There are many ways in which yoga is improving fertility. It can help regulate hormones, increase body awareness and make more space and flow in the body. It can connect us to our creativity, improve organ function, breathing and energy levels.
So, let’s zoom in and look how our fertility can be improved by working with the muscles and with the psoas muscle in particular. It is a deep hip flexor that connects our legs to the trunk and has a fascinating connection to fertility. Here’s how:
The Psoas and Pelvic Blood Flow (Uterus & Ovaries)
The psoas runs alongside the reproductive organs in the pelvis, influencing blood circulation to the uterus, ovaries, and testes. If tight or restricted, the psoas can compress nearby arteries and nerves, reducing blood supply to the reproductive organs. Releasing tension in the psoas can increase circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the reproductive system, supporting ovulation, implantation, and sperm production.
The Psoas and the Nervous System (Stress & Hormones)
The psoas is deeply connected to the autonomic nervous system, especially the fight-or-flight response. Chronic stress and trauma can cause the Psoas to stay contracted, signaling danger to the nervous system, which may disrupt reproductive hormone balance (e.g., cortisol suppressing estrogen & progesterone). If the psoas is constantly tight, the body may stay in survival mode, prioritizing protection over reproduction.
The Psoas and the Uterus (Structural Alignment & Implantation)
The psoas attaches near the uterus and pelvic floor, meaning tightness or imbalance can pull the uterus out of alignment. If the uterus is not positioned correctly, it may impact implantation, menstrual cycles, or conception. A tight psoas can also affect the pelvic floor, leading to spasms or restrictions that interfere with conception and pregnancy.
The Psoas and Emotional Fertility (Holding Trauma in the Womb)
The psoas is known as the “emotional muscle” because it stores deep-seated trauma and stress, especially around birth, sexuality, and reproduction. It may hold unprocessed grief, fear, or past reproductive trauma (miscarriage, birth trauma, sexual trauma), leading to physical tension and emotional blocks around fertility. Working with the psoas can help release stored emotional patterns, allowing the body to feel safe and open to conception.
How to Improve It
In fertility yoga we work a lot with the psoas muscle. We use somatic release exercises, breathwork, gentle movement and pelvic floor relaxation. These yoga tools can help process stored emotions, improve uterine positioning, increase the blood flow in the pelvis and switch the body into a parasympathetic state, supporting fertility and hormone balance.
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Yoga for the health of the reproductive system
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Photo by Nikola Murniece on Unsplash
