EFFECT OF BHUJANGASANA (COBRA POSE) IN ALPARTAVA (HYPOMENORRHEA): A REVIEW

A woman's health plays a crucial role in the welfare of her family, society, and culture. Various physiological changes take place at birth and more significant transformations occurring during puberty of female. However, modern lifestyle factors such as inactivity, poor diet, and stress can disrupt the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-uterine axis, leading to a range of gynaecological issues. Hypomenorrhea is one of the menstrual disorders characterized by an abnormally light menstrual flow. The amount of bleeding is noticeably less than what is typical for the individual, and in some cases, it may present as mere spotting or last for only a short time—often under two days. In Ayurveda, hypomenorrhea is referred to as Alpartava. Classical texts describe most menstrual disorders under the categories of Ashta Artava Dushti, Artava Kshaya, Anartava, Kashtartava, and Nashta Artava. Alpa Artava is often observed as a symptom associated with various reproductive disorders. Considering its clinical features, it can be closely correlated with the condition known as hypomenorrhea. In modern medicine, the available treatments for symptoms often do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Moreover, they can lead to side effects such as weight gain, reduced libido, headaches, mood swings, and can also be expensive. Ayurveda Classics suggest that yoga can help manage Alpartava (hypomenorrhea). One such yoga pose, Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), is known to enhance spinal flexibility, strengthen the back and uterine muscles, and promote better blood flow during menstruation.