From Yoga Mats to the Bedroom: Enhancing Sexual Pleasure Through Yoga

As a seasoned sex writer, I've noticed an uncomfortable trend where yoga is frequently sexualized. Despite the off-putting jokes and social media portrayal of yoga as a means to improve one's sex life, it's important to recognize yoga's true purpose of fostering stillness and self-awareness. Nonetheless, I've personally experienced how yoga can positively affect one's sex life, given the many physical and psychological factors that influence sexual function.

Yoga teaches present-moment awareness.

Mind racing with thoughts of chores, insecurities, and performance can hinder sexual desire and satisfaction. Studies, like those by Lori Brotto, Ph.D., suggest that mindfulness—a key component cultivated through yoga—can significantly enhance sexual pleasure by allowing individuals to be fully present with each sensation. The practices within yoga, including asana, pranayama, dharana, and dhyana, all contribute to this mindfulness.

Yoga can help ease your anxiety.

Anxiety can negatively impact sexual functioning, leading to inhibition. Research indicates that yoga can help alleviate stress, depression, and anxiety, thus potentially improving sexual experiences. Utilizing the yogic principle of nonattachment to anxious thoughts during sex can shift the focus to pleasure.

Yoga can help you regain a sense of agency over your body.

For those who have experienced trauma, yoga can be a powerful tool in reclaiming control over their bodies and pleasure. Trauma-informed yoga practices reinforce the idea of bodily autonomy and can be a step towards healing.

Yoga can help cultivate an appreciation for all your body is capable of.

Body dissatisfaction can cause sexual anxiety. Yet yoga encourages a shift in perspective from appearance to functionality, helping to mitigate such anxiety and improve sexual enjoyment.

And sure. Asana can make you more flexible.

Practicing yoga postures can enhance flexibility, making a wider range of sexual positions accessible and improving endurance and blood flow, which are beneficial for sexual activity. Ultimately, tuning into your body during yoga can translate to a better sex life, as it strengthens the mind-body connection.