Yoga's Positive Impact on Sexual Health: Enhancing Intimacy and Functionality
Yoga's reputation as a pathway to a more satisfying sex life isn't a myth, it's backed by science. This ancient practice has been shown to provide a myriad of health benefits, from easing stress and anxiety to managing metabolic syndrome and thyroid problems. But what about its impact on your bedroom antics? Let's delve deeper.
Yoga gets ladies in the mood
Researchers at the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that a 12-week yoga regimen greatly improved the sexual lives of over half (75%) of the 40 women they surveyed. Poses like Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, and Ardha Matsyendra Mudra targeted core strength, improved digestion, and boosted pelvic floor strength, all of which contributed to improved sexual function.
Men, don't feel left out
Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, found similar results in a study with men. After 12 weeks, the men reported significant improvements in their sexual satisfaction as evaluated by the Male Sexual Quotient. The researchers discovered improvements in desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
Unlocking the secrets of yogic romance
So, how does yoga enhance our sex lives? A review by the University of British Columbia helps us understand. Yoga regulates attention, lowers anxiety and stress, improves the nervous system, and enhances circulation – all of which are associated with better sexual health. Plus, practitioners are less likely to objectify their bodies, leading to greater self-awareness and increased sexual desires.
It's all in the Moola Bandha
Though stories about unlocking energy flows and producing ejaculation-free orgasms lack scientific evidence, other yogic concepts may resonate with skeptics. Moola Bandha, a perineal contraction, innervates the gonads and perineal body/cervix, improving sexual function and relieving sexual difficulties in women, as well as treating premature ejaculation in men.
Many sex therapy centers also recommend Moola Bandha, as it helps women become more aware of their sensations of arousal, improving desire and overall sexual experience.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of yoga for our sex lives, his holistic approach to physical and mental well-being makes it an attractive addition to your daily routine. Give it a shot; your pelvic muscles (and partner) will thank you!
- The study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that a 12-week yoga regimen significantly improved the sexual lives of 75% of the surveyed women, with poses like Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, and Ardha Matsyendra Mudra playing a role in improving sexual function.
- A similar study by Dr. Vikas Dhikav found that men reported significant improvements in sexual satisfaction after a 12-week period, with enhancements in desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
- The University of British Columbia review suggests that yoga enhances sexual health by regulating attention, lowering anxiety and stress, improving the nervous system, and enhancing circulation, also contributing to increased self-awareness and sexual desires, with many sex therapy centers recommending Moola Bandha for this purpose.
