There are several reasons men can develop prostate problems—genetics, diabetes and heart disease, and obesity—for many men it is a natural part of aging which could be linked to hormonal changes and levels of DHT in the body. Whether you’re already dealing with issues, or just looking for natural ways to bolster prostate health, the benefits of yoga are many.
Read: The Benefits of Yoga for Men Over 40: Get Healthy, Have Great Sex, and Remain Young in Body and Mind
The prostate gland is a small, endocrine gland about the size of a walnut that is found only in the male reproductive system. It is located around the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder), between the bladder and the penis. This muscular gland helps the production of seminal fluid and stimulates the movement of the semen during ejaculation. Having a healthy prostate is essential for the urinary system and reproductive health.
Common signs of prostate dysfunction are
- Difficulty initiating urination
- Frequent urination (often with urgency and/or accompanied by incontinence)
- Waking several times at night to urinate
- Sexual dysfunction and decreased libido.
Common Prostate Conditions
The three most common forms of prostate disease are
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Symptoms result when the enlargement squeezes the urethra where it runs through the prostate. It is more common in older men because as a man ages, his prostate can enlarge.
- Prostatitis. An inflammation of the prostate, prostatitis is often caused by bacteria similar to those found in some types of urinary infections. However, some men show no evidence of bacteria. Prostatitis can develop from untreated BPH.
- Prostate Cancer. Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that most often starts in the outer part of the prostate. As it grows, the tumor may spread to the inner part of the prostate. According to the American Cancer Society, “Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer.”
How can Yoga Improve the Health of the Prostate?
The evidence-based benefits of yoga well known. There is no denying this ancient practice can improve every aspect of life physically, mentally, and spiritually. The stress-reduction benefits alone can be monumental and research shows it is associated with less fatigue, improved urinary function, and fewer sexual health problems in men dealing with prostate disorders, even cancer.
Imbalances often occur in the body when there is energy stagnation. Energy heals and if it can’t get to where it needs to go, well then, Houston, we have a problem.
Energy stagnation in the area of the prostate can be caused by poor posture—sitting in a chair for many hours at work with a rounded spine inhibits organs, glands, and systems from functioning properly. Couple poor posture with an inability to breathe deeply and now the organs and glands can’t receive the nourishment they need from the breath that carries life force healing energy.
Finding the balance between preserving and expending sexual energy is also important. Too much or too little sex can create stagnation of energy.
Yoga serves to raise energy and provides a pathway of release when there are physical or mental toxins that need to be ushered out of the body. Stress that causes inflammation and other imbalances is alleviated by yogic relaxation techniques such as savasana and yoga nidra.
Yoga for the Prostate
When deciding what postures and practices are best for you, consider the following:
- Yoga postures, breathing techniques, relaxation, and meditation provide support, cleansing, nourishment, and the delivery of healing life force energy.
- Yoga postures that stretch, compress, and increase energy and blood flow to the pelvic region support a healthy prostate.
- Postures that open the chest serve to de-stagnate and decongest the heaviness of the heart that causes grief and depression.
Develop a weekly practice using the following yoga asanas, breathwork, meditation, and relaxation to balance, relax, and strengthen.
Want to learn more? Stepping Into Silence is a deeply restorative retreat that combines guided meditation, gentle yoga, and the healing power of silence to bring clarity, peace, and renewed purpose.
Posture Sequence
Bound Angle Pose | Baddha Konasana
Downward Facing Hero | Adho Mukha Virasana
Head-to-Knee-Forward-Bend | Janu Sirsasana
Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose | Supta Padangusthasana
Bridge Pose | Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
Half-Moon Pose | Ardha Chandrasana
Upward Facing Wide-Angle Seated Pose | Urdhva Upavistha Konasana
Headstand | Salamba Sirsasana
Shoulderstand | Salamba Sarvangasana
Fish Pose | Matsyasana
Legs Up the Wall | Viparita Karani
Corpse Pose | Savasana
Breathwork
Breath connects the body and the mind. When we become conscious of the breath, we can clear up energy blocks, regulate the flow of prana, and reduce stress— anytime, anywhere. Explore the power of pranayama.
Meditation
Meditation techniques help you relax and unwind in just a few minutes. It has been termed as a powerful fuel to increase your productivity. The reasons to meditate can be physical, mental, emotional as well as spiritual.
