Fertility Yoga: Does It Really Help? Expert Shares 5 Poses Women Should Try

Yoga is good for the overall health, but it is not an elixir for every ailment. Issues related to posture, peace, pain, strength, endurance and flexibility can be assisted with it, however, many wellness influencers have coined a term; fertility yoga.

Some of them took it to social media to claim that yoga can help with infertility as well. “If you are facing fertility issues, try this yoga pose,” or “Are you struggling with infertility, try yoga,” read many captions on Instagram and other social media platforms.h infertility. “If you are facing fertility issues, try this yoga pose,” or “Are you struggling with infertility, try yoga,” read many captions on Instagram and other platforms.

To learn the truth behind it, we spoke to Dr Lakshmi Chirumamilla, Fertility Consultant at Nova IVF Fertility, Hyderabad. Here is what the expert shared.

What Is Fertility Yoga?

Dr Chirumamilla said, “Yoga is an ancient practice that aims to build strength and awareness. It unites the mind and body through breathing exercises, meditation and asanas or stretching poses.”

These asanas were designed to flex various muscles, encourage relaxation and promote mindfulness. People struggling with fertility issues often experience emotional distress and anxiety. “The recent data suggests that many couples are finding it hard to conceive normally,” added the fertility expert.

Therefore, people are resorting to yoga or fertility yoga. Both men and women can de-stress their minds and experience calmness.

How Does Fertility Yoga Boost Fertility?

“Although fertility yoga does not claim to guarantee pregnancy, it does benefit reproductive functions, both in men and women, by improving the overall physiological systems,” Dr Chirumamilla shared with us.

The focus of fertility yoga is on stimulating the ovaries and uterus, reducing stress and anxiety, balancing hormone levels, increasing blood circulation and strengthening muscles. All of these are the key factors that essentially affect one’s fertility.

Best Fertility Yoga Asanas

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

Surya Namaskar is one of the oldest and most popular yoga asanas consisting of 12 poses that improve blood circulation. Women can practise it to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce menstrual cramps and manage certain issues of menopause also.

“Regular practice of Surya Namaskar can have an empowering effect on the uterus, making childbirth comparatively easier,” Dr Chirumamilla told us. Furthermore, it regulates the sex drive and removes flaws related to the malfunctioning of the sexual gland (endocrine glands). It also helps with premature signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold)

The Paschimottanasana, also known as a seated forward fold, stretches the lower back, hips and hamstrings. It directly affects reproductive organs among women and reduces stress.

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Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

Sarvangasana, also known as the shoulder stand, helps with certain thyroid conditions while providing relief from stress. “Due to a lack of thyroid-stimulating hormones, women with thyroid (postpartum thyroiditus) face many health complications that can reduce their chances to conceive,” explained Dr Chirumamilla. This yoga is recommended for thyroid patients so that a woman’s reproductive organs can be benefited.

Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)

The Baddha Konasana, popularly known as the butterfly pose or the bound angle pose, stretches the muscles of the inner thighs, genitals, hips and knees. It should be done as a part of a warm-up session before running or an intense workout. It improves flexibility which can be helpful during childbirth.

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Viparita Karani (Leg Up The Wall Pose)

Viparita Karani, or leg up the wall pose, can help a person experience relief from backache. It also improves the blood flow to the pelvic region. As the pose stretches the back of the neck, front torso and back of the legs, it also helps the tired muscles in the legs and feet to relax.

“Fertility yoga has a lot of benefits, like improving a stressful lifestyle and boosting fertility,” the doctor said. However, one must consult a doctor in case they are struggling with fertility (fertility and hormone) issues. Yoga would only help if it is part of a treatment prescribed by the doctor.

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