Pelvic floor health & Breath

Root Lock - Pelvic Floor

The breath plays a significant role in pelvic floor function and can greatly affect its strength and coordination. Here's how:

Diaphragmatic Breathing: 

Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, involves breathing deeply into the abdomen rather than shallow breathing into the chest. When you inhale deeply, the diaphragm descends, creating space in the abdominal cavity and allowing the pelvic floor muscles to relax and lengthen. This helps to optimize pelvic floor function by promoting flexibility and preventing excessive tension.

Breath Coordination: Coordinating your breath with movement can enhance pelvic floor engagement and stability during yoga practice. For example, you can engage the pelvic floor muscles gently as you exhale during poses that require core activation, such as Bridge Pose or Boat Pose. This coordinated breath and movement help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles while maintaining proper alignment and support.

Breath Awareness: Cultivating awareness of your breath can help you connect with your pelvic floor muscles more effectively. Paying attention to how your breath moves in your body during yoga poses can provide valuable feedback about the engagement and relaxation of your pelvic floor muscles. By consciously directing your breath towards the pelvic floor, you can encourage relaxation or engagement as needed.

Breath Holding: Holding your breath or bearing down excessively during physical exertion, such as lifting weights or performing strenuous yoga poses, can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, including pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence. Instead, focus on maintaining steady, rhythmic breathing throughout your practice to support pelvic floor health and function.

Incorporating breath awareness, coordination, and diaphragmatic breathing into your yoga practice can help optimize pelvic floor function, promote stability, and prevent pelvic floor dysfunction.If you have any pelvic floor issues or concerns, consider consulting with a yoga instructor or healthcare professional for personalized guidance and modifications.