Home Sweet Home: 22 Yoga Poses and Stretches to Boost Fertility
Infertility is a common issue that affects many couples around the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10% of women in the United States struggle with fertility issues. While there are various medical treatments available, many people are turning to alternative methods, such as yoga, to help boost fertility. Yoga is a holistic approach that not only focuses on the physical body but also incorporates breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to improve overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore 22 yoga poses and stretches that can help boost fertility and increase your chances of conceiving.
1. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
The butterfly pose is a gentle hip-opening pose that can help improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs. Sit on the floor with your feet together, knees bent, and gently flap your legs like butterfly wings. This pose can help relieve tension in the hips and lower back, and increase flexibility in the pelvic area.
2. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
The seated forward bend is a calming pose that helps to stretch the hamstrings, lower back, and hips. It also stimulates the ovaries and uterus, promoting better blood flow to these areas. Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, and fold forward from the hips, reaching towards your toes.
3. Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
The supported bridge pose helps to open up the chest, shoulders, and hips. It also stimulates the thyroid gland and can help regulate hormones, which can be beneficial for fertility. Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet hip-width apart, and lift your hips off the ground while keeping your arms and shoulders on the floor.
4. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
The cobra pose is an energizing backbend that helps to stretch the abdominal muscles and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders, and press your palms into the ground as you lift your chest off the floor, keeping your hips and legs on the ground.
5. Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana)
The supported headstand is an inversion pose that helps to stimulate the thyroid and pituitary glands, which are responsible for regulating hormones. It also increases blood flow to the brain, improving overall health and well-being. It is important to practice this pose with the guidance of a trained yoga instructor.
6. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
The triangle pose is a rejuvenating pose that helps to open up the hips, stretch the hamstrings, and increase blood flow to the pelvic area. Stand with your feet wide apart, and reach your right arm towards your right foot, while keeping your left arm extended upwards.
7. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II)
The warrior II pose is a powerful pose that helps to strengthen the legs and improve balance. It also helps to open up the hips, which can be beneficial for fertility. Stand with your feet wide apart, and bend your right knee while keeping your left leg straight. Reach your arms out to the sides, keeping them parallel to the ground.
8. Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana)
The goddess pose is a deep hip-opening pose that helps to improve circulation to the pelvic area. Stand with your feet wide apart and turn your toes outwards. Bend your knees and lower your hips towards the ground, keeping your arms extended out to the sides.
9. Child’s Pose (Balasana)
The child’s pose is a relaxing pose that helps to calm the mind and reduce stress. It also stretches the hips and thighs, promoting better circulation to the reproductive organs. Sit on your heels with your knees wide apart, and fold forward, resting your forehead on the ground.
10. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
The cat-cow pose is a gentle flow that helps to stretch the spine and open up the chest. It also helps to stimulate the reproductive organs and improve circulation. Start on your hands and knees, and arch your back like a cat, then round your back like a cow, moving with your breath.
Home Sweet Home: 22 Yoga Poses and Stretches to Boost Fertility
11. Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
The reclining bound angle pose is a restorative pose that helps to relax the body and mind. It also helps to open up the hips and stimulate the reproductive organs. Lie on your back with your feet together and let your knees fall open to the sides.
12. Supported Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana with Bolster)
Adding a bolster to the reclining bound angle pose can further support the hips and help to relax the body. Lie on your back with a bolster under your back and your legs in the reclining bound angle pose.
13. Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)
The legs up the wall pose is a gentle inversion that helps to improve blood flow to the pelvic area. Lie on your back with your legs extended up the wall, and relax your arms by your sides.
14. Plow Pose (Halasana)
The plow pose is an advanced inversion pose that helps to stimulate the thyroid gland and improve circulation to the reproductive organs. Lie on your back and lift your legs up over your head, keeping your feet on the ground behind you.
15. Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
The shoulder stand is another advanced inversion pose that helps to stimulate the thyroid gland and improve circulation to the reproductive organs. Lie on your back and lift your legs up, bringing your feet towards your head, and supporting your lower back with your hands.
16. Supported Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
Adding a prop, such as a blanket or bolster, can provide additional support for the shoulder stand pose. Lie on your back with a prop under your hips and lift your legs up towards your head, supporting your lower back with your hands.
17. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
The standing forward fold is a calming pose that helps to stretch the hamstrings and increase blood flow to the pelvic area. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and fold forward from the hips, reaching towards your toes.
18. Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana)
The revolved triangle pose is a twisting pose that helps to open up the hips and improve digestion. It also stimulates the reproductive organs and improves circulation to the pelvic area. Stand with your feet wide apart, and twist your torso towards your right leg, reaching your left arm up towards the ceiling.
19. Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
The half lord of the fishes pose is a seated twist that helps to stimulate the digestive organs and improve circulation to the pelvic area. Sit with your legs extended in front of you, and cross your right foot over your left knee. Twist your torso towards your right, placing your left elbow on the outside of your right knee.
20. Corpse Pose (Savasana)
The corpse pose is a relaxing pose that helps to reduce stress and promote better sleep. It also allows the body and mind to fully relax and rejuvenate. Lie on your back with your arms and legs extended, and let your body sink into the ground.
21. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
Alternate nostril breathing is a breathing technique that helps to balance the right and left sides of the brain. It also helps to calm the mind and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for fertility. Sit comfortably with your spine straight, and use your right hand to alternate between closing and opening your nostrils as you inhale and exhale.
22. Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can also help to improve mental and emotional well-being, which is essential for fertility. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit, and focus on your breath or a mantra for a few minutes each day.
In conclusion, while there is no guarantee that these yoga poses and stretches will lead to pregnancy, they can be helpful in promoting overall health and well-being, which can ultimately increase your chances of conceiving. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise routine and to listen to your body while practicing yoga. Remember to be patient and kind to yourself throughout your fertility journey. Namaste.