Improved Sexual Function through Yogic Practices: Exploring the Benefits of Yoga on Sexual Health
Let's dive into the world of yoga and its alleged effects on sexual pleasure. The Internet is brimming with wellness blogs touting the benefits of yoga for a steamy sex life, but does science back these claims? Let'
s find out!
Yoga has been gaining recognition for its health benefits, ranging from reducing stress and depression to helping manage metabolic syndrome and diabetes. But did you know yoga could also spice up your love life?
Researchers are discovering the intricate mechanisms behind these health benefits. It turns out that yoga reduces the body's inflammatory response, regulates genes that predispose people to stress, and even boosts a brain-protecting protein.
Now, all these benefits are impressive, but can yoga's yummy poses really lead to an improved sex life? Let's explore the evidence.
Yoga for Ladies in the Bedroom
One popular study on the subject, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, suggests that yoga might be the secret to a better love life, especially for women over 45. The researchers studied 40 ladies who went through 12 weeks of yoga training and self-assessed their sexual function before and after the sessions.
The results were quite impressive – across all sections of the Female Sexual Function Index (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), the ladies reported significant improvements.
A whopping 75% of these women saw an improvement in their sex lives! The training consisted of 22 poses, such as trikonasana (the triangle pose), bhujangasana (the snake), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist), which are thought to improve core muscles, digestion, pelvic floor strength, and mood.
Yoga for Gents in the Sack
Gents, don't feel left out! Another study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist from the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, found that a 12-week yoga program significantly increased sexual satisfaction among men, as evaluated by the Male Sexual Quotient.
The program showed improvements across all areas of male sexual satisfaction, including desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
How Does Yoga Work Its Magic?
Curious about how yoga can enhance sexual pleasure? A review of existing literature led by researchers at the University of British Columbia helps explain some of the mechanisms.
Yoga calmly regulates attention, breathing, and emotions, all of which are linked to improvements in sexual response. It also encourages awareness and control of the body, which may lead to increased sexual assertiveness and desires.
The Power of Moola Bandha
While tales of unleashing blocked energy and inducing "kundalini orgasms" are still up for debate, other yogic concepts might be more convincing. Moola bandha is one such concept. This perineal contraction can stimulate the sensory-motor and autonomic nervous system in the pelvic region, promoting relaxation and enhancing circulation in that area. Practicing moola bandha could help ease sexual difficulties in women and treat premature ejaculation in men.
Incorporating the moola bandha exercise into your daily routine, along with poses like the frog pose (bhekasana) that strengthens the pelvic floor, may not only improve sexual experiences but also alleviate vaginal pain and vaginismus in women.
The Evidence: A Mixed Bag
While the notion of "yogasms" may get you excited, it's essential to remember that the amount of empirical evidence supporting yoga's sexual benefits is still relatively limited. More studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are needed to confirm these benefits. However, recent studies focusing on women with sexual dysfunction and other conditions have provided stronger evidence for the positive effects of yoga on sexual function.
In conclusion, while the evidence for yoga's role in improving sexual function is growing, it's still not as comprehensive as it is for other health areas. Until further research solidifies the link between yoga and sexual health, incorporating yoga into your daily routine seems like a safe, worthwhile bet for overall well-being, and your pelvic muscles won't complain!
- Yoga's impact on sexual health is a topic of growing interest, with numerous wellness blogs and studies exploring its potential benefits for sexual pleasure.
- A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that a 12-week yoga training program led to significant improvements in female sexual function, particularly for women over 45.
- For men, a 12-week yoga program led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav proved effective in increasing sexual satisfaction, as evaluated by the Male Sexual Quotient.
