Should Men and Women Practice Yoga Differently?

Author, Shanna Small

 

In the video below, Sadhguru addressed menstruation, kriyas, yoga poses and a little bit of yoga history regarding women.

The idea that yoga poses were created for men is not a new one. However, Sadhguru suggests that even though this may be true, if practiced properly,  most yoga poses, even during menstruation,   can still be safe.

It is interesting that he mentions Mayurasana which is a pose I struggled with for years until I allowed myself to take my wrists apart instead of keeping them together. This is the first pose I encountered where it was very obvious that it made no sense for a woman's body. When done in the traditional way, it crushes your breasts and it hurts.  In the picture below, notice that her wrists are spread apart instead of being together which is how it is traditionally taught. Sadhguru even suggests leaving it out all together. Can you think of any more poses that feel unreasonable for a woman's body?

Mayurasana. By Yogic Photos. Posted with Permission to http://www.ashtangapictureproject.com

Watch the video below. Do you believe that women and men should practice differently?

 

 

Comments

[Kacy]

Warrior 1 is always hard for me to keep my hips square unless I move my back foot out. (Instead of "proper" Iyengar heel-to-heel). I tell women all the time to create space for their hips in poses like that. I think Iyengar was teaching 15 Hindu boys. Not 40ish mamas with child bearing hips! 💃

[Kacy]

I mean 15 year old boys!!!

[Shanna Small]

I forgot about that one. I agree. Also true in backbends with the widening of the feet.

[Lorna]

Thank you for this post - I have struggled with warrior 1 for years and this makes sense - I've not even borne any children, I thought it was that my body was not open enough to make the 'rotation' at the hips. My practice has never reached the heights of mayurasana - but I will be watchful of my practice going forward....

[iYogaprops]

Following the correct positions is a very crucial part of yoga which is why it can be a bit confusing and/or discouraging for women if they struggle at certain elements. Great post.