Reproductive System

Question 1

How does Yoga benefit the menstrual cycle?

Answer 1

1. Forward bends compress & relax abdominal organs soothing menstrual inflammation & cramps
2. Back bends stretch reproductive organs increasing circulation
3. Rebalances hormones reducing PMS symptoms
4. Energizing krama reduces menstrual fatigue
5. PNS state encourages a regular cycle

Question 2

How does Yoga increase fertility?

Answer 2

PNS states reduces stress & rebalance hormones increasing reproductive function

Energizing krama reduces menstrual fatigue

Back bends increase circulation of blood and nutrients to reproductive organs

Forward bends relax the abdominal organs

Removing pranic blockages through pranayama

Chanting to benefit overall mental state

Sankalpas of positive affirmations

Question 3

How does Yoga support menopausal symptoms?

Answer 3

Increased bone density and prevention of osteoporosis through weight bearing poses

Scoliosis prevention (from osteoporosis) by elongation of spine

Cooling pranayama

Mula bandha for vagina wall and pelvic floor support

Question 4

How does stress impact the menstrual cycle and fertility?

Answer 4

• Disrupts the hormonal communication between the brain, pituitary, & ovaries interfering w maturation of eggs and the ovulation process
• Reduces Sex Drive
• Cortisol Imbalances Vaginal PH A spike in cortisol & norepinephrine affect sperm ability to travel & risk of yeast infection (Candida albicans) & BV
• Repro organs deprioritized in SNS
• Poor health & weight can cause Irregular/ temporarily stopped periods

Question 5

How do seated forward bends support the reproductive system?

Answer 5

Calm NS thus reduce stress & menstrual fatigue,

Balance over/under worked adrenal glands

Increase circulation, oxygen, nutrients to ovaries and uterus

Beneficial for oligomenorrhoea (infrequent or delayed periods) & hypomenorrhoea (scanty periods)

Question 6

How do standing postures support the reproductive system?

Answer 6

Through correct spinal alignment, muscles of the stomach are relaxed preventing pelvic inflammation and reproductive disorders

Question 7

How do spine twists support the reproductive system?

Answer 7

Stimulates liver which converts potentially toxic forms of estrogens to safer forms

Reduce premenstrual fluid retention in the lower limbs as well as reducing abdominal cramps, migraines, lumbar pain and fatigue

Improve tone and strength to the reproductive organs

Question 8

How does asana increase prostate health?

Answer 8

Hip openers stretch muscles running past prostate gland, increasing circulation of blood and nutrients to prostate & testes which can restore hormonal/endo balance

Inversions reduce pressure on this area by reversing gravity

Question 9

What are the six poses that support prostate health?

Answer 9

1. Paripurna Navasana Boat Pose
2. Sirsasana Headstand
3. Supta Padangusthasana Reclining Big Toe Pose
4. Salamba Sarvangasana Supported Shoulder stand
5. Baddha-Konasana Bound Angle Pose
6. Ardha Matsyendrasana Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

Question 10

How do back bends support the reproductive system?

Answer 10

Emotional release can remove pranic blocks

which can release dormant sexuality.

Increased circulation of oxygenated blood & nutrients to uterus, ovaries & fallopian tubes = released tension in pelvis.

Question 11

How do Inversions support the reproductive system?

Answer 11

Inversions balance endo system - the hormonal cycle through the month

Encourage circulation to Hypothalamus, Pituary & Pineal glands which strengthens communication between the endocrine and NS which benefits the reproductive system as a whole.

Question 12

How do standing forward bends support the reproductive system?

Answer 12

Action of lifting /lengthening spine (prior to bending) & compression can release abdominal tension

Compress reproductive organs = flooding w fresh oxygenated blood = healthy menstrual cycle & relieve cramping

Activates PNS & calming effects on the brain = Increased prana as a result.

Benefits: fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) & underdeveloped reproductive organs by increasing tone and strength to organs

Question 13

What are some poses that support the reproductive system?

Answer 13

Backbends release tension in pelvc region - Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Ustrasana (Camel)

Inversions balance endo system - Ardo Mukha Svanasana, Viparita Karani

Forward Bends - PNS stimulating and soothe the repro organs

Twists - Relieve abdominal bloating & Increase blood flow in reproductive region -Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle)

Hip openers - stretch & boost circulation to pelvis -Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby)