“There is no better aphrodisiac than a beautiful woman”
Ayurveda has a brilliant view of male and female productiveness. Reproduction is seen as the ultimate creative act and the most potent dynamic force in our human destiny.
Fertility is seen as the sum total of all optimally digested foods and experiences. The logic is based on the principles of Ayurvedic anatomy and physiology. It involves the quality of the digestive fire, the quality of the tissues and the free-flowing nature of the channels. When these are all functioning properly then the reproductive tissues can be nourished and fertility can take its course.
Food enters our stomach where the digestive fire turns it into the essence of food. From here it flows through the different tissues where they take up what nutrients are necessary for them to function efficiently.
Optimizing fertility is one of the delicious arts of Ayurveda. There are certain foods and herbs that have an affinity for the reproductive system that anyone wanting to enhance their fertility should include in their diet. These are usually foods that have qualities of sweetness, nourishing and building. Examples include
Problems with infertility can arise when nutrition does not reach the reproductive tissue; this can happen due to undernutrition, poor digestion or obstruction due to toxins. Infertility can also arise when the reproductive tissue is overtaxed or damaged by infection or trauma.
Male subfertility (reduced fertility) can be caused by all sorts of sperm defects (low volume, low motility and irregular shape), erectile dysfunction and obstructions (varicocele and prostatitis).
There are two basic strategies to optimize male fertility. First, clear any obstructions and then tonify the reproductive tissue.
Other things men can do to enhance their fertility is to avoid alcohol and smoking, reduce poor quality fats in the diet, and increase exercise. A very useful yogic exercise for both partners is to practice pelvic floor exercises. Just contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor greatly enhances the circulation to the reproductive system. Such practices as moola bandha, Ashwini mudra and vajroli mudra are famed for enhancing sexual prowess and potency.