Bringing Yoga Into the Bedroom
By Lily Sahaguian, Clinical Intern
There are limitless ways to enrich the pleasure of sex. Incorporating sex toys, introducing lubricants, and exploring new physical positions (in or outside of the bedroom) enhance the sexual experience. But, how are we improving our mind-body connection (the most important sexual asset) to enhance pleasure? One trick, is to self-regulate, relax, and activate the breath.
If you have ever practiced yoga at a local studio, you’ve probably heard the teacher exclaim, “Inhale through the nose … exhale through the nose,” and in that very moment, you’re thinking, “Wait, I wasn’t supposed to exhale through the mouth?!” – or – “I’m supposed to exhale out the nose?!” – or – “Why does this yoga guru next to me sound like a white nose machine?!” – and the anxiety begins in the very space where you intended to relax.
Alas! Have no fear, the importance of Ujjayi Pranayama is here! Ujjayi Pranayama is the art and practice of breathing in and out of the nose, while slightly constricting the back of the throat. In yoga, every inhale through the nose is linked with postures that open the body (standing with your arms high) while exhales are linked to postures that close the body (standing forward fold). But, whatever you learn on the yoga mat can also be applied to daily activities, including sex.
Ujjayi enhances the calming effect of slow breathing and prolonged exhalation by stimulating the vagus nerve. Every time you intentionally create rhythmic breathing patterns through your nose, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for resting and relaxing your muscles.
“Synchronize your breathing, slow down, and enjoy.”
Here’s a quick, simple guide to get you started:
The next time you decide to enter a sexual space (either solo or partnered), bring in the conscious and delicate effort to synchronize your breathing.
Though you may not want to sound like the white noise machine guru from your yoga class (far from sexy), practice a few gentle inhales through the nose (4 seconds)
Following with deep intentional exhales through the nose (6 seconds).
Continue this pattern of breathing until you reach a gentle rhythmic flow. After every exhale, pause, surf the sensations, and enjoy the invitation of the following inhale.