Yoga For Infertility
Yoga helps manage stress by releasing muscular tensions held in the body and utilizing the breath to turn on the relaxation response and relax the mind which is important when it comes to fertility. Scotta has worked both privately and in small groups facilitating women’s ability to carry healthy pregnancies to full term by helping them create hospitable and nurturing environments for the best possible outcomes of pregnancy.
How Yoga helps Improve IVF Success?
Yoga helps to manage stress by releasing muscular tensions held in the body and utilizing the breath to turn on the relaxation response and relax the mind.
Improve male sperm factors Increases blood flow to the tissues
Promotes proprioception & interoception of one’s own body
Reduces chronic pain
Reduces cortisol levels, promoting balance of reproductive hormones
Relaxes and calms the mind
Induces a positive mental state
Reduces anxiety & depression
Promotes quality of sleep
Improves strength, flexibility, & balance
Goals for infertility and yoga:
Reducing Stress
- Stretching and opening the pelvis, lower back, hips, groins, chest, and shoulders
- Learning healthy emotional skills to navigate the ups and downs of the fertility journey
- Creating a sense of community and helping women feel less isolated and more supported on their journey
All of these are beneficial to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, & beyond.
While there haven’t been any rigorous scientific studies proving yoga can aid fertility/infertility, it has been shown that yoga is an excellent tool to manage stress, which may be helpful in becoming pregnant without unwanted side effects.
CLASSES
Paradigm plans to officially open in 2021 and will offer Yoga classes with Scotta at the new building. In the meantime you can begin your Paradigm yoga experience online on our Youtube channel.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
We recommend yoga mats made with natural rubber since most yoga mats are made with PVC and contain phthalates, which are well-known hormone disruptors.
Here are some links to natural rubber yoga mats and other props:
Jade Yoga Harmony Mat: https://amzn.to/2S2pTB3
Jade Yoga Level One Mat: https://amzn.to/350Vsk7
Manduka Begin Yoga Mat: https://amzn.to/2VxTFQp
Gaiam yoga blocks & strap set: https://amzn.to/3by3dR4
Falsa yoga blankets: https://amzn.to/2x1h4Ac
Yoga bolster: https://amzn.to/2KpNGqs
If you don’t have access to blocks, you can use a comparably shaped household item like a large book Also, most any blanket will suffice, but you could also use thick towels. You want to be able to fold them neatly.
Scotta A. Brady, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Scotta is certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists and registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level with the experience and credentials to teach others who want to earn their RYT 500.
She began her formal studies in yoga in 1996 after graduating from Auburn University with a B.A. in Philosophy. Seeing the many health benefits of yoga through her years of teaching, Scotta wanted to see the practices and techniques she found so beneficial to herself and others move into mainstream health facilities both as continuity of care and preventive lifestyle medicine.
In 2012, she began working with a team at UMMC on a feasibility study & clinical trial supported by a grant from NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) entitled “Effects of Health-Promoting Programs on CVD Risk.” Yoga was included in 3 of the 5 study arms as interventions for cardio-vascular disease risk. The study concluded in September of 2014 and in December of that year, she went to St. Dominic’s Hospital as the Stress Management Specialist for the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Reversal Program, whose aim is to reverse heart disease through diet, exercise, stress management, and group support.
Love in the time of COVID Mini Series—Yoga for Infertility
Part 7.6 Heart Opening https://youtu.be/CDTBOhJrYCU
Part 7.5 Hip Opening/Alternate Nostril Breathing https://youtu.be/GjEw-gGn6Zs
Part 7.4 Hip Opening https://youtu.be/tN68sqs1Hs4
Part 7.3 Restorative https://youtu.be/sZsTNpnDXhU
Part 7.2 Heart Opening https://youtu.be/0npSGZaN3ao
Part 7.1 Foundational Practice https://youtu.be/0r7BSYMQKGM
Part 7.0 Yoga Props https://youtu.be/nq171kdYgmo
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For information on yoga props, please see our Yoga Props video (https://youtu.be/nq171kdYgmo).
articles on infertility and Yoga