Yoga for the pelvic floor can be a powerful tool for healing because it is more than just an exercise. Much more. It is a mind-body-spirit system of managing our energy and a means to bringing balance back to our being.
So How Can it Help?
When we are experiencing pain, the body naturally braces against it, unintentionally creating more tension. When our mind anticipates feeling pain, anxiety builds around the issue. This becomes a vicious cycle. When we are caught in this cycle, our spirit suffers, and feelings of depression and hopelessness can result. Yoga for the pelvic floor can be a powerful tool for healing.
Mind
the practice of yoga brings our attention into subtle sensations of breath and movement, cultivating awareness of what is going on in our bodies. As awareness develops, we are more easily able to notice when we are breathing poorly and/or gripping our pelvic floor and/or surrounding muscles and correct those tendencies. The more often we catch and correct, the more it becomes a habit.
Body
Yoga, applied specifically to the pelvic region and surrounding muscle groups, stretches what needs to be stretched and strengthens what needs to be strengthened. Breathing correctly breathes the diaphragm down into the belly which breathes the organs down into the pelvic floor. This creates the expansion-and-contraction of the pelvic floor muscles with the inhale and exhale which is absolutely necessary for a healthy Pelvic Floor. Correct breathing also soothes the nervous system and aids in reducing stress and anxiety, benefiting the mind and spirit.
Spirit
Spirit can mean different things to different people, but for the purpose of this post we will be looking at spirit as an emotional state. As in “her yoga practice raised her spirits.” As mentioned above, being caught in the cycle of pain and anxiety around pelvic floor dysfunction can leave us feeling down, depressed and even hopeless.
Practicing Our Yoga:
- Empowers us, knowing we are doing something that is in our best interest.
- Brings us into the present moment which allows us to let go for a while and rest in the here and now.
- Improves breathing, which soothes our nervous system and helps us to relax, mentally and physically.
- Moves our bodies, stretching and strengthen muscles which releases feel-good endorphins that improve mood, feelings of self-worth and improved sleep.
Fast & Free Isn’t Always the Best Route
Grabbing a stretch from Pinterest here or a breathing technique from You Tube there can be helpful in the moment, but a regular, short daily practice designed for your particular Pelvic Floor imbalances is the most effective way to get the most out of your yoga practice, improve the health of your pelvic floor and quality of life.
