Infertility:  How Yoga Can Help

Conceiving a baby seems like it should be the easiest thing in the world. After all, the reproductive system is part of our basic human make-up. Perhaps that is all the more reason why many women and couples feel frustration and even emotional trauma when a pregnancy doesn’t happen exactly as planned.

There are a number of issues that can contribute to infertility; advanced maternal age, hormonal imbalances and low sperm count to name a few. Sometimes the cause is unknown and the diagnosis is aptly referred to as “unexplained infertility.” The reality is that no matter the particular reason a woman or couple may be struggling to have a baby, one thing is certain: stress is unhealthy for the reproductive system.

Rest & Digest
So, how can we efficiently move ourselves from stress into relaxation? One answer lies in the practice of Therapeutic Yoga. Therapeutic yoga teaches us how to efficiently move out of “fight or flight” syndrome and into “rest and digest.” Many of the postures not only soothe the body and mind but also physically stimulate the reproductive organs by very gently stretching and pressurizing the organs themselves.

Therapeutic yoga is incredibly user-friendly. Anyone can practice it, even if she/he has no yoga experience. The postures can be practiced at home, but the calmness that is gained through doing the postures may be called upon anytime there is a need to “de-stress” (including during fertility treatments such as IVF).

When practicing the following postures, make sure you have at least 15 minutes when you can achieve solitude. (No phones, TVs or other attention-grabbing noises.) If you like, play your favorite relaxing music, light candles, etc... In other words, create a space for yourself in which relaxation is encouraged. If you don’t have a yoga bolster on hand, you may use couch pillows or several neatly folded blankets or towels.

As you practice the postures see if you can focus on the sensation of your breath rather than getting caught up in habitual thought patterns. When you find yourself spiraling off into stress, gently bring yourself back to the present moment and the sensation of your breath. You may want to place your hands on your low belly to help keep your attention focused on your reproductive system. Be gentle with yourself.

 

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