingertips on the pads  of the hands, just below the fingers. Then bring the two hands together at the  center of the chest. The hands touch lightly in two places only: the knuckles  of the middle (Saturn) fingers and the pads of the thumbs. The thumbs are  extended toward the heart center and are pressed together. Hold this position and feel the energy across the thumbs and knuckles.

Eyes: Closed. 

Breath: Begin Long Deep Breathing. Follow the flow of the breath. Time: Continue for as long as is required. 

To end: Inhale deeply, exhale. Relax

Benefits: Change is inevitable after you have birthed your baby. Practice this meditation to flow with those changes instead of resisting them.

Mudra: With the elbows bent, bring the hands up to meet in front of the body  at the level of the heart. The elbows are held up almost to the level of the  hands. Bend the index (Jupiter) fingers of each hand in toward the palms, and  press them together along the second joint. The middle (Saturn) fingers are  extended and meet at the fingertips. The other fingers are curled into the hand. The thumb tips are joined and pointing toward the body. Hold the mudra about 4 inches from the body with the extended fingers pointing away  from the body. 

Eye Focus: Focus on the tip of your nose. 

Breath & Mantra: Inhale completely and hold the breath while repeating a mantra of your choice 11-21 times. Exhale, hold the breath out, and repeat  the mantra an equal number of times. 

Time: Continue for 3 minutes. 

Benefit: For moments when the mind is full and busy and you need to bring peace so that it is free and available.

References:
₁ Balaji, P. A., Varne, S.R., & Ali, S.S. (2012). Physiological Effects of Yogic Practices and Transcendental Meditation in Health and Disease N Am J Med Sci., 4(10), 442-448. https://www.najms.org/text.asp?2012/4/10/442/101980

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Here at the Center for Sacred Window Studies, we share voices from many perspectives and backgrounds. We believe that the sacred weeks post birth, and the experience of humanity is experienced in countless ways. We learn by listening to one another and honoring our stories. The views and opinions of our writers do not necessarily reflect the mission, viewpoints or opinions of the Center for Sacred Window Studies.