Enhanced sexual function through the practice of Yoga: Insights and Advantages
Unleashing the Power of Yoga in the Bedroom: A Deep Dive
In the online world, yogis and bloggers champion the practice of yoga as a gateway to a better sex life. But is there true science backing these claims? Let's cut the chatter and investigate.
From addressing mental health issues like stress and anxiety to aiding physical conditions like metabolic syndrome and thyroid problems, modern research has demonstrated the myriad health benefits of the ancient art of yoga.
But can the medicinal poses of yoga transform our bedroom experiences? Let's find out.
Yoga sets the stage for better sex in women
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine focused on the effects of yoga on the sexual health of women, particularly those over 45. Over a 12-week period, 40 women underwent intense yoga training and observed significant improvements in their sexual function, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index - desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. A whopping 75% of participants reported enhancements in their sex lives.
The women were taught 22 poses, or yogasanas, like trikonasana (triangle pose), bhujangasana (snake pose), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist) – poses known for strengthening core abdominal muscles, enhancing digestion, and fortifying the pelvic floor. A full list can be found here.
Men benefit, too
Not to be left out, men also get their fair share of bedroom benefits from the yogic lifestyle. Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in India, led a study that showed improvements in sexual satisfaction for men after a 12-week yoga program. The researchers found improvements across all aspects of male sexual satisfaction, from erectile function to confidence and orgasm.
In a comparative trial, the researchers found that yoga was an effective and nonpharmacological alternative to fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating male disorders like premature ejaculation. The yoga routine included 15 poses, including Kapalbhati (deep breathing) and dhanurasana (the bow pose), ranging from easier to more complex.
How Yoga Enhances Intimacy
The question remains: How does yoga boost your sex life? Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor at the University of British Columbia, led a review that shed light on the mechanisms behind the connection. Yoga regulates attention, breathing, and lowers cortisol levels and anxiety, all of which are associated with improved sexual response. Furthermore, tapping into the deeper consciousness developed through yoga practice could lead to increased sexual responsibility and assertiveness, as female yogis are more likely to be self-aware and less likely to objectify their bodies.
One yogic concept that fits skeptics is moola bandha, a perineal contraction that enhances blood flow and circulation to the pelvic region. Practicing moola bandha may alleviate sexual difficulties, ease orgasms, and even treat premature ejaculation in men. In fact, many sex therapy centers advocate this technique for women desiring a heightened sensory awareness of arousal in their genital areas, which can lead to improved desire and overall sexual experience.
Another pelvic floor strengthening pose is bhekasana (frog pose), which may provide relieve for women suffering from conditions like vestibulodynia (vaginal pain) and vaginismus (involuntary contraction of vaginal muscles).
Is the Evidence Solid?
While the potential sexual benefits of yoga are tantalizing, it's essential to acknowledge the preponderance of anecdotal evidence over empirical evidence. The Internet offers a wealth of personal accounts, but scientific studies trialing the effects of yoga on sexual function remain sparse. However, larger-scale studies – such as randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of yoga on women with metabolic syndrome and multiple sclerosis – have offered more robust evidence, suggesting that yoga may indeed be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunction and other metabolic risk factors.
So, while we wait for further research to confirm yoga's mythical "yogasms," it seems there's enough reasoning to encourage adding yoga to our daily routines. And our pelvic muscles just might thank us for it.
- The study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that over 12 weeks, intense yoga training significantly improved the sexual function of women aged 45 and above, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index.
- In a parallel study, men also experienced improvements in their sexual satisfaction after a 12-week yoga program, with enhancements across erectile function, confidence, and orgasm.
- Yoga regulates attention, breathing, and lowers cortisol levels, potentially boosting sexual response by lowering anxiety levels and fostering increased sexual responsibility and assertiveness.
