Why Yoga Is Helping Women Fall Pregnant
By Dr. Amanda Waaldyk, founder of Angea Acupuncture and Yoga (Angea)
It is estimated that one in six couples have difficulty conceiving, meaning that in many cases the road to conception is not always an easy one. For many, this often leads to increased levels of stress, anguish and frustration.
Over the years, studies have proven that yoga can not only helps to reduce stress but assists conception through various practices and positions. A key aspect of fertility is to initiate the “relaxation response”, which is achieved through the practice of yoga, by connecting the mind, body, breath and movement.
The mind-body connection has a huge impact on our fertility and reproductive system. When our bodies are stressed, we produce the hormone cortisol, which negatively affects our fertility by creating hormonal imbalance, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and more.
For many trying to fall pregnant, yoga offers a natural alternative.
Yoga for fertility is a series of specific postures that regulate and influence your endocrine system, increase blood flow and vitality to your pelvic region, and improves the nutrient supply to your reproductive organs. These specific postures not only restore physical and emotional health, they release muscle tension, reduce stress and boost fertility. Practicing these postures on a daily basis can dramatically increase your chances of successful conception.
Yoga is the connection of mind, body and breath. When we combine asana (postures) with pranayama (breath), we are able to initiate the “relaxation response” in the body. The “relaxation response” is an important function when it comes to fertility and pregnancy. New research has emerged that indicates yoga can improve the reproductive function by reducing stress, and balancing the neuro-endocrine axis (hormones).
A study conducted by psychologist Dr Alice Domar, the director for the Mind-Body Center for Women at Boston IVF, found that participation in a mind-body program, such as yoga, can do just that. Here, the stress hormone (cortisol) was shown to have physiological effects on the body that not only alter the balance of hormones in the body, but especially to those relating to fertility.
Emotions such as anger and fear can activate the sympathetic nervous system, which can massively hinder the fertility processes. When our bodies are in this stress response “flight or fight”, it constricts blood flow to our reproductive organs and interferes with conception. In yogic philosophy we call this prana or life force, allowing prana to flow freely is key for conception to occur.
The regular practice of poses such as Vipariti Karani (Legs up the Wall Pose) can dramatically assist with female conception. In fact, this asana is considered the “Jewel for Women in Yoga”. It is based on the belief that your blood and hormones circulate better through your body when it is inverted. The blood flow to your reproductive organs calms your central nervous system, restores your body, and initiates the relaxation response.
Supta Baddha Konasan (Reclined Angle Pose) is another essential posture in yoga for fertility. It is a gentle restorative pose that opens up the energy in the pelvis, stretches out the inner groin and thighs, and creates a space of openness both physically and mentally in order to prepare for conception.
Paschimottansana (intense stretch to the west) is a master posture in fertility yoga. It has an abundance of benefits physically, mentally and emotionally. It stimulates the ovaries and uterus and strengthens the function of the entire reproductive system. It feeds oxygenated blood and life force to the pelvic region. Overall this helps improve the reproductive function in both men and women, and can help reduce the harmful effects of stress on the reproductive system.
While some may perceive yoga as simply stretching and posture, it is so much more than a physical practice!
The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit work ‘yuj’ which means to unite, and now with modern research we are beginning to understand the benefits of this ancient practice. In the craziness of our busy lives, we have lost the connection to self, and our inner compass. Today, more and more people are searching for this deeper connection, and when the times comes to endeavour down the road to conception, yoga offers a natural pathway that is being taken world wide.
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About Dr. Amanda Waaldyk – Founder of Angea Acupuncture and Yoga (Angea)
Dr. Amanda Waaldyk, a renowned Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, founded Angea Acupuncture and Yoga (Angea) clinic in 2007. Dr. Amanda specialises in fertility, helping thousands of women (and men) achieve their dreams of pregnancy through a method she realised and termed, The Angea Method™ in 2009. For more information on Angea Acupuncture and Yoga clinic, or to book a consultation with Dr. Amanda or one of her practitioners, visit www.angea.com.au.
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