As we approach International Yoga Day, it's the perfect time to explore the incredible benefits of yoga for fertility. For couples on a journey to conceive, fertility yoga offers a holistic approach to enhance reproductive health and increase the chances of pregnancy. In this blog, we will delve into the world of fertility yoga, discuss its effectiveness, and explore 8 easy yet powerful poses that can help boost fertility. But before we dive in, let's take a quick overview of how yoga can play a significant role in your parenthood journey.
Planning for a baby can be an emotional and sometimes challenging experience for several couples. But, various factors are seen to affect fertility such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and reproductive health issues.1 While medical interventions and artificial reproductive techniques are crucial in some infertility cases, incorporating complementary practices like yoga can provide a holistic approach to your journey.2
Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness to promote overall well-being.3 When it comes to fertility, yoga offers numerous benefits. It helps reduce stress levels, balance hormones, increase blood circulation to the reproductive organs, and create a harmonious environment for conception.4,5
The legs-up-the-wall pose is known for its ability to promote relaxation and improve blood circulation to the pelvic area. This pose also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a significant impact on fertility. Here’s how can practice this pose.7
The supported bridge pose is an excellent fertility yoga pose to stimulate the abdominal organs and the thyroid gland while stretching the spine and chest. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform this asana:8
Rabbit pose is believed to help boost fertility and support reproductive health. It is said to increase blood flow to the pelvic area, stimulate the reproductive organs, and release tension in the neck and shoulders, thereby promoting fertility.9 Follow these steps to practice this pose.10
Malasana, also known as the garland pose is said to improve blood circulation to the pelvic area, stimulate the reproductive organs and stretch the groin and hip muscles.9 Try this powerful fertility yoga pose by following these simple steps.11
Paschimottanasana is another excellent fertility yoga pose that can help stretch your lower back, hamstrings and hips along with toning your abdominal organs. This pose can also help tone your shoulders and pelvic organs. Here’s how you can get started with this pose:12
Hastapadasana, also known as the standing forward bend or hand-to-foot pose. This fertility yoga pose stretches all your back muscles and revives your nervous system by increasing the blood supply. Follow these simple steps to get going:13
Badhakonasana is named the butterfly pose because of the way it is performed. While performing this pose, our legs tend to appear like a butterfly flapping its wings. This pose provides a good stretch for the inner thighs which helps improve the flexibility in the groin and hip region. If practiced regularly until late pregnancy this pose can help for a smooth childbirth as well. Now, let us understand the steps to perform this pose: 14
Shavasana or corpse pose is a relaxation and rest pose practiced towards the end of a yoga session. It helps regulate blood pressure and reduce stress as well as anxiety. Follow these easy steps to rejuvenate yourself at the end of your yoga session:15
In conclusion, fertility yoga offers a natural and empowering approach to enhance fertility and support your reproductive journey. By incorporating just a few simple yet powerful poses into your routine, you can tap into the potential of your body and cultivate a positive environment for conception. The 8 poses mentioned in this blog can help balance hormones, improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and create a sense of relaxation and openness in the reproductive system.
Remember to approach fertility yoga with patience, consistency, and mindfulness, allowing yourself the space to connect with your body and honour its needs. Combine these poses with a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and emotional well-being, and you'll be on your way to optimizing your fertility journey. Embrace the power of fertility yoga and embark on this transformative practice with confidence and hope. May it bring you closer to your dreams of parenthood.
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before performing any of the mentioned yoga poses.