Enhanced Sexual Performance through Yoga: Exploring its Role and Effects
The internet is flooded with wellness blogs claiming yoga as a secret weapon for enhancing sexual experiences. But does the science really back these claims? Let's take a peek.
In the modern world, yoga's benefits aren't merely limited to stress relief and improved metabolic health; studies reveal it counters inflammatory responses, regulates stress, lowers cortisol levels, and boosts brain-healthy proteins. But, does this ancient practice translate into hotter lovin'? Let's find out.
Yoga Ain't Just For the Oldies
One study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine explored the effects of yoga on sexual function, focusing on women over 45. Over 40 women participated, reporting their sexual function before and after 12 weeks of yoga sessions. Afterward, the women's sexual function significantly improved in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, with as many as 75% experiencing a sex life boost after training.
The ladies were taught 22 yoga positions, like trikonasana (the triangle pose), bhujangasana (the snake), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist), believed to strengthen core muscles, promote good digestion, fortify the pelvic floor, and lift mood.
Yoga Brings Back the Spark for the Fellas
Not just the ladies, gentlemen. A study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist in New Delhi, India, found that a 12-week yoga program significantly improved sexual satisfaction for the fellas. At the end of the program, their sexual function showed improvements in desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, orgasm – you name it!
Another comparative trial by the same team attributed yoga as a viable, non-pharmacological alternative for treating premature ejaculation. Yoga poses, both easy and complex, like Kapalbhati and dhanurasana, were employed.
How Does Yoga Work Its Magic on Our Loins?
Researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver provide us some insight. According to the experts, yoga calms anxiety and stress and triggers the body's relaxation response, all positively impacting sexual response. It also enhances self-awareness and physical sensitivity, possibly encouraging assertiveness, desires, and responsible behavior.
An intriguing concept, moola bandha, might pique skeptics' interest. Moola bandha stimulates the pelvic region, inducing relaxation and enhancing sexual functions. Studies suggest it can relieve menstrual pain, childbirth pain, sexual difficulties in women, as well as treat premature ejaculation and testosterone secretion in men. Numerous sex therapy centers advise practicing moola bandha to deepen awareness of genital arousal, boosting sexual pleasure.
Another popular pose, bhekasana (the frog pose), is known to fortify the pelvic floor muscles and may alleviate symptoms of vaginismus and vestibulodynia, conditions that hold back ladies from enjoying their 'special time.'
How Solid is the Evidence?
Although tales of releasing blocked energy and kundalini orgasms might sound bizarre, there's a need for skepticism. The body of science supporting yoga's role in improving our sex lives is still growing. Most studies are smaller and non-controlled, meaning more research is required for convincing evidence.
However, studies focusing on women with sexual dysfunction alongside other conditions have yielded more substantial evidence. For instance, a randomized controlled trial found "significant improvement" in sexual arousal and lubrication in women with metabolic syndrome who practiced yoga for 12 weeks. Another study discovered yoga could improve sexual satisfaction and physical abilities in women with multiple sclerosis.
So, while solid evidence supporting yoga as the 'mighty aphrodisiac' isn't found in every nook and cranny of the internet, the groundwork is there. We think there's enough reason to give yoga a twirl in our daily lives, especially since our pelvic muscles will surely thank us!
- In addition to stress relief and improved health, studies have shown that yoga affects various aspects of sexual health.
- A study on women over 45, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, found that 12 weeks of yoga sessions significantly improved their sexual function across multiple areas.
- Men have also seen improvements in sexual satisfaction after participating in a 12-week yoga program, according to a study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav.
- Researchers at the University of British Columbia suggest that yoga's impact on sexual health comes from its stress-relieving and self-awareness-enhancing effects.
- The controversial concept of moola bandha, which stimulates the pelvic region, has been linked to relieving menstrual pain, treating premature ejaculation, and boosting sexual pleasure.
- The frog pose (bhekasana) is known to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like vaginismus and vestibulodynia.
- While there is a growing body of science supporting yoga's role in improving sexual health, more research is needed for stronger evidence, particularly for larger, controlled studies. However, the current findings suggest a promising link between yoga, fitness-and-exercise, and the improvement of both men's and women's sexual-health and mental-health.
