Enhanced Sexual Performance Through Yoga: A Look at Its Sexual Function Benefits
Zen out and get busy! That's right, folks, you read it correctly – modern science has finally backed up the ancient practice of yoga in improving one's sex life. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of the oh-so-satisfying benefits this holistic exercise offers.
First thing's first, let's talk about stress and anxiety. With people increasingly living fast-paced lifestyles, tackling stress and anxiety is crucial for maintaining optimal health – including your bedroom escapades. Lucky for us, yoga helps lower the body's inflammatory response and counters the genetic expression that leads to stress. Additionally, it lowers cortisol and boosts a protein that helps the brain stay young and vital.
Now onto the good stuff – improving your bedroom prowess!
In a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 40 women over the age of 45 were examined after 12 weeks of yoga. The results showed significant improvements in their sexual function, as evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index across all aspects: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. And get this – 75 percent of the women reported an improvement in their sex life after yoga training!
The study taught the women 22 poses, or yogasanas, which are believed to improve core abdominal muscles, improve digestion, strengthen the pelvic floor, and improve mood. Some poses included trikonasana, bhujangasana, and ardha matsyendra mudra. You can find the full list of asanas here.
But ladies, don't worry – men get the same benefits! An analogous study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, examined the effects of a 12-week yoga program on the sexual satisfaction of men. At the end of the study period, the participants reported a significant improvement in their sexual function. Go team, go!
So how does yoga work its magic down below? Research led by Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia, helps to shed some light on the mechanisms. Yoga regulates attention and breathing, lowers anxiety and stress, and regulates the nervous system, all of which contributes to improvements in sexual response.
There are also psychological mechanisms at play. Female practitioners of yoga have been found to be less likely to objectify their bodies, and to be more aware of their physical selves. This increased bodily awareness may be associated with increased sexual responsibility and assertiveness, as well as sexual desires.
One specific yogic concept that's worth mentioning is moola bandha. This perineal contraction is thought to directly innervate the gonads and perineal body/cervix. Some studies suggest that practicing moola bandha relieves period pain, childbirth pain, and sexual difficulties in women, as well as treating premature ejaculation and controlling testosterone secretion in men.
Still not convinced? Fear not – many sex therapy centers recommend this yoga practice to help women become more aware of their sensations of sexual arousal in the genital area, thus improving desire and sexual experience. Another yoga pose, bhekasana, or the "frog pose," strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and may help ease symptoms of vestibulodynia and vaginismus.
While the field is still growing, there's enough evidence to support the idea that yoga can have a potent impact on your sex life. So, whether you're looking to increase stamina, improve desire, enhance satisfaction, or conquer pelvic pain, yogic practices could be the antidote to unfulfilling lovemaking. Namaste, mile-high climaxes!
Yoga, a holistic exercise, is not only beneficial for mental health but also contributes significantly to sexual health. In a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, older women experienced improvements in sexual function after 12 weeks of yoga practice, with 75% reporting an improvement in their sex life. This improvement is thought to be due to yoga's regulation of attention, breathing, and nervous system, as well as its ability to lower stress and anxiety levels. Furthermore, certain yogic poses, such as moola bandha, are believed to directly impact sexual function in both men and women, potentially aiding in the treatment of issues like premature ejaculation and sexual difficulties. Hence, incorporating yoga into health-and-wellness routines can offer satisfying benefits for sexual health.
