Regular exercise, especially practices like yoga, has been shown to significantly improve overall health and well-being. sum Particularly known for its benefits in enhancing reproductive health. Stress relieving aspects Fertility Yoga It has proven beneficial for couples looking to increase fertility.
Apart from other factors such as lifestyle, stress is known to increase the risk of infertility, but yoga is highly effective in reducing stress. According to research, women who struggle with conceiving face rates of anxiety and depression equal to patients with serious illnesses. Even women without fertility problems often find the process of conceiving a complicated and unruly journey quite stressful. The relationship between stress and infertility is complex and not fully understood. However, cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, can disrupt ovulation. Decreasing stress levels and a positive outlook can increase the success rate of fertility treatments.
How does yoga increase fertility?
Fertility yoga aims to stimulate the ovaries and uterus, reduce stress and anxiety, balance hormone levels, promote blood circulation, and strengthen muscles. These factors are important in affecting one’s fertility.
Stress Relief
There’s no denying that trying to conceive can be very stressful! Modern life is already filled with stress due to work, school, relationships, and the rising cost of living. The added stress of struggling to get pregnant can add to this, potentially leading to irregular menstrual cycles and low libido.
According to Dr. Sonia Verma, Consultant – Physiotherapist, Antenatal & Lactation Consultant, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, “Yoga is a great way to manage stress and maintain peace of mind. Practicing yoga helps you focus and increases endorphin levels. By reducing stress through fertility yoga, you can help balance your body, thereby optimising the effectiveness of your fertility treatment.”
increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
People are sitting more than ever these days, with sitting time increasing by an hour a day in recent years. Prolonged sitting can limit physical activity blood flow Yoga may be helpful in increasing blood circulation to the pelvis and reproductive organs. For example, yoga stretches and opens the hips, which increases blood flow to the pelvic area and reproductive organs.
Yoga improves fertility
Hormonal balance This is very important for fertility because hormones regulate metabolism, sexual function, and reproduction. Maintaining hormonal health can increase the chances of conceiving. Fortunately, research shows that yoga can positively promote hormonal health. Below are some yoga asanas that can help boost fertility.
Yoga for flexibility
Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose): In this asana, one has to sit with the soles of the feet together and the knees bent towards the sides, which stretches the inner part of the thighs and the waist, thereby increasing flexibility.
Upavistha Konasana (Wide-Angle Forward Bend): This pose stretches the hamstrings, spine, and groin by spreading the legs wide and bending forward, thereby increasing overall flexibility.
Malasana (Garland Pose): This is a deep seated pose that opens the hips and stretches the groin, ankles, and lower back, improving flexibility in the hips.
Yoga for better blood flow to the reproductive organs
Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall pose): This restorative pose involves lying on the back with the legs extended up against the wall, which helps in relaxation and improves blood circulation in the pelvic region.
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Baddha Konasana): Lying on the back with the soles of the feet together and knees apart stretches the hips and increases blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): This asana elevates the hips while lying on the back, thereby increasing blood circulation in the pelvic region and strengthening the lower back and buttocks.
yoga to strengthen pelvic muscles
Utkatasana (Chair Pose): This involves sitting back on an imaginary chair with the arms extended forward, which activates and strengthens the muscles. pelvic musclesthighs, and core.
Naukasana (Boat Pose): This pose involves balancing on the seat bones with the legs and torso elevated, which strengthens the pelvic muscles, core, and hip flexors.
Kegels (pelvic floor exercises): These exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which directly strengthens the muscles that support the reproductive organs.
Although fertility yoga does not promise pregnancy, it supports reproductive functions in both men and women by enhancing overall body systems and well-being, making the body more conducive to conception.
International Yoga Day: How does yoga impact women’s reproductive health?
