Yoga Improves Women's Sexuality

Tantric yoga seeks balance, inner peace and enlightenment through acts of daily life such as eating, breathing and the sacred union of the male and female. For millennia, the ancient teachings of tantric yoga and sacred sexuality have been used to help prevent and heal sexual problems in men and women. Now research reports that yoga and mindfulness can enhance women's libido (sex drive) and decrease the risk of sexual dysfunction.

The Review

The review, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, examined Eastern techniques including yoga, mindfulness and acupuncture applied to women's sexuality. Researchers from the University of British Columbia reviewed studies of yoga, mindfulness and acupuncture in treating women's sexual dysfunction. Female sexual dysfunction is a persistent decrease in sexual desire and sexual arousal, and difficulty in achieving an orgasm. Yoga basic meditation techniques cultivate mindfulness - an awareness of the present moment.

The Results

The researchers found that yoga has been cited in numerous historical books to benefit women's sexuality. Mindfulness has been found to significantly improve women's sexual arousal and response. Furthermore, mindfulness reduced pain and improved sexual health in women with vestibulodynia (chronic pain of the vulva). Findings also revealed that acupuncture significantly improved libido in women with sexual dysfunction.

The Main Point

"The empirical literature supporting Eastern techniques, such as mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga, for women's sexual complaints and loss of satisfaction is sparse but promising," the study authors conclude. "Future research should aim to empirically support Eastern techniques in women's sexuality."

This review is significant because it shows that Eastern disciplines like yoga, mindfulness and acupuncture can help reduce the risk of sexual dysfunction and enhance women's sexuality. The researchers suggest that yoga practice helps improve well being, body awareness and quality of life.

Sources

Brotto LA et al. Eastern approaches for enhancing women's sexuality: mindfulness, acupuncture and yoga (CME). J Sex Med 2008 Dec;5(12):2741-8. .

Gavalas, Elaine. The Yoga Minibook for Longevity. Simon & Schuster Fireside. elainegavalas.com .