9 Health Benefits of Yoga (Just) for Women

1: Yoga can help during pregnancy and labor

Research has proven that practicing prenatal yoga can have advantages throughout both pregnancy and labor.

A close look at all the findings in 2015 found that not only did it help with stress management and reducing pelvic pain, but it could also improve birth outcomes such as reducing delivery time.[1]

You should however always check with a medical professional before starting to practice, as researchers noted that in rare cases it could cause uterine contractions.[2]

2: Yoga might improve your sex life!

Time to have even more fun in the bedroom…

A study conducted in India focused on 40 healthy and sexually active females.[3]

Following a 12 week program, 75% of the participants said they were more satisfied with their sex life.

In fact they showed improvement in all six sexual functioning areas, including desire, lubrication, and orgasm.

Though the sample size was small, the results were overwhelmingly positive, particularly for those aged over 45.

3: Yoga could reduce symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome

An article published in the International Journal of Women’s Health and Reproduction Sciences highlights how powerful it can be for PMS.

Researchers focused on the emotional, behavioral and physical symptoms associated with the condition.

Improvements were seen in all three areas, with the study concluding that it should be recommended as a treatment option for those struggling with PMS.[4]

4: Yoga could relieve symptoms of the menopause

Studies have focused on how yogic exercises could support menopausal women cope with hot flashes.[5]

54 perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants made up the sample group, with each experiencing at least four hot flashes a day.

66% (two-thirds) of those involved reported a reduction in hot flashes following just 10 weeks of classes. Not only that, but they stated that their sweats were less intense than they had been previously.

A closer investigation into all the research surrounding the practice for menopausal symptoms was conducted in Germany in 2012.[6]

They wanted to understand whether it could help with the psychological impacts of the condition.

Overall results showed improvements and researchers felt it should be recommended as a treatment option.

The menopause can also play havoc with your slumber.

Luckily there are a number of asanas for sleep that can be beneficial, including lizard pose.

5: Yoga might benefit women undergoing breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer charities recommend the mind and body practice as a therapy for those living with the disease, to improve overall quality of life.[7]

A review of all the findings surrounding the impact on breast cancer symptoms was carried out in 2012.[8]

Twelve studies were reviewed, with a combined sample size of 742 participants, both patients and survivors.

Short term improvements were seen in patients, helping to reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

6: Yoga can help those coping with Gestational diabetes

The number of people suffering from gestational diabetes is increasing around the world.

A study into the condition in 2015 looked at how gentle exercise could benefit both mother and child.[9]

It concluded that low intensity exercise such as yoga can have a number of advantages for both general health and birth outcomes.

Guidance was advised:

With researchers stressing that patients should always speak to a medical professional before taking up practice.

7: Yoga has the potential to improve heart health

Heart disease is the biggest killer of women in the United States[10]

Thankfully exciting insights published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, shows that regular yoga can improve cardio-metabolic health.[11]

Significant improvements were seen in a number of different factors including systolic blood pressure and both low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

8: Yoga could help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Nearly two thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women.[12]

Findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Research reported that yoga could delay the onset of the disease.[13]

Combined with all the health advantages of meditation, yogic exercises were found to delay the cognitive impairment that is normally the first indicator of Alzheimer’s.

9: Yoga can relieve the symptoms of anxiety

Women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.[14]

Experts at the University of Westminster in London, looked at eight different studies focused on yoga and anxiety, finding that results were consistently positive.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder was deemed to be particularly well treated by the practice.[15]