Yadav Anjali, Tiwari Prabhakar, Dada Rima
Department of Anatomy, Lab for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
J Hum Reprod Sci. 2024 Oct-Dec;17(4):224-231. doi: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_147_24. Epub 2024 Dec 23.
Infertility presents multifaceted challenges that encompass both physical and emotional burdens. Yoga, as a comprehensive system of mind-body medicine, serves as an effective intervention for managing male factor infertility, a complex lifestyle disorder with significant psychosomatic elements. This review explores the transformative role of yoga in addressing both the emotional and physical dimensions of infertility. By incorporating physical postures, breath control and meditation, yoga promotes emotional well-being and enhances reproductive health by improving the integrity of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes as well as the epigenome. In addition, yoga contributes to maintaining sperm telomere length through the regulation of seminal free radical levels and increased telomerase activity, which are crucial for optimal embryo cleavage and the development of high-quality blastocysts. Integrating yoga as an adjunctive therapeutic approach fosters a supportive intrauterine environment and facilitates physiological homoeostasis, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful fertilisation and implantation. Gentle asanas and flowing sequences promote relaxation, alleviate tension and cultivate emotional stability, while meditation aids in emotional healing and resilience during the infertility journey. Specific asanas, such as Baddha Konasana (bound angle pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose) and Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), stimulate reproductive organs, enhance blood circulation and regulate hormone production. Pranayama techniques further support endocrine balance and overall vitality. Moreover, yoga provides a non-invasive strategy for managing fertility-related conditions leading to improved reproductive health and overall well-being. This review aims to elucidate the comprehensive role of yoga in improving male infertility, focusing on its impact on sperm nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, the epigenome and telomere health. In addition, it underscores the importance of self-care, open communication and shared experiences with partners. Practicing yoga regularly supports psychosocial well-being, promotes holistic healing, enhances physical and mental health and probably helps in improving reproductive health, thereby fostering resilience and self-efficacy throughout the journey of fertility and reproduction.
不孕症带来了多方面的挑战,包括身体和情感负担。瑜伽作为一种身心医学的综合体系,是治疗男性因素不孕症的有效干预措施,男性因素不孕症是一种具有重要心身因素的复杂生活方式疾病。本综述探讨了瑜伽在解决不孕症的情感和身体层面问题方面的变革性作用。通过融入体式、呼吸控制和冥想,瑜伽促进情绪健康,并通过改善核基因组、线粒体基因组以及表观基因组的完整性来增强生殖健康。此外,瑜伽通过调节精液自由基水平和增加端粒酶活性来维持精子端粒长度,这对于最佳胚胎分裂和高质量囊胚的发育至关重要。将瑜伽作为辅助治疗方法可营造支持性的子宫内环境并促进生理稳态,从而增加成功受精和着床的可能性。柔和的体式和流畅的序列可促进放松、缓解紧张并培养情绪稳定性,而冥想有助于在不孕症治疗过程中进行情绪疗愈并增强恢复力。特定的体式,如束角式、眼镜蛇式和肩倒立式,可刺激生殖器官、增强血液循环并调节激素分泌。呼吸控制法进一步支持内分泌平衡和整体活力。此外,瑜伽提供了一种非侵入性策略来管理与生育相关的状况,从而改善生殖健康和整体幸福感。本综述旨在阐明瑜伽在改善男性不孕症方面的全面作用,重点关注其对精子核基因组和线粒体基因组、表观基因组以及端粒健康的影响。此外,它强调了自我护理、开放沟通以及与伴侣分享经历的重要性。定期练习瑜伽有助于心理社会幸福感,促进整体疗愈,增强身心健康,并可能有助于改善生殖健康,从而在整个生育和繁殖过程中培养恢复力和自我效能感。