Improved Sexual Performance Through the Practice of Yoga: Insights into Its Impact
Dive into the exciting world of yoga and discover how it can revamp your sex life! From juicy poses to zestier connections, let's delve into the buzz surrounding this time-honored practice.
Yoga, the ancient remedy for body and soul, has made quite a comeback in modern times, with accuracy in its claims that it can boost your emotional well-being and physical health. But, what about its impact on the bedroom? Is there any truth to the yogic 'yummy' poses enhancing sex lives? We're here to find out!
Be it depression, stress, anxiety, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or thyroid problems—you name it, yoga tries to conquer it. Modern research tells us that this ancient practice works its charm by decreasing your body's inflammatory response, balancing stress levels, and invigorating mind and body in surprising ways.
As for the yogic way to heat things up, studies suggest a positive impact on sexual function in both men and women. We'll take a closer look at the research focusing on each gender.
Yoga's Sensual Sway on Women
In a popular study found in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, yoga contributed to improved sexual function in women over 45. Over a 12-week period, women who practiced yoga self-reported significant gains across all areas of female sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. A staggering 75% of females noticed improvements in their sexual lives after undergoing yoga training.
Now, you might be wondering, "What magic poses awaken the inner goddess in these women?" The study required all participants to learn 22 various poses (yogasanas), known to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve digestion, boost core abdominal muscles, and elevate one's mood. Some of these poses include:
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)
- Bhujangasana (Snake Pose)
- Ardha Matsyendra Mudra (Half Spinal Twist)
Yoga's Passionate Pull on Men
Fear not, gentlemen – yoga does not overlook you! An analogous study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, was all about gauging the impact of a 12-week yoga program on male sexual satisfaction.
According to the study, the participants recorded significant improvements in all facets of male sexual satisfaction, including desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
If you're intrigued by the idea of giving yoga a whirl but overwhelmed by the multitude of poses, don't sweat it! Yoga offers a range of poses, from the easy-breezy Kapalbhati (which helps prevent urinary incontinence and boost sexual stamina) to the challenging dhanurasana (Bow Pose).
The Sexy Science behind Yoga
But how does yoga stir one's passions precisely? Researchers from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), journeyed deep into the yogic literature to decipher some of the mechanisms behind yoga's sexual allure.
The experts explain that yoga governs focus and breathing, manages anxiety and stress, and aligns the nervous system, urging the body to relax, lower blood pressure, and loosen up for a peaceful, rejuvenating experience. These effects contribute to better sexual responses.
Furthermore, the psychological aspects play a pivotal role. Female yogis are less likely to objectify their bodies and possess a heightened self-awareness, behaviors often linked to sexual responsibility, assertiveness, and desire.
The Mystical Moola Bandha
While tales of releasing blocked energy in root chakras and inducing blood-boiling orgasms lack a hulk of scientific evidence, other yogic concepts, such as Moola Bandha, warrant skeptics' attention.
Originating from the pelvis, Moola Bandha benefits the sensory-motor and autonomic nervous systems, promoting parasympathetic activity and, in turn, sexual satisfaction. Mind-body centers advise women to use Moola Bandha to enhance awareness and circulation in the genital region, thereby triggering pleasure and desire.
Another yoga pose celebrated for its pelvic floor-strengthening properties is Bhekasana (the Frog Pose). In addition to beefing up the sexual experience, this pose may offer relief from symptoms of vaginismus, a condition characterized by involuntary contractions of the vaginal muscles hindering penetrative sex, and vaginitis, pain in the vestibule of the vagina.
The Reliability of Yogic Evidence
Although the potential of yoga to spice up bedroom adventures is captivating, it is essential to remember the differences between empirical, or experimental, evidence, and anecdotal evidence, which floats freely across the web.
Research on yoga's effects on sexual function in both men and women remains limited, with studies often boasting small sample sizes and lacking control groups. However, more recent studies focused on women with sexual dysfunction in conjunction with other conditions have yielded sturdier evidence.
For example, a randomized trial examined the influence of yoga on women with metabolic syndrome, a population at a higher risk of sexual dysfunction. The results? A 12-week yoga program yielded "significant improvement" in arousal and lubrication for the women who practiced yoga but not for those who did not.
Moreover, a randomized study investigating the sexual benefits of yoga for women living with multiple sclerosis discovered that the women undertaking yoga training displayed improved physical ability and sexual function, while women in the control group exhibited worsened symptoms.
In summary, while the world waits patiently for solid proof of "yogasms," we can't help but notice the unyielding seed of promise. Until scientists unearth concrete evidence, happiness, and a spongey pelvic floor await those who explore the world of yoga. Namaste and happy experimenting!
- Yoga, apart from its benefits on emotional and physical health, has been found to impact sexual function positively in both men and women, as research suggests.
- For women, a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine showed improved sexual function across all areas after a 12-week yoga practice, with 75% of participants noticing improvements in their sexual lives.
- Moola Bandha, a yogic technique, is believed to promote parasympathetic activity, benefiting the sensory-motor and autonomic nervous systems, and contributing to sexual satisfaction.
- Although more robust evidence is needed to validate the claim that yoga can lead to enhanced sexual experiences, recent studies on women with conditions like metabolic syndrome and multiple sclerosis have shown significant improvements in physical ability and sexual function with yoga practice.
