Yoga BLOG
How to benefit from yoga when trying to conceive
by Stefan
on Jul 24 2021
Do you want to get pregnant and have a child? With hormone yoga, you can support your body in achieving hormonal balance and increasing your fertility. We'll explain how hormone yoga works, how it can help you on your path to pregnancy, and also introduce you to two yoga exercises to try.
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Yoga and hormones
What may sound almost unbelievable at first has actually been proven by various studies. Yoga can influence our hormonal balance and counteract its imbalance. If this holistic bodywork is practiced regularly, stress is reduced, depression can disappear, and overall body image improves.
So, if you're hoping to have a baby, various exercises can help you on your path to increased fertility and thus pregnancy. Regular practice is important to achieve lasting results.
Yoga takes the pressure off you
A pregnancy is always a small miracle. Only when many factors interact perfectly is an egg fertilized and begins its long journey in the woman's womb. Even if, from a medical perspective, everything is perfectly fine physically and, theoretically, nothing stands in the way of conception, it can take several months before a baby is announced. This can put a strain on the relationship and increase the pressure. This means pure stress for the mind and body and, in the worst case, can lead to depression. Yoga and meditation take away the pressure and help you approach the desire to have children in a more relaxed manner. Nature will find its way and will fulfill your wish to have children when your body is ready.
Which yoga for those trying to conceive?
To become pregnant, it's a good idea to engage in hormone yoga specifically for women, also known as fertility yoga. This holistic program was developed by Brazilian Dinah Rodrigues. It's designed to help yogis successfully combat hormonal problems such as stress, headaches, or menopausal symptoms. Hormone yoga also helps balance hormonal imbalances when trying to conceive. You can find more information about hormone yoga here .
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How a hormone yoga class works
Dinah Rodrigues, together with her gynecologist, developed a special series of exercises for this purpose in 1992. The order of the yoga exercises is precisely defined.
Warm-up : Dynamic stretching and warm-up exercises are common at the beginning. These loosen up the entire body and gently prepare it for the following exercises.
Hormone Yoga Exercises : The sequence of exercises in Hormone Yoga is always the same. The series lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes about 20 exercises that affect hormone balance.
Meditation : As is typical in yoga, the class concludes with a guided meditation. The final relaxation (Shavasana) brings peace and relaxation to the body.
How fertility yoga works
To influence a woman's hormones and thus increase fertility, hormone yoga must be practiced regularly and over a longer period of time. It's best to practice three times a week to reap the benefits. Don't put yourself under pressure or expect too much, as it will take several months for the effects to be felt on your body.
Positive effects of fertility yoga on women:
Stress is reduced
relieves psychological pressure
the cycle can be regulated
Hormone production is stimulated
hormonal imbalance is balanced
Developing good body awareness
Blood pressure is lowered
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When you should not practice hormone yoga
Even if the desire to have a child is very strong, the special exercises from Hormone Yoga may only be practiced if the following does not apply to you:
existing pregnancy
unexplained abdominal pain
hormone-induced breast cancer
You recently had abdominal surgery
advanced endometriosis
large fibroids
Inflammation in the abdominal cavity
severe osteoporosis
acute heart disease
Fertility Yoga: 2 Exercises
Hormone yoga for fertility enhancement is a blend of elements of Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga combined with Tibetan healing methods. In total, there are around 20 different exercises that specifically stimulate glands and organs. Many yoga studios now offer this special style of yoga. There are also various online options for benefiting from hormone yoga.
These two exercises give you a first insight into the world of fertility yoga:
Janu Shirshasana (Head-to-Knee Pose)
Sit comfortably on your yoga mat . Straighten your back and ensure your chest is lifted. Relax your shoulders, and place your hands next to your hips. Extend one leg and grasp the foot with your hands. Bring your upper body forward, and bring your head toward your knee. Stay in this position for at least 5 breaths. Then, with a straight back and extended arms, rise back up and repeat the yoga exercise on the other side.
