Yoga for Pelvic Health

Dawn Young E-RYT, RPYT, C-IAYT

 

How often do you consider the health of your pelvis and pelvic floor, especially in relation to your yoga class, sports or in your daily tasks?  We often do not think about our pelvic floor until something goes wrong, and pelvic function (or dysfunction) is something that is rarely talked about, even between the best of friends. The subject of our pelvis is often avoided, even during visits with our personal healthcare team.  But, our pelvis is integral to our overall health and happiness, and is the keystone to our balance, stability and movement. Some of the most common pelvic health concerns include urinary urgency/frequency, incontinence (urinary and fecal), constipation, pelvic girdle pain, painful intercourse, painful bladder syndrome, infertility and even sciatica, SI joint pain and other back pain.  Embarrassment, fear, lack of confidence, emotional & physical stress, discomfort, and avoidance of activities are a few unfortunate byproducts of pelvic floor dysfunction.  One in 4 women are experiencing pelvic pain, back pain, incontinence, constipation, painful intercourse or periods or other pelvic floor concerns…and we are not talking about it!

 

We need to change our thinking about our pelvis and pelvic floor anatomy!  Our pelvic bones help protect our bladder, rectum and other organs in the lower abdomen.  The pelvic floor is a collection of muscles, nerves, blood vessels and other connective tissues  that are interwoven in the pelvis.  The muscles in the pelvic floor work the same way as do the as other muscles in our body-they contract and relax.  Our every movement either starts from the pelvic floor or impacts the pelvic floor…standing, sitting, walking, jumping, running, twisting, breathing, even rest, is only as comfortable and functional as our pelvic floor is.  The functions of the pelvic floor are to stabilize and support, sexual & sphincteric roles, and sump pump action.  The pelvic floor is an important part of our "core" and should not be overlooked or underestimated. 

 

Yoga for Pelvic Health can help with the physical and emotional discomfort of pelvic floor dysfunction, by incorporating breath, movement, alignment and information in a safe, compassionate, and welcoming way. You will be invited to move with awareness & comfort in conjunction with understanding of the function and needs of your pelvic floor.  You will build strength, balance, awareness and confidence, physically and emotionally.  Some of the practice may seem familiar to you and some will be new, but it is all to empower you with freedom and knowledge of your pelvic floor.

 

Group classes start frequently, and no previous yoga experience is required.   Please wear something comfortable and easy to move in, have a yoga mat, blanket and a block available for this class.  Feel free to contact me if you need yoga supplies- I have limited quantities available for purchase at very reasonable cost, or I can direct you to other resources for affordable yoga supplies.

 

If you are not ready for a group experience, private 1:1 lessons are also available- please contact me for more information.

 

I look forward to seeing you in class soon!