Enhanced Sexual Performance through Regular Yoga Practice: Insights on Yoga's Effects on Sexual Functioning
Out on the wild, wild web, a plethora of fitness bloggers and health gurus claim yoga just might be the key to an unrivaled sexual experience. But do the facts back up these fantastical allegations, or are we merely dreaming? Let's delve into the facts.
Nowadays, researchers are finally taking a crack at understanding the multifaceted health advantage of the ancient practice of yoga. It's been found to help tackle everything from stress and depression to diabetes and metabolic syndrome. But what about its impact on something a bit... juicier?
Recently, studies have begun to shine light on the intricate mechanisms that could be at play. It turns out that yoga is a powerhouse when it comes to lowering the body's inflammatory response, regulating the genetic expression linked to stress, lowering cortisol, and boosting a protein that helps the brain grow and stay youthful.
And if that wasn't enough, it just flat-out feels awesome. When it comes to the mythical coregasm during yoga, it's safe to say that some believe it feels far from miserable. In touch with our bodies, we can find a sense of fulfillment, restorative energy, and physical pleasure. But does this connection to our bodies translate into better love lives? Let's explore.
Yoga: A Secret Weapon for Sexual Satisfaction in Women
One famed study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine claims that, yes, indeed, yoga can boost sexual function, particularly for older women. The study examined the effects of a 12-week yoga regimen on the sex lives of 40 women, revealing that, by the end, sexual function had significantly improved across the board. As many as 75 percent of the women reported better sex following their yoga training.
During the study, all participants were given instruction on 22 specific yoga poses, known as yogasanas, which are believed to strengthen the pelvic floor, improve digestion, and bolster the core. Some of the poses included trikonasana (triangle pose), bhujangasana (snake pose), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist). You can find a complete list of the asanas right here.
Yoga's Impact on Men's Satisfaction
But it's not just the ladies who can reap sexual health benefits from yoga. A study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, examined the effects of a 12-week yoga program on male sexual satisfaction. By the study's end, the men reported significant improvements in all aspects of their sexual satisfaction, including desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
Interestingly, the research team also found that yoga was an effective, nonpharmacological option for treating premature ejaculation, even comparing favorably to Fluoxetine (Prozac). The study involved 15 yoga poses, ranging from simple breathing exercises like Kapalbhati to more complex poses like dhanurasana (the bow pose).
The Mysterious Mechanisms Behind Yoga's Sexual Power
But exactly how does yoga work its magic in the bedroom? A review led by researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of British Columbia helps shed light on some possible explanations. The researchers found that yoga regulates attention, breathing, and stress, and activates the nervous system to trigger relaxation and circulation—all of which contribute to improved sexual health.
In addition to these psychological effects, yoga may also lead to quicker recovery times, as it activates the nervous system, promoting erectile function in men. Plus, the relaxation and circulation benefits could translate into enhanced lubrication and arousal for women.
The Enigma of the Moola Bandha
Stories of releasing blocked energy in root chakras and moving "kundalini energy" through the spine, leading to orgasms without ejaculation, remains unproven by rigorous scientific research. However, other yogic concepts may be more persuasive to skeptics. One such concept is moola bandha, which involves contracting the perineum muscles and could be linked to various physical benefits, including relief from period pain, childbirth pain, and sexual difficulties in women, as well as the treatment of premature ejaculation and testosterone secretion control in men.
In fact, many sex therapy centers recommend moola bandha to help women become more aware of their sensations of arousal, thereby boosting desire and overall sexual satisfaction. Another yoga pose that promotes pelvic floor muscle strength is bhekasana, or the "frog pose." This pose may help alleviate symptoms of vestibulodynia (vaginal pain) and vaginismus (involuntary vaginal muscle contractions) in women, leading to a more pleasurable sexual experience.
The Strength of the Evidence
It's easy to get worked up about the possible sexual benefits of yoga, but it's essential to remember the disparity between the amount of experimental, or empirical, evidence and that of anecdotal evidence. The internet is awash with personal accounts, but the number of studies probing yoga's effects on sexual function remains scarce. However, recent studies focusing on women with sexual dysfunction, combined with other health issues, have provided stronger evidence.
For example, a randomized controlled trial examined the sexual benefits of yoga in women with metabolic syndrome, a group at a higher risk of sexual dysfunction. Following a 12-week yoga program, these women experienced significant improvements in arousal and lubrication, whereas women who did not practice yoga did not see such advancements.
Another randomized trial focused on women living with multiple sclerosis, revealing that, after 3 months of yoga training, the participants showed improvements in both physical ability and sexual function, whereas women in the control group exhibited worsening symptoms.
While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of yoga's sexual benefits, the signs are promising. Incorporating yoga into our daily routines might just prove incredibly rewarding—and our pelvic muscles will thank us for it.
- The study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that yoga can boost sexual function, especially in older women, with as many as 75 percent of participants reporting better sex after a 12-week yoga regimen.
- A study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav found that a 12-week yoga program improved all aspects of male sexual satisfaction, making yoga a potential effective, nonpharmacological option for treating premature ejaculation.
- Research led by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that yoga regulates attention, breathing, and stress, activates the nervous system to trigger relaxation and circulation, contributing to improved sexual health in both men and women.
