Enhanced sexual function through the practice of Yoga: Discover its advantages.
The ancient practice of yoga is noted for its reported benefits in various facets of health, including stress management, immunity enhancement, and metabolic improvement. Notably, research is now delving into its effects on sexual function.
Yoga's impact on sexual health has been studied in both men and women, with promising results. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine demonstrated improved sexual function in women over 45, following 12 weeks of yoga sessions. The improvements were observed across all sections of the Female Sexual Function Index, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Notably, 75% of the women reported an improvement in their sex lives after yoga training.
In men, a study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, found significant improvements in male sexual satisfaction after a 12-week yoga program. The researchers observed improvements across all aspects of male sexual satisfaction, including desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
Furthermore, a comparative trial by the same research team found that yoga is a viable non-pharmacological alternative to fluoxetine (Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation. The study included 15 yoga poses, ranging from simpler ones like Kapalbhati to more complex ones like dhanurasana (the "bow pose").
The mechanisms through which yoga improves sexual function are not fully understood. However, a review of existing literature led by researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, suggests that yoga regulates attention and breathing, lowers anxiety and stress, and activates the nervous system to induce relaxation—all of which are associated with improved sexual response.
Additionally, yoga practitioners, particularly women, are less likely to objectify their bodies and more aware of their physical selves, which could lead to increased sexual responsibility, assertiveness, and desires.
Intriguingly, yoga incorporates practices like Moola Bandha that directly target the pelvic region and gonads, potentially contributing to improvements in sexual function. Moola Bandha stretches pelvic floor muscles, balances, stimulates, and rejuvenates the area, increasing awareness and circulation—all of which can enhance sexual experience.
While empirical evidence on the sexual benefits of yoga remains relatively scarce, recent studies focusing on women with specific health conditions like metabolic syndrome and multiple sclerosis have yielded stronger evidence for its benefits on sexual function.
In conclusion, while further research is needed, yoga's impact on physical fitness, stress reduction, and pelvic floor health supports its potential to improve sexual function. Incorporating yoga into daily routines could offer numerous benefits for sexual health and overall well-being.
Yoga's effects on sexual health extend to both men and women, as demonstrated by numerous studies, with promise of improved sexual function. For instance, yoga sessions over 12 weeks improved multiple aspects of sexual satisfaction in men, while a study in women over 45 showed enhancements across various sections of the Female Sexual Function Index. The improvements could be attributed to yoga's regulation of attention and breathing, stress reduction, and increased pelvic floor awareness, which are all associated with improved sexual response. Furthermore, disciplines like Moola Bandha, which targets the pelvic region, could contribute to improvements in sexual function. Incorporating yoga into daily routines may offer benefits for sexual health and overall well-being.
