Are you struggling with infertility issues? What if there is something you could do yourself to transform the experience of fertility and try to overcome the challenge of conception? The answer could be yoga. It not only allows you to handle fertility challenges with equanimity but it also helps improve your overall health. Yoga is being increasingly recommended for people who are trying to conceive.
Infertility may be due to many reasons, one of which is the everyday stress you go through because of your responsibilities and commitments. Your infertility issue can add to this and escalate your stress levels. Stress is known to cause hormonal imbalances that could lead to fertility problems.
How can yoga help?
When you think of yoga, what comes to mind first, is developing flexibility and toning your body. But in reality, yoga has several other benefits that include improving your fertility. Research has shown that yoga and meditation can help you conceive. The effects produced by practicing yoga that can positively influence fertility are:
- Lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisone
- Improved blood circulation to the reproductive organs to support pregnancy
- Detoxification of the body to enhance fertility
- Enhanced immune system
- Balanced hormonal levels
Some yoga poses that are believed to be beneficial for reproductive health
By performing these simple yoga asanas regularly, you can improve your chances of becoming pregnant. It is advisable to learn these poses under the supervision of an experienced yoga instructor.
- Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)
Bending forward in the seated position helps stretch the muscles of lower back and hips. This stimulates the ovaries and uterus. It also relieves stress and depression enhancing chances of fertility.
- Butterfly pose (Badhha Konasana)
Flapping of thighs when coupled with Sarvangasana, improves ovarian function and regularizes the menstrual cycle in women. Butterfly pose increases sperm count in men. It improves blood circulation to the pelvic, abdominal and back regions.
- Legs up the wall pose (Viparita Karani)
It stretches the back of the neck, the front of the torso and back of the legs. It relieves back ache and improves circulation to the pelvic region. Women with low fertility rate can have improved chances of conception by relaxing in this pose after intercourse.
- Rhythmic rapid breathing (Kapalbhati Pranayama)
It balances the hormone levels and is a cure for almost all diseases. By purifying the blood cells, this technique improves the health of the reproductive cells.
- Standing forward bend (Hastapadasana)
Touching the feet by bending forward stretches the muscles of the back improving the blood supply to the pelvic region. It also relieves stress from the abdominal region.
- Child’s pose (Balasna)
It stretches the muscles of the hips, thighs and ankles and increases the blood flow to the pelvis. This increases the fertility rate.
- Bee breath (Bhramari Pranayama)
This asana relieves the tension, anxiety and anger instantly from the body. A relaxed body can increase the chances of conception. The vibrations produced by humming stimulate the pituitary gland that controls the secretion of sex hormones.
- Supported head stand
It is a challenging asana which is effective for several problems. In this pose, the entire body is balanced on the head and arms in the inverted position. This stimulates the head and hypothalamus to release the hormones.
- Cobra pose
This asana is performed by lying on the stomach and lifting the upper body supported on hands. It effectively strengthens the back muscles thereby stimulating the production of hormones in the uterus.
- Bridge pose
It is a tough pose in which the buttock muscles are kept stiff, and the pelvic region is raised upwards. This promotes circulation to the uterus and ovaries.
For Beginners:
Initially, you may perform fertility yoga twice or thrice a week, and should gradually increase it to up to 5 times a week, as convenient. You may find it difficult in the beginning. But, make up your mind to have patience and persevere with the practice. The results you see will encourage you very soon! Do not strain yourself with any asanas you find difficult. However, with time, your flexibility and balance will considerably improve.
Together with physical exercises, it is helpful to practice meditation. A balanced mind and body results in a balanced release of hormones for a healthy body. Before you start treatment why not give yoga a try for at least 3-4 months?
It is important to remember that yoga is not the sole remedy but something that can be tried along with your regular doctor appointments. Also, yoga may not provide instant results but its effect is seen gradually over time. So women! Start practicing this healthy and alternative therapy for a safe pregnancy.
