Erectile dysfunction is becoming a common occurrence nowadays with a decadent lifestyle and innumerable external pressures playing havoc on the body.
However, according to experts, practising yoga on a daily or a frequent basis may help men overcome erectile dysfunction (ED.
According to experts, the practice is an effective alternative to medicine that works because the condition is often psychological.
According to the researchers from Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital in Karnataka, India, while there is a lack of research, yoga should be considered as a treatment for sexual disorder.
Writing in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, the team said that the problems related to sex can very well be handled with Yoga as most often these problems are more related to the mind than body.
The team further expanded that ED is usually caused by lack of confidence or stress or fatigue or fear and very few times some physical cause is there.
Based on their recommendations, Pennsylvania-based personal trainer Daniel Bubnis has suggested five poses to help ED – which is said to affect 60 per cent of men over the age of 60.
Writing for Medical News Today, he points to previous research published in 2010 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine which looked at 65 men aged 24 to 60 who carried out 12 weeks of yoga sessions. The study found, at the end of the period, men reporting increases in ejaculatory control, erection, and orgasm.
The story, published in MaiOnline lists the following yoga poses
Ardha matsyendrasana: half lord of the fishes: According to Bubnis, this pose is said to promote digestion and blood flow to major organs, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, and pelvic region.
Method: Begin in a seated position with your legs stretched forward. Bend your right leg at the knee and cross it over the left, placing your right foot on the floor. Inhale then exhale slowly, turning toward the right, stretch the left arm forwards, resting the left elbow on the right knee. Clasp your hands behind the back while twisting, if you are particularly flexible. Release the pose and start from the seated position. Repeat on the opposite side.
Siddhasana: A classic yoga position, sometimes called the perfect pose, it can be maintained for a long period and stimulates the pelvic region and promotes flexibility.
Method: Sit on the floor with your legs stretched forward. Cross your left leg at the knee, placing your left foot near the inside of your right thigh. Repeat the movement on the right leg, placing your right foot over your left ankle. The right heel should press against the pubic bone. Remain in this position and practice deep breathing. You can uncross your legs and repeat by crossing the right leg first.
Garduasana: Also called the eagle pose, it is a standing yoga pose that challenges balance and focus while opening the shoulder. If you feel a little unsteady you can perform it near a wall or some furniture for support. This position is believed to boost blood flow to the pelvis, making it potentially helpful for ED sufferers.
Method: Stand straight on both legs. Imagine your right leg is a root connected to the ground. Lift the left leg slowly, twisting it over the right knee, placing the top of the foot on the back of the right calf if possible. Bend at the knee to deepen the stretch. You can lift your arms to shoulder height and cross one over the other if you want to. Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds, release, and repeat on the other leg.
Pavanamuktasana: The wind-relieving pose gently massages the abdominal organs, offering relief from gas and constipation problems. Furthermore, it helps to mobilise and warm the pelvic muscles and reproductive organs, claims Bubnis.
Method: Lie down on the floor with your legs outstretched. Inhale then exhale and bring one knee toward the chest. Circle the arms around the knee, pulling the leg as close to the stomach as possible. Continue to inhale and exhale while in this position. Release and lower your leg. Repeat on the opposite side.
Shavasana: The corpse pose is usually done at the end of a yoga practice. You lie flat on your back with your heels spread as wide as the yoga mat and your arms a few inches away from the body, with palms facing upwards.
Method: Lie with your back on the floor and arms stretched at your sides. Point your palms upward toward the sky. Visualise each part of your body slowly relaxing. Start with your right toes, then ankle, calf, knee, and so on. Switch to visualising the left leg relaxing and move upward through the body. Breathe deeply while maintaining focus on relaxation. You can remain in this pose for anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes if desired.
