Fertility Yoga and Women’s Health
Did you know that more than 80 million couples worldwide suffer from infertility?
Alone in the US, every 6th couple struggles with natural conception according to the World Health Organization. Infertility is not only a disease of the female reproductive system, even though it is often associated with it. The male reproductive system also often fails to function correctly, thus resulting in infertility and unfulfilled desire to have a baby.
Infertility is defined by the failure to become pregnant after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It highly affects peoples mental and psychosocial health and causes lots of distress, financial hardship and ends of relationships.
While modern fertility treatments often very expensive and focus on unnatural methods like hormonal therapies, IVF and ICSI, fertility yoga looks the process of conception from a natural, wholistic and ancient Vedic perspective. At the moment, in most countries, fertility treatments are funded out of the personal pocket and cause devastating financial costs. Fertility Yoga provides an easily accessible path towards higher chances of natural conception at a much lower cost while addressing the emotional and mental health as well.
What is Fertility Yoga?
When struggling with infertility, couples often feel like they’ve exhausted all their options. The stress and pressure of trying naturally without success and/or completing multiple allopathic treatments unsuccessfully can weigh heavily on one’s shoulders. The physical and hormonal imbalances are only one way to look at it. Especially the mental stress and turmoil can make it even more difficult to conceive and deal with the whole situation.
Fertility Yoga is a specialized form of yoga designed to support individuals and couples on their journey to conception and promote reproductive health. This practice integrates traditional yoga techniques with poses, breathing exercises, Ayurveda and mindfulness strategies aimed at optimizing fertility and creating a positive environment for conception.
Fertility Yoga is the practice of asanas and yogic techniques that are especially helpful for natural conception; tailored individually to suit the couple’s problems (unexplained infertility, PCOS, low sperm count, Endometriosis, Thyroid Imbalances, Hashimoto etc.)
Did you that according to the recent study of the National Library of Medicine, Yoga can improve the chances of natural conception tremendously?
When understood well and focused on the right techniques, a fertility yoga teacher or consultant can help to create physical, endocrine, mental and emotional balance and health.
Imagine women who have had multiple miscarriages, who have been struggling for years to get pregnant or even considered giving up on their fertility journey? The ancient science of yoga does not only focus on balancing the body and mind, but also on building a bridge between body and mind, connecting the heart and providing social support. To connect with like-minded women who experience similar pain can be a great way to deal with isolation and emotional baggage.
Another study found a drastic decline in anxiety and depression among women undergoing IVF who completed a six-week fertility yoga program.
But how does fertility yoga really work? And how can you learn more about this interesting topic?
How Fertility Yoga Works
Many causes of infertility cannot be explained by modern science and are called “idiopathic”. The Vedas, the ancient scriptures of India, have explained modern science already thousands of years ago, without any technology. Fertility yoga looks at the whole picture and focuses on various aspects that modern doctors fail to understand. Fertility Yoga focuses on root causes of diseases and symptoms, emotional well-being, trauma, emotional blockages, oppressed energy, the individual nature (prakriti), dosha and much more.
It looks at the individual participant and approaches a uniquely tailored practice for whichever condition has been understood. Pulse Diagnose and Dosha Analysis can be good starting steps from an Ayurvedic perspective. According to the prakriti, a well-suited asana and pranayama practice can be practiced
Fertility Yoga Asanas and Pranayama for women primarily focus on:
- creating complete endocrine balance
- assisting in re-connecting to a natural menstrual cycle (28 days)
- practicing according to each phase of the cycle
- increasing the important hormones required for conception
- improving blood circulation in the reproductive organs
- activating the pituitary gland
- reducing stress, stiffness and anxiety
- connecting to the feminine energy
- toning the ovaries and maturation of high quality eggs
- balancing the emotions
- Cleansing subtle energy blockages
- Creating inner peace and calmness
- Creating stability and grounding
- Opening the heart, sacral and root chakra
- Releasing the need for control
Fertility Yoga Asanas and Pranayama for men primarily focus on:
- Connecting to the masculine energy
- Improving hormonal imbalances
- Adjusting testosterone levels
- Mindfulness regarding the role as partner and father
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Cleansing the energy channels (nadis)
- Improving blood flow in the reproductive organs
The Benefits of Fertility Yoga
Fertility Yoga is not only for women but also for men and couples struggling with infertility. The yoga classes can have a large number of benefits including:
- Stress reduction: many fertility yoga practitioners report lower stress levels, better sleep quality and life-style choices (relationships, diet, activities, work-life balance). Decreased levels of stress naturally boost immunity, reproductive health and the chances of conceiving naturally.
