Yoga and the pelvic floor: What we’re missing
Curious about how your yoga practice might be affecting your pelvic floor?
My recent Instagram Live on this topic with my teacher and founder of the Restore Your Core Pro® training, Lauren Ohayan, was enlightening.
In case you missed it, here's a Cliff Note version.
The central question is:
Why is it so hard for yoga to get out of the "squeeze" model when it comes to the pelvic floor?
1. Change is Hard
Most humans aren't big fans of change, especially when it comes to a worldview. We could blame it on our brains -- it takes calories to wire new pathways and the brain is dedicated to saving calories whenever possible. Better to stick with old wiring (beliefs) than spend energy on new ones.
2. History + Longevity = Validity
This isn't true, but it's a common fallacy. "This is the way we've always done it" is seen as a reason to keep doing it that way. Again, humans are wired to keep things in the same, familiar boxes. However, most of the “ancient” yoga texts and cues were written by men anywhere from 100-2000 years ago, leaving a lot of room for refinement.
3. The Pelvic Floor is Invisible
You can't see your pelvic floor. The saying is true: Out of sight, out of mind. You can see your shoulder, so you're more apt to be aware of its position or consider its relationship to your whole body alignment. You might even take a workshop on the shoulders. But the pelvic floor isn't something we can see, therefore it's harder to keep in mind. Yet it is a central conductor and responder to the organic interplay of the body’s systems.
4. It's Taboo
This part of the body is forbidden, censored, sexualized. This is woven into the patriarchal and misogynistic fabric of culture. Female anatomy -- the vulva, vagina, reproductive organs and pelvic floor -- has been simultaneously medicalized and pathologized... alongside a lack of representation and interest in women's health. Even the National Institutes of Health acknowledges a gender disparity of "underrepresentation of women in health studies, [and} the trivialization of women's complaint...." All contributing to a lack of support, agency and freedom in our bodies.
5. The "Right" Way
It's human nature to want to know how to do it right. Our yoga practice is not exempt from this pitfall. Your arm goes here, your foot turns out 45 degrees. As if all bodies fit into one mold! Nuance and subtlety are harder to teach, harder to feel, and less dramatic when we do. "Squeeze and lift" can feel rewarding, like I'm doing something!
6. Tradition vs Evolution
This ties into "this is how we've always done it" but also deserves its own shout-out. The tradition of yoga can be seen as a sacred, enduring practice and an evolving practice that adapts in response to modern life and new findings in biomechanics and anatomy.
7. Calling Out the Teachers
Beloved colleagues: Our education never ends. It's imperative to cultivate a growth mindset and continue to learn about anatomy, body mechanics and injury prevention. I recently went to a class offered by a 30-year seasoned teacher who used what I would call "outdated" cues. Never let your knee go past your ankle. Stay between two panes of glass. Breathe down into your belly. These cues aren't bad, they just aren't the complete picture and can create fear and dogma instead of curiosity in the practice.
8. We are Taught to be Afraid of our Bodies
This encompasses many of the points above -- women in particular are taught to not trust our bodies. Control, tighten, firm, brace. Don't let your knee go over your foot or you'll hurt yourself. Always lift and squeeze (otherwise you won't look attractive... or you'll leak). You need someone else to tell you what to do or give you permission to explore your body. The truth is these bodies are intelligent beyond measure — miraculous, glorious, wise bodies!
Which of these speaks most to you? Share in the comments.
Watch our full conversation here.
Teachers — check out Lauren’s teacher training. She runs it once a year. You will be inspired, humbled and amazed by what you learn.
Get a free pelvic floor practice and meditation with me here.
Keep taking good care, dear friend.
With love,
