Q:

I've heard that yoga can improve sex. Is this true?

A:

Yoga is an ancient form of movement with its roots in India and other Asian countries. It is also very popular here in the United States, not only as a form of exercise, but as a way to relax and relieve stress. It makes sense that anything that relieves stress might also improve desire and sex. A study was recently published that specifically focuses on yoga's impact on sexual function.

In that one study, 40 women ages 22 to 55 enrolled in a yoga camp for 12 weeks. Researchers tested components of their sexual function including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and pain before the camp began and after. Overall, they found the women experienced a nearly 20 percent improvement in all areas. Most of the women said they were more satisfied in their sex life after the yoga camp, with women 46 and older demonstrating the greatest improvements in all aspects of their sexual life.

Bottom line? Yoga has shown numerous benefits for mental and physical health. Now there's at least some preliminary evidence that it may also benefit your sexual health. My advice? Go for it!