Improved Sexual Performance Through Yoga: Insights and Advantages
Yo! Let's talk yoga and sex, 'cause it turns out the ancient practice might just have some modern sex Appeal.
Now, before we dive in, remember that science is still figuring out the exact connections between moving our bodies into fancy positions and improving our love life. But here's what we know so far.
Yoga's seductive move on women
In a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, they found that 12 weeks of yoga can significantly improve sexual function in women over 45. The women reported improvements in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and even a reduction in pain. Birds do it, bees do it, even the older chicks are doing it - yoga style!
The yoga dance they taught the ladies consisted of 22 poses, including trikonasana (the triangle pose), bhujangasana (the snake), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist). You can google 'em if you're intrigued.
Men, don't feel left out
It ain't just for the fairer sex. Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist from New Delhi, India, led a study that examined the effects of a 12-week yoga program on men's sexual satisfaction. The results? A significant boost across the board in desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
The researchers even found that yoga is a suitable alternative to fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation. They had men practice a series of poses ranging from Kapalbhati (it involves sitting and breathing) to dhanurasana (the "bow pose").
The nitty-gritty of it all
So, how does yoga work its magic on our sex lives? Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) took a look at the evidence. They found that yoga regulates attention, breathing, lowers anxiety and stress, and stimulates the nervous system. All these changes are associated with improvements in sexual response.
Psychologically speaking, yoga practitioners tend to have a better body awareness and reduced objectification of their bodies. That could lead to increased sexual responsibility, assertiveness, and desires.
One concept that might make the skeptics among us believe is moola bandha, which reinforces the pelvic nervous system and directly innervates the gonads and perineal body/cervix. Some studies suggest it can treat vaginismus and premature ejaculation and even improve libido.
What's the science saying?
Exciting as the potential sexual benefits of yoga may be, it's important to remember that the amount of empirical evidence is still low compared to the anecdotal tales floating around on the internet. There are a handful of studies, but most have small sample sizes and lack control groups.
However, more recent studies focusing on women with sexual dysfunction and women with metabolic syndrome have yielded stronger evidence. For example, a randomized controlled trial found significant improvements in sexual arousal and lubrication in women with metabolic syndrome who practiced yoga compared to those who didn't.
So, while we need more research to fully understand yoga's effects on sexual function, the signs are promising. So, roll out that yoga mat, buddy, and who knows what kind of enjoyable surprises await!
- The study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that a 12-week yoga practice can significantly enhance sexual function in women over 45, improving aspects such as desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and reducing pain.
- Men aren't excluded from the potential benefits of yoga, as a 12-week yoga program led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav resulted in a significant boost in desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm for male participants.
- Researchers from the University of British Columbia identified that yoga regulates attention, lowers anxiety and stress, and stimulates the nervous system, all contributing factors to improvements in sexual response. Additionally, studies suggest that practicing moola bandha, which reinforces the pelvic nervous system, could potentially treat conditions like vaginismus, premature ejaculation, and even boost libido.
