Minding the Pelvis: Discovering a Hidden Connection
The mind-pelvis connection has always fascinated me. As a yoga teacher, psychotherapist, and mother, I always return to this fundamental relationship.
The pelvis is the center of our body and mastery of our pelvis and pelvic floor is crucial when dealing with instability of the mind. Often charged and unspoken, the pelvis is the focal point that dictates how we hold the upper and lower parts of our body. Our pelvic floor is hidden physically and only tangible in intimate and private moments such as urination, defecation, sex, and birth. The pelvic region can store unpleasant memories and it can also hold pleasurable experiences. No matter the circumstances, this area of our body is loaded with information about the emotional state of an individual.
The hormones of pregnancy, including relaxin, progesterone and estrogen, cause a variety of changes in the pelvis during pregnancy. Increased instability of the pelvic joints combined with the weight of the growing baby and physical compensation for a shifting center of gravity can all cause pain and discomfort for expecting mothers. As the baby grows there is more pressure on the pelvic floor and many women first complain that “it feels strange down there,” and then, as they get closer to birth, that “it feels as if my pelvis is falling apart.” While these complaints are common and ultimately indicate that the baby is growing well and the joints of the pelvis are expanding in preparation for birth, lack of awareness and pelvic floor toning can also lead to prolapse and hemorrhoids and cause a sense of depression and defeat.
I have found that beyond these physical complaints and concerns, instability of the pelvis often manifests as an experience of emotional instability. There is a parallel process between a sense of physical uncertainty and unsettling emotions. Losing control of the changing body during pregnancy can be frustrating and at times may cause fear and anxiety, undermining the confidence in the body that is needed for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
Pelvic floor exercises (also known by the term “Kegels”, named after the doctor who developed these exercises) can be profoundly effective in regaining control of our body and a sense of empowerment. Acknowledging the importance of pelvic floor exercises leads to empowerment. Appreciation of the body and the ability to take care of it can prevent problems and discomfort during pregnancy and after birth but perhaps more importantly claiming authority of one’s body generates confidence and increased self esteem.
This is a common story I have heard many times. Instability of a woman’s pelvis during her last trimester produced lower back pains which inhibited her ability to sit, walk and sleep. Moreover, she was unable to control her urine and every time she sneezed, coughed or laughed she urinated a bit, making her feel embarrassed, insecure and weak. All of these factors supported her fear that her body was incapable of handling her baby or giving birth vaginally. That said, in my own work with women, I have found that this story does not have to end there. Instead, learning about the general structure of the pelvis, visualizing it and understanding how to adjust alignment according to a shifted center of gravity, can provide this woman with concrete tools to resolve physical discomfort during her daily routine (such as sitting at work, walking, standing and sleeping). Additionally, this process helped her develop trust in her body and a feeling of confidence in her abilities.”
Pregnancy, birth and postpartum are replete with the unknown. Taking ownership of the body during this time is an extraordinary experience. Creative ways to feel the gathering and releasing of the muscles of the pelvic floor enable women to embody the idea of controlling and letting go. When dealing with anxiety and fear, “letting go” is as crucial as gaining control of unpredictable circumstances. Playing with the ideas of stability and mobility in the body helps to cultivate the ability to welcome the unknown without fear or judgment. It teaches the woman that she can handle any birth circumstance that comes her way, whether the birth goes as she wishes or not.
After birth, many women express the urgency “to get all the parts back together”. This statement is very common and can reflect the vulnerable emotional state that women experience after birth. The majority of women are concerned about their core and getting back their flat belly which mainly suggest body image concerns and emotional difficulty when it feels as though everything is “falling apart.” Alignment of the pelvis and toning the pelvic floor muscles are essential to help restore and strengthen the base of the abdominal muscles. The ability to identify those areas and their function can be very healing and supportive during the adjustment period after birth and motherhood.
Pacifying the pelvic region is as important as strengthening it, similar to calming an anxious mind. Taking the pressure off and soothing the pelvic floor can result in calmness and comfort, which are important in recuperating from any strenuous experience.
The pelvis is a vulnerable area and is central to many vital bodily functions. It is an inner compass that helps us identify where the body is in space and awareness of this region can be a focal point to refine physical and mental stability.
About Shahar: Shahar Lion is a Licensed Social Worker (LMSW), she holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University and has completed three years of post-graduate training in Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She is one of the mental health specialists at Maven Clinic – a mobile online service for accessing women’s health practitioners. She offers weekly support group for expecting moms and new moms at Carriage House Birth. She teaches weekly prenatal and postnatal Yoga classes at Kula Williamsburg. Her many years of experience teaching prenatal, postnatal, and general yoga here in NYC and abroad has earned her a revered reputation amongst students and colleagues. She is also a mother herself. To schedule a private class or counseling services please contact her at shahar@shaharlion.com