Enhancing sexual health through yoga: Insights into its potential advantages
In the vast digital landscape, wellness blogs champion yoga as a secret weapon to boost bedroom prowess. From personal testimonies of impressive results to claims of the legendary 'coregasm', it's time to explore if there's merit behind the hype.
Let's dive into the science behind this ancient practice. With studies delving into its effects on everything from depression to metabolic disorders, it's clear that yoga's health benefits are far-reaching. It has been found to reduce inflammation, lower stress, and boost a protein that keeps the brain young – no small feats. But does it really elevate our sexual experiences? Let's take a closer look.
Sexual satisfaction skyrockets for women over 45
Research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine confirms that yes, yoga can indeed improve sexual function for women, particularly those aged 45 and over. In a study involving 40 women, a 12-week regimen of yoga training significantly improved their sexual function across the board – desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. A staggering 75% of participants reported a boost in their sex lives after honing their flexibility with yogic poses.
The program focused on 22 poses (or yogasanas) designed to strengthen core muscles, improve digestion, boost the pelvic floor, and bolster mood. Among the poses were trikonasana (triangle pose), bhujangasana (snake pose), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist). You can find the full list here.
Men ain't left out either
Yoga doesn't just cater to the fairer sex, with studies showing benefits for men too. In a study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, a 12-week yoga program improved male sexual satisfaction across the board – desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
A comparative trial by the same team found that yoga is an effective alternative to fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation, incorporating 15 poses ranging from the relatively simple (Kapalbhati) to the complex (dhanurasana, or the bow pose).
The mechanics behind the bedroom magic
But how exactly does yoga work its magic between the sheets? Research led by the University of British Columbia helps illuminate some of its secrets. Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at UBC, explains that yoga regulates attention and breathing, lowers anxiety and stress, and activates the part of the nervous system that encourages relaxation. With all these benefits associated with improved sexual response, it's easy to see how yoga could boost sexual health.
Female yoga practitioners are less likely to objectify their bodies, leading to increased sexual responsibility and assertiveness, as well as sexual desires. The reviewers specify that the practice of moola bandha, a perineal contraction, in particular, could play a significant role in sexual health due to its effects on the pelvic region.
A word of caution
Though the potential sexual benefits of yoga may sound tantalizing, it's important to remember that the majority of studies focused on anecdotal evidence and had small sample sizes. More scientific research is needed to establish a clear link between yoga and improved sexual function. However, with its growing popularity as a holistic approach to health and wellness, there's a good chance that trying yoga for yourself could prove incredibly rewarding – and your pelvic muscles will thank you for it.
- In the realm of sexual health, yoga has been scientifically proven to enhance sexual function for women aged 45 and above, based on a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.
- The study involved a 12-week regimen of yoga training, which significantly improved participants' sexual function – desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.
- The program focused on 22 yogic poses (or yogasanas) to strengthen core muscles, improve digestion, boost the pelvic floor, and enhance mood.
- Men have not been left out either, as studies suggest that yoga can improve male sexual satisfaction across various aspects – desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
- Research led by the University of British Columbia explains that yoga regulates attention, lowers anxiety and stress, and stimulates relaxation, providing benefits associated with improved sexual response.
- As yoga gain popularity in the health-and-wellness industry, it's suggested that trying yoga for its potential sexual benefits could prove rewarding, although more scientific research is needed to establish a definitive link between yoga and improved sexual function.
