"Unveiling the Holistic Impact of Yoga on Health: Exploring its Potential Benefits and Mechanisms

girl doing yoga pose

In recent times, modern research has commenced its journey of unraveling the multitude of health advantages associated with the ancient practice of yoga. From addressing conditions like depression, stress, and anxiety to managing metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and thyroid issues, yoga's potential therapeutic effects are being explored. Recent studies have delved deeper into the intricate mechanisms that underlie these benefits.

Emerging evidence suggests that yoga can reduce the body's inflammatory response, counteract stress-related genetic expressions, decrease cortisol levels, and enhance a brain protein responsible for growth and vitality. In addition to these physiological benefits, there is a subjective sense of well-being associated with yoga. Some enthusiasts even claim that it can produce intensely pleasurable experiences, including the elusive phenomenon called the 'coregasm' during yoga practice.

Given the positive effects of yoga on overall well-being, it prompts us to consider whether this ancient practice can also improve our sexual lives. Let's delve into the research to explore this intriguing possibility.

Yoga's Impact on Sexual Function in Women

Yoga

 

A notable study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine examined the effects of a 12-week yoga program on the sexual function of women, particularly those over 45 years of age. The study involved 40 women who self-reported their sexual function before and after the yoga sessions. The findings revealed a significant improvement in sexual function across all domains of the Female Sexual Function Index, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Remarkably, approximately 75 percent of the women reported an enhancement in their sex lives following yoga training. The program encompassed 22 poses, or yogasanas, targeting core abdominal muscles, digestion, pelvic floor strength, and mood improvement. Some of the poses included the triangle pose (trikonasana), the snake pose (bhujangasana), and the half spinal twist (ardha matsyendra mudra).

Yoga's Impact on Sexual Function in Men

Yoga's benefits are not exclusive to women; a study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav, a neurologist at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India, examined the impact of a 12-week yoga program on the sexual satisfaction of men. The results showed a significant improvement in sexual function as evaluated by the standard Male Sexual Quotient. The study observed enhancements in various aspects of male sexual satisfaction, including desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, partner synchronization, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm. Moreover, a comparative trial conducted by the same research team concluded that yoga can be a viable nonpharmacological alternative to fluoxetine (brand name Prozac) for treating premature ejaculation. The program consisted of 15 yoga poses, ranging from simpler ones like Kapalbhati (a breathing exercise) to more complex ones like dhanurasana (the bow pose).

Exploring the Mechanisms Behind Yoga's Impact on Sexual Health

How exactly does yoga improve sexual well-being? A review conducted by researchers at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, sheds light on some of the mechanisms involved. Dr. Lori Brotto, a professor in the department, is the lead author of the review. According to the review, yoga regulates attention and breathing, reduces anxiety and stress, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of the nervous system associated with relaxation. These effects are closely linked to improvements in sexual response and overall sexual health. Furthermore, yoga practitioners, especially women, exhibit a reduced tendency to objectify their bodies and display heightened awareness of their physical selves. This shift in mindset can lead to increased sexual responsibility,

One intriguing concept in yoga is moola bandha, a perineal contraction believed to stimulate the sensory-motor and autonomic nervous systems in the pelvic region, thereby promoting parasympathetic activity in the body. Research suggests that practicing moola bandha may alleviate period pain, childbirth pain, sexual difficulties in women, as well as address premature ejaculation and regulate testosterone secretion in men. Another pose that strengthens pelvic floor muscles is bhekasana, or the "frog pose." Apart from enhancing the sexual experience, this pose may alleviate symptoms of conditions like vestibulodynia and vaginismus.

Evaluating the Strength of Evidence

While the potential sexual benefits of yoga are enticing, it is important to acknowledge the discrepancy between empirical evidence and anecdotal accounts. Though the internet is filled with anecdotal evidence, scientific studies investigating yoga's impact on sexual function remain limited. Furthermore, many of the studies mentioned earlier had small sample sizes and lacked control groups. However, recent studies focusing on women with sexual dysfunction and other related conditions have provided stronger evidence. For instance, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant improvements in arousal and lubrication among women with metabolic syndrome who participated in a 12-week yoga program. Conversely, these improvements were not observed in women who did not practice yoga. Similarly, a study exploring the benefits of yoga in women with multiple sclerosis found that participants in the yoga group showed improved physical ability and sexual function compared to those in the control group.

While further research is necessary to solidify the link between yoga and enhanced sexual experiences, the existing evidence offers compelling reasons to incorporate yoga into daily routines. Trying it out firsthand can prove immensely enriching, and the positive effects on pelvic muscles are an added bonus."