Regular practice of yoga harmonizes the chakras, makes you more calm, focused and a balanced being. It is not surprising that yoga also helps improve your sex life. As you become fully aware of the present moment, yoga can help overcome mental barriers and connect with your partner – emotionally, spiritually and even sexually.
It tones up your body, strengthens your core, increases circulation of blood in the pelvic region, which is directly linked to the level of arousal and simply makes you more receptive to intimacy and involved in the act for a longer duration. According to a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, regular yoga practice improved several aspects of sexual function in women, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction.
Try these following yoga poses to fire up your sex life:
Bhujangasana or Cobra pose
How to: A basic yet intense backbend, Cobra pose is simple and effective. Lie down in the prone position and place both the hands by the side of your body and join your feet. Fold your hands and place your hands (palms downwards) under your shoulders, keeping your elbows parallel and close to your torso. Take a deep breath and lift your torso up, the chest should be out. The shoulders should be outwardly rotated and the navel placed on the floor.
Gently lift your neck up and fix your gaze on the ceiling. If possible, straighten your arms by arching your back as much as possible; tilt your head back and look up. Stay here for a few breaths and as you exhale, gently release your body back to the floor. Repeat the pose 5 to 7 times.
Why to: Strengthening the core muscles, it improves the flow of the blood to the lower body and activates the Sacral Plexus chakra, which primarily deals with sexual desires and emotions. Cobra pose stimulates the sexual organs, increases the feeling of vitality and enhances the libido.
Setu Bandhasana or Bridge pose
How to: Lie down in supine position and bend the knees in a 90 degree format, the heel is placed firmly on the ground, hip width apart. As you inhale, lift the pelvic region up, forming a diagonal line from the knees to the neck, and tuck the chin to the neck.
Keep your thighs and inner feet parallel. Beginners can interlock their fingers on the mat underneath the torso, and advance level practitioners can hold the heels with both hands. Stay for a few breaths and gradually exhale and come back down.
Why to: It strengthens and tones the pelvic area. Holding the bridge is similar to doing a Kegel, because you squeeze the same pelvic muscles. Also, it increases flexibility & strength in the back and activates the sacral plexus chakra.
Upavista Konasana or Wide-angle seated forward bend
How to: Sit in Dandasana (Staff Pose) and spread your legs as wide as you can, as long as you’re comfortable. Press your legs on the floor with toes and knees stretching upward. Place both the hands in front of you and without arching the back, exhale and gently walk your fingers a forward. Make sure the knees are seated on the floor.
Stay wherever you are or if you can go all the way down, place your forehead on the ground and stretch your hands completely. As you bend further, your spine stretches more. Stay here for a minute, inhale and slowly come back up to the starting position.
Why to: This asana stretches and works deeply on the groin muscles. It flexes the hip rotator and opens up the hip joint for better movement during intercourse. It reduces stress and tension, improves blood flow and flexibility in the pelvic region.
Supta Baddha Konasana or Reclining Bound Angle Pose
How to: Sit with your spine erect, bent your knees and join the soles of your feet together. For better support, one can also place rolled towels/blankets/cushions underneath both the thighs. Lie down in the same position slowly, resting your entire back on the ground. It is preferred to lie down on the ground directly, but if uncomfortable initially, one can also place a bolster under the back in a vertical position and rest on it.
The head should also be in level with the back, either on the ground or on the bolster. Leave the hands by the side of the body or lift them up and interlock them above the head. Keep breathing for 10 to 15 breaths in this calming posture.
Why to: Sleeping Butterfly Pose stretches the inner thighs and groin area, it opens up the hip joints and heart chakra as well. Boosting the energy level, it soothes the back and relieves all kinds of stress and tension in the body. This pose is simple yet extremely effective in resolving anxiety and tension.
Viparita Karani or Legs-up-the-wall Pose
How to: Lie on the floor near a wall. Exhale and swing your legs up onto the wall. Gently move forward to touch the hips to the wall. Ensure that there is no gap between the wall and hip. The feet can be both flexed or pointed, and the arms can be placed on the stomach for enhanced relaxation. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Stay here for 10 to 15 breaths and come back. After you come out of this pose, be sure to lie on your side for a few breaths before sitting upright with your back against the wall.
Why to: Pushing the flow of the blood in an inverted direction, it boosts energy levels, and creates a sense of relaxation. It is also very helpful in treating infertility.
For both beginners and experienced practitioners, any of these poses, with regular practice, will improve flexibility and heighten body awareness. If you practice yoga with your partner, it will help build intimacy and enhance your relationship. When you move and breathe together in harmony, your relationship is bound to blossom. Incorporate yoga in your daily regime and see the magic moving from mat to the sheets.
Image Sources
Wide-angle seated forward bend
Legs up the wall pose
Reclining Bound Angle Pose
Alex Grey – Copulating