Improving Sexual Performance through Yoga
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the popular practice of yoga and its impact on our sexual lives. Yup, you read that right! It seems that this ancient art isn't just about finding inner peace, but it also might boost your bedroom skills too. And that's exactly what we're gonna chat about.
First off, let's clarify that the health benefits of yoga are numerous, from combating depression and stress to aiding in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and thyroid issues. You name it, yoga's probably got your back. And there's a scientific explanation for this: yoga lowers the body's inflammatory response, alters the genetic expression that causes stress, decreases cortisol levels, and increases the production of a protein that helps the brain grow and stay healthy [1]. What a killer combo, huh?
Now, onto the main event. Can yoga make you a sexual powerhouse? Well, it’s not just the wellness blogs spouting nonsense; there's some evidence to back up these claims [2].
Yoga Puts the 'O' in Orgasm (for women)
Researchers from the Journal of Sexual Medicine conducted a study on the effects of 12 weeks of yoga on the sexual function of 40 women. And guess what? The result was a significant improvement in their sexual function, across all categories of the Female Sexual Function Index. For the record, that includes desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain [2]. Boom!
The study had the women working on 22 poses that are believed to improve core abdominal muscles, improve digestion, strengthen the pelvic floor, and, of course, improve mood [2]. Some of the poses included in the study were trikonasana (also known as the triangle pose), bhujangasana (the snake), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist) [2]. Wanna check 'em out? You're one click away!
Yoga Gets It Going (for men)
You can't leave the ladies out in this fun, right? Well, the scientists over at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India teamed up and conducted a study on the effects of 12 weeks of yoga on male sexual satisfaction. And you won’t believe it… the guys reported a significant improvement in their sexual function as well [3].
The researchers evaluated the participants using the Male Sexual Quotient and found improvements in desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm [3]. Moreover, in a separate study, yoga was found to be a viable alternative to fluoxetine (brand name Prozac) in treating premature ejaculation [3].
But, how does yoga work its magic?
Researchers at the University of British Columbia took a closer look at the mechanisms behind yoga's sexual powers. Turns out, yoga regulates attention, breathing, and reduces anxiety and stress levels. This relaxation response is associated with improvements in sexual response, making it plausible that yoga could enhance sexual health as well [4].
The professors from the University of British Columbia also argued that women practitioners of yoga tend to be less likely to objectify their bodies and are more aware of their physical selves. This heightened body awareness could lead to increased sexual responsibility and assertiveness, possibly contributing to increased sexual desires [4].
Moola Bandha: The Powerful Pelvic Contraction
The term 'Moola Bandha' might sound suspect, but the effects of this pelvic contraction technique are grounded in science. This contraction stimulates the nervous system in the pelvic region and enforces relaxation. According to researchers, moola bandha can cure period pains, childbirth pains, and sexual difficulties in women, as well as treat premature ejaculation and control testosterone secretion in men [4].
In short, moola bandha might be your ticket to a happier, healthier pelvic region, leading to a more satisfying sexual experience for both men and women.
In conclusion, scientific research on the relationship between yoga and sexual function is still in its infancy. However, early studies suggest that yoga can indeed help improve sexual satisfaction for both men and women by reducing stress, increasing mindfulness, and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. So, why not give yoga a shot, and let your pelvic muscles thank you later? Hey, it's worth a shot, right?
[1] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5304787/[2] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836769/[3] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4470583/[4] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4383472/
- Yoga's impact on sexual health isn't just a wellness trend; studies suggest it could boost both female and male sexual function [2, 3].
- In a study on women, 12 weeks of yoga led to significant improvements in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain [2].
- For men, 12 weeks of yoga was associated with improved desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm [3].
- The pelvic contraction technique Moola Bandha, a part of yoga, could potentially improve sexual function in both men and women by stimulating the nervous system in the pelvic region, reducing stress, and increasing mindfulness [4].
