Yoga and Sex: The New Netflix and Chill

Humanity’s interest in sex and sexuality is much older than the age of yoga itself—dating back longer than 5,000 years ago. For many, sex is connected to a whole and spiritual life. Sharing intimate moments connecting with someone—or a few people according to the Khajuraho Group of Monuments—is magical.

As we practice, we find mastery of the physical body through asana. We sit in stillness for meditation and find breath control to get a glimpse of energy moving through the gross (perishable) body and the subtle (eternal) body. Combining this awareness with sex is a great way to improve the sexual experience.

Engaging the pelvic floor through Mula bandha (root lock) and Uddiyana bandha (upper abdominal lock) are essential to mastering the physical body for a steamier time with your partner.

Engaging Mula Bandha

For women, engaging Mula bandha is similar to doing Kegel exercises. By squeezing and releasing the pubococcygeus muscle, or PC muscle, women can strengthen the pelvic floor and bring fresh blood to the area. This deep muscle is a key player in connecting to Mula bandha and allowing your body to experience greater sensations.

For men, Mula bandha is activated through the perineum by squeezing up and in. Increased awareness and control of the pelvic floor can help with premature ejaculation, longer orgasms, and orgasms without ejaculation—increasing the possibility of multiple orgasms.

Igniting Intimacy

According to the Journal of Sexual Medicine, women who practice yoga have an increased sex drive and experience better orgasms. Due to heightened body awareness and increased flexibility, you are able to connect to your feelings more and experience the entirety of intercourse.

These five poses are not only great for the physical benefits, but also can double as great positions during sex.

1.  Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Steady and mighty, this foundational pose is a must for Mula bandha engagement and second chakra, drishti, as seen in Surya Namaskar in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This pose lifts the sitting bones, while teaching pelvic movement and spinal traction. When in Downward-Facing Dog, place all awareness in the pelvis and find space. As you inhale, squeeze the Mula bandha. As you exhale, release.

2. Happy Baby pose (Ananda Balasana)

Important for pelvic health, mental clarity, and relaxation, this pose stretches the groin and calms the nervous system. Lie on your back to begin the pose and bend the knees by your armpits. Hold the outside edges of your feet and try to keep your lower back on the floor. Add gentle side-to-side rocking for a deeper stretch and increased calming effect.

3. Bound Angle pose (Baddha Konasana)

This accessible pose opens the hips and creates balance in the pelvis. The benefits include organ stimulation, circulation improvement, and helping discomfort during menstruation. While sitting, put the soles of your feet together—allowing your knees to bend. Press the feet together and breathe down. Let the air expand the belly and push downwards. On the inhale, activate Mula bandha and feel the hips extend and relax. If sitting in this way is uncomfortable, add a blanket or mat below your body before beginning.

4. Wheel pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)

Opening the front body in this pose helps your breath move deeper during pranayama. While bringing energy and awareness to the heart, this asana promotes blood flow to the genitals, pelvis, heart, lungs, and brain.  After getting into this pose, lift up with the hips and engage the buttocks. Use your legs and arms equally and align the feet pointing forward to help reduce pressure in the lower back. When coming down, use steady pressure and allow the arms and legs to bend. Rest on the mat and breath—absorbing the feeling.

5. Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana)

This pose is an alignment aid and happiness booster. The cranial pressure stimulates and releases cerebrospinal fluid to help mild depression. Shoulderstand helps align the pelvic bone and strengthen the core, while encouraging healthy circulation—important for quality sex. While in this pose, engage your core and lift through your toes for maximum benefit.

As with all yoga practice, these poses bring awareness to your body and improve the way you connect with yourself and your partner.

The universe is creation and energy, and the combination of sex and yoga is a marriage of these two forces. With these poses, enjoy your newfound connection on the mat or under the sheets!