What is hormone yoga?

Where does the yoga form come from?

Hormone yoga was developed by the Brazilian Dinah Rodrigues. In 1992, the philosopher and psychologist created the hormonal yoga therapy. One year later, she conducted a study to support the scientific evidence of the practice. 

So what does it actually mean?

Hormone yoga is a therapeutic form of yoga and has its roots in physiology. It involves using various yoga poses to target the glands and organs responsible for hormone production. This effect is intensified by a combination of specific breathing exercises and Tibetan energy control. Thus, hormonal yoga is especially helpful in cases of hormonal imbalance. In addition, the relaxing effect of yoga through meditation and savasana (=final relaxation) has a positive influence to prevent stress, which is harmful for the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is a holistic practice. And besides the effect on the hormones, it has also a positive impact on the metabolism, the immune system, and the circulation. Increased hormone production can also prevent diseases such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases.

For whom is hormone yoga suitable?

In general, hormone yoga is recommended from the age of 35. However, since this therapeutic yoga practice can also have a positive effect on discomfort during menstruation, younger menstruating people can also practice this style. Hormonal yoga is especially helpful during menopause to alleviate accompanying discomfort. The practice is also recommended for those who wish to have children, as it can have a supportive effect on the responsible hormones as well as ovaries. Due to an increased release of the sleep hormone melatonin, this yoga style is also suitable for stress and sleep disorders.

And how do you practice it?


Hormone yoga combines asanas (=yoga poses) and specific breathing exercises with energy control. Thus, this type merges the physical Hatha Yoga  with the energetic Kundalini Yoga. The use of rather dynamic asanas is supported with intensive pranayamas (=breathing exercises). For example Bhastrika Pranayama (=bellows breath) as well as Ujjayi Pranayama (=victorious breath). This activates prana (=life energy). The use of bandhas (=body lock) helps to keep the released energy in the body. Through breathing and visualization, prana is then directed to specific endocrine glands. This creates an effect on glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries. These are finally stimulated and massaged at the same time. 

The use of Tibetan energy guidance has a supporting effect. To achieve the desired benefits, regular daily practice is important. A sequence is started with dynamic warm-up exercises as well as stretching to prevent injury. Afterwards, a half-hour sequence is recommended. 

When should hormone yoga not be practiced?

Hormone yoga should not be practiced when having hormonally related diseases. This includes, for example, breast cancer as well as other hormone-related cancers. Medical consultation is strongly recommended before beginning the yoga practice. In addition, hormone yoga should be refrained from during pregnancy and in cases of endometriosis. This style of yoga is also not suitable during heavy menstruationDuring periods, a more gentle practice is recommended. Hormone yoga is also not recommended for health conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or depression requiring treatment.

Curious now? Then can find here an exemplary sequence:

The look into your cycle

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September 23, 2021
Ronja, gebürtige Hannoveranerin, studiert Global Health in den Niederlanden. Dabei hat sich ihr Interesse an Themen wie sexuelle und reproduktive Gesundheit vertieft. Sie träumt davon, an Projekten zu arbeiten, die weltweit ein größeres Bewusstsein für Menstruation schaffen. Ronja ist außerdem Yoga-Trainerin und liebt es, diese Leidenschaft mit ihrer beruflichen Expertise zu verbinden. | Instagram | LinkedIn

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