Fighting off Erectile Dysfunction Through Yoga

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Erectile Dysfunction treatment through Yoga

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not nearly as embarrassing as one might think. It’s actually becoming all too common among adult males, especially as new studies have found that COVID-19 can cause a new-onset of ED.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that men get properly diagnosed and treated for this particular condition. The post “What is Erectile Dysfunction?” by SymptomFind notes that ED is most commonly treated with medication. The most popular of these is sildenafil, which many will know as Viagra.

However, there are alternative methods you can also explore. One that you might find beneficial is practicing yoga regularly. Here’s why.

yoga for erectile dysfunction

How yoga might help

A common misconception about yoga is that it only caters to certain groups of people, like women or athletes. But anyone looking to improve their physical and mental health can benefit from a mat practice. In fact, a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Surgery found that yoga can improve erectile function if used along with other treatments like regular exercise or radiation. If you’re a man with ED, you’ll need to understand what might causing your condition. This will help identify what style of yoga is most appropriate to practice.

The causes of ED

Increasing blood flow

One of the root causes of ED is complications with blood flow. This can occur in individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. All are weight-related conditions and can be remedied with diet and lifestyle changes. This is where yoga comes in.

In 2021, Chinese researchers published a study highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of yoga. The piece found that it could combat the risk factors of multiple cardiovascular conditions. Together with aerobic exercise, practitioners can enjoy a reduction in blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. This can help to lessen the amount of blockage in the arteries and increase circulation to the penile arteries, which should help one get and keep an erection.

Keeping the mind clear

There are some cases where ED stems from psychological factors. Stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma are all well-known triggers of ED. Fortunately, CNN notes that yoga can effectively treat these mental conditions by centering the mind and relieving stress, which is why it’s often considered a great form of self-care.
Of course, this is not to say that yoga can cure mental illness — but it can help alleviate symptoms like stress or insomnia. For example, Hatha Yoga is ideal for alleviating daily stress. This is because it focuses on mindful movement, meditation, and breathing, which can all be extremely calming. Alternatively, Kundalini Yoga, which is about awakening one’s life force, can be perfect for those looking to liven up their sex lives.

Yoga poses for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Given this information, you may find that some poses help target ED-specific health issues more than others. Below are a few you can try.

Shavasana

corpse pose

If you’re new to yoga, you can start out with the corpse pose. Simply lie on your back with your arms stretched at your sides and your palms facing the sky. Close your eyes and slowly visualize your body relaxing from your toes to your head. This may help those with ED triggered by psychological factors.

Balasana

child pose

Another simple yet mentally-relaxing pose is the balasana, or baby pose. Start by kneeling on your mat. Keep your spine straight and bend forward until your chest touches your knees and your forehead is on the ground. Simultaneously keep your arms straight and stretch them forward until they also touch the floor. You can keep the pose for 30 seconds.

Ardha matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana

If your ED is caused by issues with blood flow, the half lord of the fish pose can encourage circulation in the abdomen and pelvic regions. Sit on your mat with your legs stretched forward. Bend your knees, cross your right leg over the left, and place your right foot on the floor. Clasp your right leg and face right to stretch your muscles. Repeat with the left leg.

Dhanurasana

bow pose

To improve blood flow and strengthen your core, try the bow pose. Lay on your stomach with your feet a hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Inhale. While exhaling, bend your knees upwards and hold your ankles. When you inhale again, lift your chest and look straight ahead. Hold for up to 20 seconds.

Other considerations

The benefits of yoga can be boosted if you take steps to revitalize your diet and lifestyle. Do yoga along with regular aerobic exercises like jogging or biking. Have a balanced diet with a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, nuts, and grains. In ‘Home Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction’, we mentioned that other foods like ginger, pomegranate juice, and olive oil can help. Finally, adopt a healthy lifestyle that allows you to get enough sleep and avoids harmful habits like smoking and drinking.

From the above discussion, it’s clear that yoga is a healthy alternative treatment to those who experience ED. However, it shouldn’t be used alone: diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle along with yoga will streamline the process of getting your erectile function back in fighting form.

Image Source: flaticon.com

One Response

  1. Daily Chemist April 1, 2022

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