Infertility and Yoga

The slide show describes how practising yoga may help Infertility

1. INFERTILITY & YOGA Dr Kaberi Banerjee

2. What is Yoga

3. MOTHERHOOD Motherhood is one of the most joyful experiences in a woman’s life.   Unfortunately, not everyone may get to experience it. There has been a steady   rise in the number of couples seeking  counseling and treatment for infertility . Long working hours, demanding schedules, and sky high ambitions have ensured that  modern lives are stressful. The resultant whirlwind lifestyle has led to fertility issues among the populace.

4. INFERTILITY Infertility is on the rise among both men and women.  Anxiety, depression, guilt and stress can significantly reduce fertility rates . However, stress is the main factor that can upset plans of raising a family. Yoga may be the answer.

5. YOGA While  yoga does not guarantee conception, it   can improve fertility rate and chances of conceiving. Yoga poses or asanas  help develop a hospitable body and calm mind, thus preparing one for childbirth. When one gets bogged down with infertility issues, yoga boosts the spirits and encourages a positive outlook.

6. YOGA ASANAS Yoga asanas have several benefits for general overall health. However, for issues relating to fertility, yoga can help in the following ways: Yoga stimulates the ovaries and uterus Strengthens and stretches the back muscles Purifies the energy channels, flushing out toxins from the body Makes the groin and hips flexible

7. YOGA ASANAS Stretches the neck muscles and makes the spine more flexible Improves blood flow and supply to reproductive organs Relieves back and leg ache Relieves stress and anxiety Reduces tension, mood swings and depression Enables smooth delivery

8. YOGA ASANAS TO BOOST FERTILITY These yoga poses are for improving fertility and conceiving in a natural way.

9. PASCHIMOTTANASANA Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend) Stretches the lower back, hamstrings and hips. Stimulates the uterus and ovaries. Relieves stress.

10. HASTAPADASANA Hastapadasana (Standing forward bend) Stretches the back muscles. Improves blood supply to the nervous system and pelvic region. Makes the spine more flexible. Relieves stress from the abdominal region.

11. JANU SHIRASASANA Janu Shirasasana (One-legged forward bend) Strengthens the back muscles. Relieves tension from the lower back. Stretches the hamstrings.

12. BADDHA KONASANA Baddha Konasana (Butterfly pose) Stretches the inner thighs, groin and knees. Improves flexibility in the groin and hip region.

13. VIPARITA KARANI Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall pose) Helps relieve backache. Improves flow of blood to the pelvic region.

14. Set a support on the floor against the wall. Lie next to the wall with your left side along it. Gently turn and raise your legs against the wall. Your hips and lower back should be on the support. Rest your head and shoulders on the floor. Place your arms to the sides with your palms facing upwards. Breathe with awareness in this pose for at least 5 minutes. Exhale, as you slowly slide down. Relax in Shavasana. VIPARITA KARANI … How to do the pose?

15. SHAVASANA Shavasana (Corpse pose) Helps regulate blood pressure. Helps reduce stress and anxiety.

16. PRANAYAMAS TO BOOST FERTILITY These pranayamas or breathing techniques can induce a calm state of mind and body. This  greatly increases your chances of conception.

17. NADI SHODHAN PRANAYAMA Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing technique) Calms the mind and body. Releases accumulated stress. Purifies blood by increasing flow of oxygen to it.

18. BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA Bhramari Pranayama (Humming bee breath technique) Relieves tension, anger and anxiety. Relaxes the mind and body.

19. ADVICE Be patient and positive , as you practice your asanas and pranayamas. Practice regularly  with peaceful acceptance of your situation. Remind yourself to be grateful for life’s gifts.  Try not to focus on the negative . Ensure that you eat a nutritious diet . Ayurvedic massages  will not only relax your body but also increase blood circulation. Don’t put off ‘trying’ for too long.  Fertility levels are higher when you are younger .

20. Along with yoga,  do 20 minutes of meditation  daily  to uplift your mind and spirit.  Another effective means of getting rid of stress is to  practice the Sudarshan Kriya  every day . It also helps maintain a balance in your overall physical and mental health. After all, hormonal balance is crucial to those trying to conceive.

21. Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Yoga teacher.