5 best yoga asana to treat erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection which is sufficient for a satisfactory sexual performance [1]. Erectile dysfunction affects a considerable number of men worldwide at least occasionally. It is the most common male sexual disorder affecting about 44% of men between the ages of 60 to 69 years, 70% of men above 70 years of age and about 5% of men under the age of 40 years [2].

There are two major types of erectile dysfunction:

• Lifelong erectile dysfunction: In this condition, the erection cannot be achieved from sexual desire.
• Acquired erectile dysfunction: In this condition, the erectile dysfunction starts after a period of normal erectile and sexual activity.

Erectile dysfunction can be the result of an issue in the brain, emotions, hormones, blood vessels, muscles and nerves of the human body. The causes are listed below [3]:

• Obesity
• Heart Disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• High blood pressure
• Clogged blood vessels
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Low testosterone
• Sleep Disorders
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism
• Peyronie’s Disease (when scar tissue develops in the penis)
• Surgeries or injuries in the pelvic area
• Certain medications
• Stress
• Anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions

Following are some of the most popular and best yoga asanas known for treating erectile dysfunction:

1. Siddhasana

Siddhasana is known for its extraordinary abilities to treat male infertility. This yoga asana can also be used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is also considered to the second-best asana of padma asana.

Follow the steps below to perform this asana:

• Put a mat on the floor and sit on it in such a way that both of your legs and stretched straight in front of you.
• Now put the heel of your left foot under the thighs of your right leg.
• Do the same with your right foot.
• Sitting in this criss-cross manner make sure that proper pressure is being given onto your pelvic area by both of your heels.

2. Pavanamuktasana

Pavanamuktasana is a word made up of two separate words “pavan” meaning air and “mukta” meaning releasing. This asana is used to release excess air from the body. Hence, this asana can help with releasing gas from the stomach and relieve acidity. This asana can also help relieve pelvic muscles and organs which in turn can help treat erectile dysfunction.

Follow the steps below to perform this asana:

• Lie on your back on the mat making sure that your feet are together and your arms are placed beside your body.
• Take a deep breath and as you exhale bring your knees towards your chest and press your thighs on your abdomen.
• Clasp your hands around your legs like you are hugging your knees.
• Stay in the same position as you breathe normally. Every time you exhale, make sure you tighten your grip of the hands and increase the pressure on your chest.
• And every time you inhale loosen your grip.
• Keep repeating this process three to five times.

3. Ardha Matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana asana makes your spinal cord flexible. This asana is also good for treating erectile dysfunction. If done daily, this asana can improve blood flow and keep your liver, pancreas and pelvic area healthy.

Follow the steps below to perform this asana:

• Sit straight on your mattress and keep your legs outstretched in front of your body.
• Bend your right leg over your left leg placing your right foot on the outside of your left knee, keep the toes of your right foot in the forward position.
• During this keep your breathing normal.
• Be in this position for a couple of seconds and repeat the same in the opposite direction.

4. Garduasana

Garduasana is also known as the “eagle pose”. This asana can improve the blood flow in the body. Doing this pose regularly can keep your muscles strong and can also improve erectile dysfunction.

Follow the steps below to perform this asana:

• Stand straight on your mat keeping equal pressure on both of your feet.
• Now raise one of your legs and don’t move the other leg from its place.
• Twist the raised leg around your other leg.
• Now fold both of our arms at the elbows and twist your left arm around your other arm.
• Now slowly bend your legs and lower your body as low as you can.
• Keep your breathing normal and your eyes fixed on a point in front of you.
• Now repeat the same steps with your other leg.

5. Shavasana

One of the reasons for erectile dysfunction is mental stress. Hence, it is a good option to do yoga asana that helps relieve stress. Shavasana is such an asana. Doing this asana will help you relax and relieve stress from your body and mental stress, in turn, helps treat erectile dysfunction.

Follow the steps below to perform this asana:

• Lay on your back on the mat such that your face and the entire body is straight and there is a distance of 15 cm between your hands and the body.
• Keep your palms open and keep them facing the ceiling.
• Now close your eyes and focus on every part of your body.
• Focus on the nails of your feet to every single part of your body.
• Be still in the same position for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Conclusion:

Yoga can transform your body and your life. It is something we Indians know and cherish. But only a few people know about the impact of doing yoga on reproductive health. If you are suffering from any sort of fertility issue then doing yoga poses can help you treat that condition. You can always try to do yoga in the comfort of your home or else go to yoga classes for professional help.