Reproductive System Flashcards
How does Yoga benefit the menstrual cycle?
- Forward bends compress & relax abdominal organs soothing menstrual inflammation & cramps
- Back bends stretch reproductive organs increasing circulation
- Rebalances hormones reducing PMS symptoms
- Energizing krama reduces menstrual fatigue
- PNS state encourages a regular cycle
How does Yoga increase fertility?
PNS states reduces stress & rebalance hormones increasing reproductive function
Energizing krama reduces menstrual fatigue
Back bends increase circulation of blood and nutrients to reproductive organs
Forward bends relax the abdominal organs
Removing pranic blockages through pranayama
Chanting to benefit overall mental state
Sankalpas of positive affirmations
How does Yoga support menopausal symptoms?
Increased bone density and prevention of osteoporosis through weight bearing poses
Scoliosis prevention (from osteoporosis) by elongation of spine
Cooling pranayama
Mula bandha for vagina wall and pelvic floor support
How does stress impact the menstrual cycle and fertility?
- Disrupts the hormonal communication between the brain, pituitary, & ovaries interfering w maturation of eggs and the ovulation process
- Reduces Sex Drive
- Cortisol Imbalances Vaginal PH A spike in cortisol & norepinephrine affect sperm ability to travel & risk of yeast infection (Candida albicans) & BV
- Repro organs deprioritized in SNS
- Poor health & weight can cause Irregular/ temporarily stopped periods
How do seated forward bends support the reproductive system?
Calm NS thus reduce stress & menstrual fatigue,
Balance over/under worked adrenal glands
Increase circulation, oxygen, nutrients to ovaries and uterus
Beneficial for oligomenorrhoea (infrequent or delayed periods) & hypomenorrhoea (scanty periods)
How do standing postures support the reproductive system?
Through correct spinal alignment, muscles of the stomach are relaxed preventing pelvic inflammation and reproductive disorders
How do spine twists support the reproductive system?
Stimulates liver which converts potentially toxic forms of estrogens to safer forms
Reduce premenstrual fluid retention in the lower limbs as well as reducing abdominal cramps, migraines, lumbar pain and fatigue
Improve tone and strength to the reproductive organs
How does asana increase prostate health?
Hip openers stretch muscles running past prostate gland, increasing circulation of blood and nutrients to prostate & testes which can restore hormonal/endo balance
Inversions reduce pressure on this area by reversing gravity
What are the six poses that support prostate health?
- Paripurna Navasana Boat Pose
- Sirsasana Headstand
- Supta Padangusthasana Reclining Big Toe Pose
- Salamba Sarvangasana Supported Shoulder stand
- Baddha-Konasana Bound Angle Pose
- Ardha Matsyendrasana Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
How do back bends support the reproductive system?
Emotional release can remove pranic blocks
which can release dormant sexuality.
Increased circulation of oxygenated blood & nutrients to uterus, ovaries & fallopian tubes = released tension in pelvis.
How do Inversions support the reproductive system?
Inversions balance endo system - the hormonal cycle through the month
Encourage circulation to Hypothalamus, Pituary & Pineal glands which strengthens communication between the endocrine and NS which benefits the reproductive system as a whole.
How do standing forward bends support the reproductive system?
Action of lifting /lengthening spine (prior to bending) & compression can release abdominal tension
Compress reproductive organs = flooding w fresh oxygenated blood = healthy menstrual cycle & relieve cramping
Activates PNS & calming effects on the brain = Increased prana as a result.
Benefits: fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) & underdeveloped reproductive organs by increasing tone and strength to organs
What are some poses that support the reproductive system?
Backbends release tension in pelvc region - Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Ustrasana (Camel)
Inversions balance endo system - Ardo Mukha Svanasana, Viparita Karani
Forward Bends - PNS stimulating and soothe the repro organs
Twists - Relieve abdominal bloating & Increase blood flow in reproductive region -Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle)
Hip openers - stretch & boost circulation to pelvis -Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby)