People trying to conceive must practice regular exercises, specifically yoga, to boost physical and mental health. (Images: Shutterstock)
Yoga is not just a physical exercise but an act that can also help in tackling stress and anxiety. Certain yoga aasanas can help improve reproductive health and enhance fertility.
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, infertility has become a growing concern among couples across the globe. Increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical movements have contributed to the lowering of fertility levels even among youngsters.
While medical consultation should be taken in cases of infertility, people trying to conceive must practice regular exercises, specifically yoga, to boost physical and mental health.
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Yoga is not just a physical exercise but an act that can also help in tackling stress and anxiety. Certain yoga aasanas can help improve reproductive health and enhance fertility. On this International Day of Yoga, here are some yoga asanas that can help you in tackling infertility. But, before we go on to talk about the possible solution, we must understand what are the common causes of infertility.
Common Causes of Infertility?
- Ovulatory DisordersPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in which imbalanced hormones disrupt ovulation. PCOS is a very common issue seen in females these days. A Press Information Bureau (PIB) from 2023 suggests that 6-26% of females worldwide and 3.7-22.5% of females in India suffer from PCOS. Apart from PCOS, an ovulatory disorder also includes hypothalamic dysfunction that affects the release of hormones that are necessary for the maturity of the eggs.
- Eating DisordersConditions like bulimia or anorexia nervosa can also affect the ability to conceive as they majorly alter normal biological processes of the body
- Consumption of alcohol/ smoking tobaccoThere’s enough scientific evidence to prove that tobacco consumption, drugs, and alcohol harm the reproductive organs of both men and women. They can also result in permanent damage to the body and lead to infertility.
Yoga Asanas That Can Help You Combat Infertility
Let’s dig deep into some asanas that can be performed to boost fertility and how they are beneficial:
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Gently stretch your inner thighs and groin muscles while promoting relaxation and improved circulation in the pelvic region. This pose may help regulate menstrual cycles and ease discomfort.
Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
This restorative pose elevates your legs above the heart, promoting blood flow to the pelvic organs and uterus. It can also alleviate fatigue and reduce stress, both of which can be factors in fertility.
Cat-Cow Pose (Marjariasana)
This gentle spinal flow improves flexibility and blood flow throughout the spine and pelvic region. It can also help massage internal organs and improve digestion, which can indirectly contribute to hormonal balance.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
This pose strengthens the core and back muscles, which can be beneficial during pregnancy. It also stimulates the thyroid gland, which plays a role in regulating hormones.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
This deeply relaxing pose allows your body to completely unwind. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can be helpful for fertility. Child’s Pose also gently stretches the back and hips.
Cobra Pose ( Bhujangasana)
This pose gently opens the chest and strengthens the spine. It may improve circulation in the pelvic region and stimulate the abdominal organs. However, if you have any lower back problems, it’s best to avoid Cobra Pose or modify it with support under your forehead.
Few more poses that may help:
Cobbler Pose (Baddha Konasana)
- Stimulates the reproductive organs
- Improves blood circulation
- Relieves menstrual discomfort
- Promotes overall pelvic health
- Creates a nurturing environment for conception by encouraging relaxation.
Forward Bend Pose (Hastapadasana)
- Relieves stress from the abdominal region
- Makes the spine flexible
- Stretched back muscles
- Improves blood supply to the pelvic region and nervous system
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottasana)
- Reduces the chances of Sciatica, which is a pain in the lower back or the legs.
- Helps stretch the lower back, hips and hamstrings
- Tones abdominal organs
- Tones shoulders and pelvic organs
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
- Helps in curing urinary tract infections
- Helps subdue menstrual disorders
- Increases blood circulation to the pelvic area
- Provides nutrients, blood and oxygen to the reproductive system, thus improving their health.
