Yoga & The Pelvic Floor: Bridging The Gap Between The Art and Science of Yoga Through The Lens Of A Pelvic Health Physical Therapist

In our modern times, many of us have been experiencing the slow decay of our innate and intimate connection with our bodies. Bombarded by external stimuli, our wild natures tamed by sedentary lifestyles, the intelligence of our body systems in disarray and clouded by steady diets of “food-like” substances, and our immune systems waging an endless war against invading toxins, many of us have lost our connection with our bodies. We have long forgotten how to decipher the subtle whispers of our bodies asking for help. Our neural synapses that connect the brain and body and dictate all manner of movement and coordination have been dulled, and we are unable to function at an optimal level. We call this body dissociation.

In my practice as a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, I have worked one-on-one with countless individuals who have experienced dysfunctions and pain due to dissociation from their bodies. One of the key areas of the body where I see the greatest prevalence of severance between the brain and body is the pelvic region. This dissociation is not only a product of our inactive modern-day lifestyles, but also often the result of societal, religious, and familiar taboos and teachings that have led many individuals to believe that the pelvic region of their bodies is shameful, dirty, untrustworthy, and not to be talked about openly. This has led to many individuals with pelvic health diseases and dysfunctions feeling isolated in their experiences. With no one to turn to for help, they suffer in silence.

This is where the Pelvic Health Movement that is sweeping the globe is making a difference - by bringing a message of hope and healing to billions affected with pelvic health issues! This movement seeks to break long-held, destructive taboos; encourage the normalization of conversations regarding pelvic health; equip healthcare and wellness professionals with the education to support and effectively treat pelvic health dysfunctions; and empower those affected with the education and support to find their voice and seek help from a growing number of qualified pelvic health professionals.

As a Certified Yoga Instructor who has incorporated yoga in my pelvic health rehabilitation with clients with great success, I believe that yoga offers a vital tool for the Pelvic Health Movement. Yoga can be used to reconnect individuals with their physical bodies, increase motor synapses to the pelvic region to restore muscle coordination and control, promote mindfulness and body awareness, teach optimal breathing patterns that are foundational to the optimal functioning of the pelvic floor and core system, and allow individuals the freedom to love and trust their bodies again.

The purpose of this book is to break the world of pelvic health wide open and show how yoga can be a key player in the effort to help free billions from pelvic health dysfunctions so they can reconnect with and fall in love with their bodies again (or for the very first time!).

This is pelvic health and this is yoga. This is the art and science of healing. Welcome to the journey!