Yoga is an ancient practice from India with numerous sex and health benefits, including increased flexibility, strength, and improved mental well-being. However, one of the less discussed yet significantly beneficial aspects of yoga is its positive impact on sexual health and intimacy. This comprehensive blog explores the intriguing intersection of yoga and sex, focusing on specific yoga poses that will enhance your sex life by improving stamina, flexibility, strength, and emotional connection.
The Connection Between Yoga And Sexual Health
Yoga improves sexual health by enhancing physical health and emotional connection. Yoga practice also increases blood flow to the genital area, which is essential for arousal and sexual function. Additionally, yoga reduces stress and anxiety, factors that can often hinder sexual desire and performance. The practice of yoga also promotes a deeper connection with one's own body, leading to increased body awareness and sensitivity during sexual activity.Using a yoga mat during these practices can provide comfort and support, allowing individuals to fully engage in their yoga routine and reap its benefits for their sex life.
8 Beneficial Yoga Poses For Enhancing Your Sex Life
Several yoga poses specifically target muscles and body areas involved in sexual activity, enhancing flexibility, strength, and endurance. Incorporating these sex yoga poses into your daily routine can lead to improved sexual performance and enjoyment. Here I've shared 8 best yoga poses for sexual life:
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Bridge yoga poses to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a pivotal role in sexual performance and pleasure. Bridge pose also improves the flexibility of the hips and spine, contributing to more dynamic and enjoyable sexual positions.
How To Do It
- Lie on a yoga mat with knees bent and feet flat.
- Lift hips, clasp hands under lower back, and hold for 30-60 secs.
- Focus on breathing and engaging pelvic floor muscles.
Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana and Bitilasana)
The fluid movement between the Cat and Cow pose increases spine flexibility, essential for comfort and endurance in various sexual positions. This stretch also enhances abdominal and pelvic floor muscle tone.
How To Do It
- Get into the tabletop position.
- Inhale and arch your spine downward (Cow Pose).
- Exhale and round your spine towards the ceiling (Cat Pose).
- Continue flowing between these two poses for 1-2 minutes, moving with your breath.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Cobra Pose strengthens the spine and buttocks, increasing flexibility and strength. Cobra pose also opens up the chest and shoulders, promoting deeper breathing, which can enhance relaxation and sensitivity during sex.
How To Do It
- Lie on your stomach with your legs extended behind you, the tops of your feet pressing into the floor.
- Place your hands on the ground under your shoulders, elbows close to your body.
- Press into your palms and slowly straighten your arms to lift your chest off the floor. Go only as high as comfortable, keeping your elbows slightly bent to avoid straining your back.
- Engage your legs and buttocks, and gently push your chest forward, increasing the stretch in your spine. Keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears.
- Hold the pose for 15-30 seconds, breathing deeply. Release back to the floor gently and repeat if desired.
Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana)
This pose is excellent for releasing tension in the hips and groin, areas that are crucial for comfortable and pleasurable sexual activity. The happy baby pose encourages a playful attitude toward one's body and sexuality.
How To Do It
- Lie on your back and bring your knees towards your chest.
- Grab the outside edges of your feet with your hands, opening your knees wider than your torso.
- Gently pull your knees towards the ground beside your ribs, aiming to keep your back flat on the floor.
- Hold for 1-3 minutes, breathing deeply and focusing on releasing tension in your hips and lower back.
Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
Pigeon Pose is one of the best for opening the hips, increasing flexibility, and reducing stress and tension in the lower body. Flexible hips can lead to more comfortable and enjoyable sex, allowing for a wider range of motion.
How To Do It
- Begin by getting into the Downward-Facing Dog pose.
- Next, bring your right knee to your right wrist and place your right ankle near your left hip.
- Extend your left leg back, keeping it straight, and allow your hips to lower towards the floor.
- You can stay upright to intensify the stretch, lean forward, rest on your forearms, or extend your arms for a deeper stretch.
- Hold this position for 1-3 minutes, then switch to the other side.
Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
This powerful pose builds stamina and strength in the legs and hips, enhancing the ability to maintain positions for longer periods. Warrior II also fosters a sense of inner strength and confidence, key components of a healthy sex life.
How To Do It
- Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart, raising your arms parallel to the floor with palms facing down.
- Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and align it with the arch of your left foot.
- Bend your right knee over the ankle and keep your torso upright.
- Hold for 30 sec to 1 min, then switch sides.
Boat Pose (Navasana)
Boat Pose strengthens the core muscles, improving stability and performance in sexual activity. A strong core enhances almost every sexual position by providing the strength needed for support and movement.
How To Do It
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat.
- Lean back and lift your feet, forming the half-boat pose.
- For the full boat pose, straighten your legs to form a V shape and extend your arms parallel to the ground.
- Tighten your core to balance on your sitting bones.
- Hold for 10-20 seconds, gradually increasing to 1 minute. Breathe steadily.
Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Butterfly Pose is excellent for opening the hips and stretching the inner thighs, areas that can be tense and restrict movement during sex. By improving flexibility in these areas, individuals can experience less discomfort and more enjoyment during intimate moments. Butterfly pose also stimulates the pelvic region, increasing blood flow and enhancing arousal and sensitivity.
How To Do It
- Sit on the yoga mat with a straight back. Extend your legs in front of you to start, then bend your knees to bring the soles of your feet together, drawing your heels as close to your body as feels comfortable.
- Grasp your feet with your hands, ensuring your knees are out to the sides. If it is comfortable, use your elbows to gently press your knees towards the floor to increase the stretch in your hips.
- Ensure your spine is straight, and avoid rounding your back. Maintain this posture for 1 to 5 minutes while focusing on deep, even breaths. Gradually open your hips more with each exhale.
How Yoga Enhances Emotional Connection and Intimacy
Beyond the physical benefits, yoga deeply impacts the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual health. Practices such as Partner Yoga can foster intimacy, trust, and communication between partners, essential elements for a fulfilling sexual relationship. Yoga teaches mindfulness and presence, encouraging practitioners to engage in the moment fully and enhancing the emotional and physical connection during intimacy.
Conclusion
Yoga offers a holistic approach to improving sexual health, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. The yoga poses mentioned here are just the beginning of exploring how yoga can enhance sexual wellness. Regular yoga practice can lead to significant improvements in sexual performance, satisfaction, and the overall quality of your intimate relationships. Embrace yoga not just as a physical practice but as a journey towards deeper connection, understanding, and joy in your sexual life.