YOGA NOT ONLY IMPROVES YOUR FLEXIBILITY AND OVERALL HEALTH BUT ALSO BENEFITS YOUR SEX LIFE. LACHMI DEB ROY GUIDES YOU ON HOW THE ART OF LOVEMAKING CAN BE MORE FUN with these SIMPLE YOGA POSES.
Let’s be honest. Sex is one of the most delightful pleasures in life. It is sensual, playful and exciting. At the same time, it connects couples spiritually. Says Yoga Instructor and Nutritionist, Aditi Khanduri, “According to a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, November 12, 2009, a Harvard Health Publication, practising yoga regularly improves several aspects of sexual functions in women—desire, arousal, orgasm and overall satisfaction. A set of women in the age group of 22-55 years have experienced improvement in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and overall satisfaction by practising yoga regularly.
The connection of yoga and sex
Yoga increases blood circulation to the pelvic region by activating and engaging the body’s core region, improving our focus, and increasing oxygen levels in the body. Khanduri adds, “A lot of times, we carry the stress of work to our bedrooms, which does not leave mental space for sexual intimacy with your partner. Yoga asanas and breathing techniques help to de-stress yourself due to which you start understanding the body language of your partner. Due to sedentary lifestyle, our stamina and flexibility is hindered. This limits us to lead a healthy sex-life. Practising yoga asanas regularly will boost your flexibility and stamina; there is serenity about this, and you become confident and happy about yourself.”
Certain postures in yoga will not only boost your stamina, flexibility and confidence but also will help you enjoy your sex life like never before!
CAT POSE AND COW POSE COMBO
Steps:
Be on your hands and knees in a tabletop position. Make sure your thighs are at right angle to your hips, and your wrists, elbows and shoulders are in a line and perpendicular to the floor. Place your hands flat on the floor.
As you exhale, arch your back upward. Do not move your limbs. Simultaneously, drop your chin to your chest. Do not force this action.
Pair this with Cow Pose—while you exhale, arch your back downward and lift your chin upward. Try to look at the ceiling but do not strain your neck.
Repeat this 5 to 6 times.
Benefits:
• Strengthens the Kegel muscles that contract during orgasm, hence, helps in better orgasm.
• Gives flexibility to your shoulders, back and waist.
DOWNWARD DOG POSE
Steps:
Start with the tabletop pose. Hands should be shoulder-width apart and the knees aligned with your hands.
Tuck in your toes.
By pressing your hands on the floor, unfold your knees and straighten your legs, lifting your hips upward.
Look through the space in between your knees and relax.
Hold this pose for 4 to 5 deep breaths.
Benefits:
• Tones the core and waist.
• Gives a good stretch and flexibility to the muscles of the limbs.
• Stretches the spine and strengthens the back.
LIZARD POSE
Steps:
Form a Downward Dog Pose.
Bring your right foot forward to join the outer part of your right wrist.
Bend the right knee, keeping your thigh parallel to the floor.
If possible, and for better results, lower yourself on your elbows without moving your hands.
Benefits:
• Opens the hips, hamstrings, groin and hip flexors.
• Strengthens the inner thigh muscles.
DIAMOND POSE (Vajrasana)
Steps:
Start with tabletop pose. Touch your toes and thighs to each other but keep your heels apart.
Slowly, go back to sit in between your heels and place your hands gently on your rested thighs or on your folded knees.
Look straight and straighten your back and shoulders. Hold this pose for 4 to 5 minutes and breathe deeply.
Benefits:
• Kicks out anxiety, stress and mental tiredness.
• Helps improve digestion and body posture.
• Opens your hips.
CHILD POSE (Balasana)
Steps:
Start with Diamond Pose.
Slowly, bend forward, lowering your forehead and exhaling as you do so. Keep arms alongside your body and make sure your palms are open and facing upward.
Benefits:
• Relieves one from stress and fatigue.
• Stretches ankles, hips and back.
LOTUS POSE (Padmasana)
Steps:
Sit with your legs stretched on the floor.
Gently fold your right leg and keep its foot, with its sole facing upward, on your left thigh. The heel should be close to your abdomen. Do the same with your left leg, placing its foot on the right thigh in the same manner.
Place your hands on your knees and straighten your back.
Breathe deeply and be in this pose as long as you feel like.
Benefits:
• Considered as one of the best postures for meditation.
• Eases menstrual discomfort and benefits the reproductive organs.
• Helps develop good posture.
• Opens up the hips.
SITTING WIDE-LEGGED STRADDLE
Steps:
Sit straight with your legs widely spread on the floor.
Engage your thigh muscles as you press your legs onto the floor.
Starting from your waist, bend forward, while stretching your hands along the length of your legs. Bend your head downward.
Relax and breathe deeply.
Benefits:
• Amps the blood flow to your groin.
• Improves flexibility and motility of the hips.
• Stretches the spine and the thigh muscles.
SQUATTING POSE
Steps:
Stand with your feet wider in distance than your shoulders; angle your heels inward and
toes outward.
As you exhale, without leaning your shoulders forward, bend your knees slowly, sinking down until your hips are lower than your knees that will fold with the action.
Look straight, fold your hands and press your palms together. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
For better results, if possible, gently sway your hips sideways by putting pressure on either one of your feet at one time.
Benefits:
• Stretches groin, lower back, sacrum and hips.
• Tones the belly.
• Strengthens pelvic and thigh muscles.