- Muscle Relaxation: fertility yoga involves gentle stretches and poses that release tension in the muscles, especially in the pelvic and abdominal regions. This relaxation supports a healthier environment for reproductive organs. Relaxed muscles enhance blood flow to the reproductive system, promoting optimal functioning
- Self-Awareness: Fertility yoga encourages introspection and mindfulness. Practitioners learn to connect with their bodies on a deeper level, fostering self-awareness regarding their reproductive health, dietary intake and emotional needs. Improved self-awareness empowers individuals to make informed choices and actively participate in their fertility journey.
- Chakra Balance: Fertility yoga incorporates poses that target the sacral, root and heart chakra, associated with reproductive organs. Balancing these energy centers enhances fertility by promoting a harmonious flow of energy. Aligned chakras contribute to overall well-being and vitality, creating a supportive environment for conception.
- Ovarian Health and Testes Health: Specific fertility yoga poses stimulate blood flow to the ovaries and testes, promoting optimal health. This increased circulation may positively impact the quality of eggs and sperm. Enhanced ovarian and testicular health supports reproductive function, thus improving the chances of conception.
- Endocrine Balance: Fertility yoga poses target the endocrine system, regulating hormonal balance. Hormones (especially estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, LH, Inhibin) play a crucial role in fertility, and yoga helps ensure their optimal functioning. Balanced hormones contribute to a more favorable reproductive environment, addressing underlying fertility challenges.
- Release of Need for Control: Fertility yoga teaches surrender and acceptance, releasing the need for rigid control over the conception process. Practitioners learn to trust the natural flow of their bodies. Letting go of excessive control reduces mental and emotional stress, creating a more open and receptive mindset for conception.
Incorporating fertility yoga into your journey not only addresses physical aspects of fertility but also nurtures emotional and mental well-being. The holistic approach of fertility yoga empowers individuals, fostering a balanced and supportive environment for the conception journey.
How to Start Fertility Yoga
Starting fertility yoga is a wonderful step toward nurturing reproductive well-being. To begin, consider the following steps:
- Search for Fertility Yoga Classes and Teachers: Look for local yoga studios or wellness centers offering fertility-focused classes. Websites, community boards, and social media can be valuable resources for finding classes and knowledgeable instructors.
- Attend Local Classes: Attend in-person fertility yoga classes led by experienced instructors. In a live class setting, you benefit from personalized guidance, corrections, and the energy of a supportive community. Experienced teachers can adapt poses based on your needs and provide valuable insights specific to your fertility journey.
- Why Not YouTube or Online Classes? While online platforms offer convenience, fertility yoga is a nuanced practice that benefits from individualized attention. Generic YouTube videos lack the personalization required for fertility concerns. Professional guidance is crucial in tailoring the practice to your unique needs, considering factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress levels, and reproductive health.
- Individual Tailoring for Needs: Fertility yoga is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Professional teachers in live classes can assess your specific needs and adapt the practice accordingly. They may suggest poses targeting reproductive organs, stress reduction techniques, and breathing exercises tailored to your circumstances.
- Professional Guidance Matters: Fertility yoga instructors with expertise understand the intricacies of reproductive health. They can provide modifications, address concerns, and guide you through a practice that aligns with your fertility goals. This level of professional support is absent in generic online videos. You are most welcome to contact us to receive our list of certified Fertility Yoga Instructors and Counselors in your country/city.
- Consistency and Patience: Fertility yoga, like any practice, requires consistency and patience. Regular attendance at local classes allows you to build a routine and receive ongoing guidance. The supportive environment enhances your commitment to the practice.
How to become a Fertility Yoga Teacher
Embarking on the journey to become a fertility yoga teacher involves dedicated training and a passion for promoting reproductive well-being. Here’s a general guide to help you get started:
- Do a Foundational 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training:
Start by completing a foundational 200 hour yoga teacher training in India program. Most programs cover the principles of yoga, anatomy, teaching methodologies, and ethical considerations. Ensure the program is accredited by reputable organizations like Yoga Alliance. - Complete a Specialized Fertility Yoga Teacher Training in India:
Once you’ve gained a foundational understanding of yoga and teaching, consider enrolling in a specialized fertility yoga teacher training in India. Gyan Yog Breath offers a renowned fertility yoga program focusing specifically on fertility yoga in relation to modern fertility treatments and Ayurveda.
Gyan Yog Breath’s 8-day residential fertility yoga teacher training in India lets you dive deeply into holistic health, Vedic wisdom, Marma Therapy, Asana, Pranayama and Detoxification Techniques. You will be taught how to guide individuals and couples empathetically on their fertility journey. This fertility yoga teacher training in India is designed to provide specialized expertise in addressing reproductive health and natural conception. Read more about this course here.
