Motherhood is one of the most joyful experiences in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, not everyone may get to experience it. Have you been ‘hoping’ or ‘trying’ for your little bundle of joy? If you have, you are not alone. 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.

What causes 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 your plans of raising a family. So, how do you get rid of this stress and improve fertility in natural way? Yoga may be the answer you are looking for. While yoga does not guarantee conception, it can improve your fertility rate and chances of conceiving.

Yoga poses or asanas help develop a hospitable body and calm mind, thus preparing you for childbirth. When you get bogged down with infertility issues, yoga boosts your spirits and encourages a positive outlook.

How does yoga boost fertility? 

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
• 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

Yoga asanas to boost fertility

1. Paschimottanasana

Try these yoga poses for improving fertility and conceiving your dream in natural way.

Benefits of Paschimottansana.

• Stretches the lower back, hamstrings and hips.
• Stimulates the uterus and ovaries.
• Relieves stress.

2. Hastapadasana

Learn more about Hastapadasana.

• 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.

3. Janu Shirasasana

how to do Janu Shirasasana.

• Strengthens the back muscles.
• Relieves tension from the lower back.
• Stretches the hamstrings.

4. Baddha Konasana

• Stretches the inner thighs, groin and knees.
• Improves flexibility in the groin and hip region.

Know more about Badha Konasana

5. Viparita Karani

• Helps relieve backache.
• Improves flow of blood to the pelvic region.

How to do the pose?

1. Set a support on the floor against the wall.
2. Lie next to the wall with your left side along it.
3. Gently turn and raise your legs against the wall.
4. Your hips and lower back should be on the support.
5. Rest your head and shoulders on the floor.
6. Place your arms to the sides with your palms facing upwards.
7. Breathe with awareness in this pose for at least 5 minutes.
8. Exhale, as you slowly slide down.
9. Relax in Shavasana.

6. Shavasana

How to do Shavasana.

• Helps regulate blood pressure.
• Helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Pranayamas to boost fertility

7. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama

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

Benefits of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama.

• Calms the mind and body.
• Releases accumulated stress.
• Purifies blood by increasing flow of oxygen to it.

8. Bhramari Pranayama

Relieves tension, anger and anxiety.

• Relaxes the mind and body.

Learn more about Bhramari Pranayam.

Quick tips on fertility and yoga

• 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.

Along with yoga, do 20 minutes of meditation daily to uplift your mind and spirit. Try the Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation to unwind. You could learn more about meditation at a Happiness Program at The Art of Living. 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. With these different weapons in your arsenal, you will welcome every day with newborn enthusiasm!