Improved Sexual Function Through Yoga Practice: Insights into the Connection
Unlocking the Secrets of Sex and Yoga: Does the Ancient Practice Actually Enhance Intimacy?
Yoga has been a buzzword in the wellness world for quite some time. Claims abound that it aids in everything from reducing stress to curing diabetes. But what about one of the most intriguing rumors - can yoga bankroll your bedroom antics? Let's dive in.
Yoga's Multitude of Health Benefits
Originating thousands of years ago, yoga has increasingly garnered attention for its extensive health benefits. From combating depression and anxiety, to improving metabolic syndrome and thyroid issues, the benefits of this ancient practice are many.
Recent studies have also shed light on the inner workings of yoga's perks. For instance, it's been found that yoga:
- Lowers the body's inflammatory response
- Counters stress-predisposing genetic expression
- Reduces cortisol levels
- Boosts brain-healthy protein production
Gauging Yoga's Impact on Intimacy
Aside from its myriad health benefits, yoga has been touted as a potent bedroom booster. But does science support these claims? Allow us to investigate.
Yoga for Female Sexual Wellness
Referencing a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, yoga has proven to enhance sexual function in women, particularly for those beyond 45. Over the course of twelve weeks, 40 women self-reported on their sexual function before and after participating in yoga sessions. Post-program, their sexual function had significantly improved across numerous indicators, such as desire, arousal, and satisfaction. An impressive 75 percent of the ladies reported a boost in their carnal capers following their yoga training.
The women underwent training on 22 poses deemed to enhance core muscle strength, digestion, pelvic floor fortification, and mood. Notable poses included trikonasana (triangle pose), bhujangasana (snake), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist). For a full list of yogasanas, click here.
Yoga: A Two-Fold Treatment for Men
The advantage of yoga for men is on par with that of women. A study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a Neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, discovered the 12-week yoga program positively impacted sexual satisfaction for the male participants. At the study's conclusion, they reported notable improvements in all realms of male sexual satisfaction, including erection, orgasm, and ejaculatory control.
Moreover, a comparative trial orchestrated by the same scholarly crew found that yoga is a viable, non-pharmacological alternative to fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation. The 15 yoga poses included easier ones like Kapalbhati and complex poses like dhanurasana (bow pose).
Yoga's Mechanisms for Better Scheming
So how does yoga elevate one's carnal encounters? A review of existing literature spearheaded by researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, unearths some salacious explanations.
Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at UBC, is the leader of the review. She and her colleagues expound that:
- Yoga manages attention and breathing
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Regulates the nervous system responsible for relaxation
All of these factors are correlated with improvements in sexual response. Furthermore, yoga's psychological mechanisms play a part. Female practitioners of yoga are less likely to objectify their bodies, while being more cognizant of their physical selves. This self-awareness may, in turn, foster sexual responsibility and assertiveness.
The Power of the Moola Bandha
While fantastical yarns about unleashing locked-up energy in root chakras and generating "kundalini energy" culminating in ejaculation-free male orgasms lack the rigor of scientific research, other yogic ideas might resonate with the skeptics. Moola bandha is one such idea.
Moola bandha is a perineal contraction activating the sensory-motor and autonomic nervous system in the pelvic region, thereby inducing parasympathetic activity in the body. Specifically, moola bandha innervates the gonads and perineal body/cervix. Practice moola bandha in this video to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
Studies cited by the researchers suggest that practicing moola bandha relieves menstrual pain, childbirth pain, and sexual difficulties in women, as well as tackling premature ejaculation and moderating testosterone production in men.
How Solid is the Evidence?
Err on the side of caution when it comes to embracing the tantalizing prospect of "yogasmic" bliss. The empirical evidence backing yoga's influence on sexual function is still scant. While the Internet is like a veritable smorgasbord of anecdotal evidence, scientifically-staged trials are still few and far between.
Most of the aforementioned studies, which reported improvements in sexual satisfaction and function for both sexes, were small-scale and didn't feature control groups. However, more recent studies - which concentrated on women with sexual dysfunction and additional health issues - yielded stronger evidence.
For example, a randomized controlled trial zeroing in on women with metabolic syndrome - a population with an elevated likelihood of sexual dysfunction - reported "significant improvement" in arousal and lubrication for the yoga participants. No such improvements were observed in the non-yoga group.
Another randomized trial focused on sexually fulfilled women with multiple sclerosis (MS). After 3 months of yoga training, the women in the yoga group demonstrated enhanced physical ability and sexual function, while those in the control group displayed worsening symptoms.
To sum up, while we're still awaiting robust scientific evidence for yoga's bedroom wonders, the foundations for such a claim are in place. So, until conclusive research confirms whether "yogasmic" delights are a reality or a metaphorical pipedream, we think that immersing yourself in yoga can't hurt - and your pelvic floor muscles will certainly be grateful.
Yoga, originating from ancient practices, has been found to have extensive health benefits, including enhancing sexual function in women, particularly those above 45, as evidenced by a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine. Yoga has also shown positive impacts on male sexual satisfaction, according to a study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav. These improvements are believed to be due to yoga's ability to manage attention and breathing, reduce anxiety and stress, and regulate the relaxation nervous system, which in turn, are correlated with improvements in sexual response. However, it's important to note that the empirical evidence supporting yoga's influence on sexual function is still scarce, and larger-scale, controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. Yet, immersing oneself in yoga can't hurt, as it may potentially improve sexual function and health while benefiting overall mental and physical well-being.
