5 Yoga Poses for Better Sex

Yoga illustration via Shutterstock

The health benefits of sex have been well-documented. Sex can improve cardiovascular health, and according to a study at Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Hospital, people in their 40s who reported having sex at least three times per week were judged by a panel of strangers to be seven to 13 years younger than their actual age. Researchers believe this is due to the release of the DHEA hormone during sex. DHEA is produced by your adrenal glands and has anti-aging properties that can increase collagen production.

So we know sex is good for you, but what if you want to have better sex? One way to improve your sex life is to practice yoga (for both men and women). According to a study published online in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, regular yoga practice improves sexual function in women, including desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to start practicing your oms, it turns out that men can benefit, too. One study showed that yoga can help with premature ejaculation, and another study said yoga can improve a number of things like desire, satisfaction, performance, confidence, control, and orgasm in men.

Five to try: Pelvic floor strengthening poses are a good start. But in addition, these five yoga postures can improve your sex life, according to Stacey Allaire, yoga instructor at Rasamaya yoga studio in Newburyport:

1. Shoulder stand

“This pose helps move circulation in the lower region of your body,” Allaire says. “By inverting the body from the neck up, gravity increases the blood flow to the heart and brain, helping to relax the heart, decreasing heart rate and bringing clarity to your mind.”

2. Reclined bound angle

“This pose gently opens your hips. I always encourage people to focus on their breath, especially in this pose, to help calm the mind when in a hip opener. When you focus on your breath, your mind rests in the present moment, which is helpful in bringing your attention to the moments in between the sheets,” Allaire says.

3. Downward dog

“This pose literally works so many muscles in your body. Because you’re toning your legs, abs, arms, core and rear all at once, your confidence is boosted,” Allaire says. “Plus, practicing downward dog helps improve flexibility, which can lead to exploring different positions in between the sheets.”

4. Eagle pose

“In this pose, you are intertwining your limbs and squeezing your arms and legs together. When releasing out of this position, the blood rushes through your sex organs,” Allaire says.

5. Plank pose

“Plank pose fires up your core, while opening your shoulders and toning your sides and butt. This pose flattens your tummy, especially the hard to reach lower abdomen,” Allaire says. “Practicing this pose gets you in better shape so you look and feel better naked.”