Medically Verified By: Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, a yoga and spiritual leader, author, columnist, and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa
Pranayama practice can activate the relaxation response, lowering stress levels and creating a more favourable environment for conception. (Photo: Freepik)
Pranayama matters for fertility: For long, doctors and health experts have recommended yoga to their patients struggling to conceive. Stress is usually recognised as the cause of hindrance when it comes to fertility and natural conception, since a stressed body releases cortisol and other hormones that can interfere with reproductive function. According to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, a yoga and spiritual leader, author, columnist, and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, regular pranayama practice helps activate the relaxation response, lowering stress levels and creating a more favourable environment for conception. Breathing exercises can also increase oxygen flow in the entire body, including to reproductive organs. It may help balance the endocrine system. Read on to find out more.
This is a calming technique that helps balance the left and right sides of the brain and nervous system. For this, you must sit comfortably and use your right thumb to close your right nostril. Inhale slowly through your left nostril. Then close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your thumb, and exhale through your right nostril. Continue this with alternate nostrils for 5-10 minutes.
This soothing practice can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Sit with your eyes closed. Place your fingers gently on your ears, blocking out external sounds. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, make a soft humming sound like a bee. Feel the vibration throughout your body.
With this simple breathing technique, you are able to activate the relaxation response and bring attention to your reproductive region. Lie down comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe deeply so your belly rises with each inhale and falls with each exhale. Continue for 10-15 minutes.
This is an energising technique, which can help detoxify the body and stimulate the abdominal organs. Sit upright and take a deep breath in. Exhale forcefully through your nose while pulling your navel inwards. Inhale naturally by relaxing your belly. Start with 20 breaths and gradually increase. Be gentle and avoid it during menstruation or pregnancy.
This is what the expert wants couples to know:
The best times to practise these techniques are:
The yoga expert concludes by saying that pranayama is most effective when practised regularly and gently. One must start with only one technique that feels comfortable to them, and then gradually move on to other techniques. It must be practised on an empty stomach; wait at least 2-3 hours after consuming a meal. Stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
Pranayama can support fertility, but it works best as part of a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and medical guidance when it comes to fertility. Breathing techniques can complement, but not replace, any fertility treatments or medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.