Supta Virasana (the reclining hero)
Lie on your back on your yoga mat . Bend your knees and bring your lower legs alongside your body. Your buttocks should be between your feet, which should be facing backward. You can either rest your arms relaxed at your sides or raise them above your head and hold your elbows. You will feel an intense stretch. If the stretch is too intense for you, place a meditation cushion under your back for support.
Note: Yoga has been proven to influence hormone levels. However, it's not a cure-all. If you have the desire to become pregnant, it can be a helpful tool to influence your hormones. However, you shouldn't consider it a guarantee of pregnancy. If it's medically impossible, unfortunately, yoga won't help you get pregnant.
Are you currently considering trying to conceive? Have you tried hormone yoga to support your body's pregnancy journey? We'd love to hear about your experiences!
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by Nick
on Jul 20 2018
What is hormone yoga? Hormone yoga, developed by Brazilian yoga practitioner Rodrigues , is said to make it possible to combat hormonal problems such as menopausal symptoms, stress, headaches, menstrual pain, or poor skin. The combination of appropriate physical and breathing exercises is intended to stimulate the glands responsible for hormone production, such as the ovaries, and thus regulate their hormone production. Learn exactly how hormone yoga works, who it is suitable for, and what to consider when using it in the following guide. Hormone yoga against menopausal symptoms Do you suffer from menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, inner restlessness, depression, headaches, or sleep disorders, or do you want to prevent these problems? Then hormone yoga could be a good solution for you, as it is said to have a positive effect on hormone levels and thus alleviate or even completely eliminate various symptoms. Yoga can also be practiced for other forms of hormonal imbalance. It is also often said that women who are trying to conceive can benefit from it, as the practice can increase their chances of becoming pregnant. A positive side effect is the development of new body confidence and self-confidence. Hormone yoga is not just suitable for women, as men also gain a new understanding of their own bodies and the forces at work. How did hormone yoga come about? Dinah Rodrigues introduced Hormone Yoga in Germany in early 2000 and established a yoga practice for women who were trying to conceive, experiencing menopausal symptoms, or hormonal imbalance. In 1993, she conducted a study to scientifically substantiate the positive effects of Hormone Yoga on various symptoms of hormonal imbalance. The study demonstrated that hormone levels can be significantly increased through regular yoga practice. Case studies can be found in her book "Hormone Yoga." Anusara yoga teacher Turske subsequently developed the yoga further and refined the exercises. What exactly is hormone yoga?
Hormone yoga, which is also suitable for beginners, is a natural, highly energizing method that is said to bring hormonal balance into balance. The key components of hormone yoga are: Different movements and figures (asanas consist of different techniques from different yoga styles)
Breathing techniques
Activation of the body's own energies
Directing energy to the hormone glands
Hormone yoga contains elements from Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga and is combined with Tibetan energy exercises. Two essential Pranayama breathing techniques are Bhastrika and Ujjayi . Mula Bandha and Tibetan energy control techniques are used to direct energy. Other suitable exercises are the twist, half shoulder stand, and head-knee pose. These yoga exercises affect a woman's hormone-producing glands and organs, such as the ovaries and thyroid. This produces positive effects. They not only stimulate the hormone glands but also activate the metabolism, strengthen the immune system, and stimulate the circulation. Furthermore, you can increase your zest for life, vitality, and healthy sleep, as well as reduce stress, lack of motivation, and periods of depression. Psychological blockages can be released. Since stress is often a trigger for hormonal imbalances, this aspect is crucial. As always with yoga, it is important to perform the exercises consciously, concentrate on the execution, and allow the exercises to take effect. Conclusion
Hormonal yoga can be a great help and enrichment not only for women but also for men. It can be practiced by beginners, regardless of age or physical condition. All exercises are very flexible, allowing you to adapt them to your individual physical abilities. It is generally recommended to take a beginner's course before beginning the exercises recommended here at home to ensure proper execution. Hormonal yoga is not always suitable, for example, in cases of breast cancer, which is hormone-dependent; high blood pressure; hyperthyroidism; acute abdominal inflammation; or during and in the first few months after pregnancy. If you are unsure whether you can practice hormonal yoga, you should consult your doctor. Image © goodluz / 123rf.com