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A systematic review published in January 2020 analyzed a dozen studies of mind–body interventions in infertility. The outcomes are compelling: yoga and mindfulness practices reduce anxiety and depression in women during infertility treatment.

There is also an indication that mind–body interventions increase pregnancy rates, though not many studies followed the participants for a sufficiently long time to make reliable conclusions about pregnancy outcomes.

Grief, depression, and anxiety

Most women included in the reviewed studies had signs of mild anxiety and depression. It is not surprising — women undergoing infertility treatments have possibly lived through years of despair, guilt, and grief. 

Infertility problems and pregnancy losses are prevalent: one in ten pregnancies results in miscarriage. Yet, we do not talk about it openly, and women often receive little support during the time of treatment. 

Western protocols offer technical solutions to infertility but do not give us the tools to cope with difficult emotions. Holistic treatments and mind–body practices can fill this gap. I had a first-trimester miscarriage myself and felt incredibly sad and lonely, especially since I had to decide if I wanted to terminate the pregnancy when the heartbeat was no longer detectable. Yoga helped me to find compassion towards my body, rather than feeling angry with its failure. Yoga also helped me to navigate through waves of anxiety during the following pregnancy.

Is there “yoga for hormones”?

Research data now confirms what many other women and myself have discovered before: mind–body practices can support us on the path to motherhood. We do not know if it is particular yoga asanas that are helping, or perhaps it is simply the general de-stress quality of yoga. 

If we want to build a balanced practice, it's better to let go of the idea that one asana targets one specific hormone problem. 

Physical exercises affect many hormones and body parameters, such as heart output, blood biochemistry, and nutrient supply to organs. Slow breathing and focused attention reduce physiological stress reactions. As a combination of meditation and physical exercise, yoga could be an efficient protective strategy against hormonal imbalances. A shift in the physiological state towards calm and resilience makes miracles happen.

Healthcare professionals under stress

According to a report by the Dutch National Register of occupational disorders, healthcare providers in the Netherlands experience more mental distress than professionals from any other sector. At the same time, British Medical Association talks about a mental health crisis in healthcare professionals. Chronic stress, mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances put doctors at risk for health problems. A survey of thousands of doctors and medical students shows worrying levels of burnout, a high prevalence of psychological and emotional conditions, and a concerning number turning to alcohol, drugs, or medication (British Medical Association 2019).

“While there is no denying that being a doctor is a challenging and demanding role, too often the line of what can be considered routine pressures of the job has most definitely been crossed and the consequence is a workforce that has been pushed to literal breaking point.” – BMA

Good care starts with yourself

At Network Yoga Therapy we believe that yoga-based practices should be included in the healthcare sector, as a lifestyle management tool both for doctors and patients. Yoga is a tool for transforming mind and body patterns and working to improve health and wellbeing. In a world where most diseases come from poor lifestyle choices, yoga can be seen as a “lifestyle therapy”.  

A study that came out last week (January 2020) in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that yoga improves psychological and occupational health in frontline professionals. The study participants took part in a 5-day course, including yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises. A series of psychological tests showed an improvement in stress levels, mindfulness, empowerment, and self-compassion immediately after the course. Practicing yoga brought sustained improvements in the long-run: the study shows that the positive changes lasted for at least 6 months.

In what way can yoga or yoga-based lifestyle interventions be integrated in healthcare? Do you know of any ongoing projects anywhere in the world?

Personal empowerment and holistic lifestyle management

This year we started Svastha 200 hours yoga teacher training and professional development for healthcare professionals, in collaboration with the Amsterdam School for Integrative Medicine & Health. During this training, we work towards personal optimal balance through an intensive yoga and meditation program. We investigate the original holistic wisdom from the yogic tradition and the basic principles of Ayurveda for optimal health balance. We show how to develop yoga and meditation classes for groups and in a 1-on-1 setting, for example in the consultation room.