This is a subject that I hope I can shed some light on for those dedicated to kegel muscle exercises or those suffering from pelvic organ prolapse. Most people have no idea that pelvic alignment is essential for pelvic floor function. *1. The pelvic organ support system is actually a postural system not a gynecological one. Restoring natural primal posture repositions the pelvic organs where they belong, up against the lower front abdominal wall and over the pubic bones (which is key.) Strengthening the pubo-coccygeal, or “Kegel” muscle may enhance sexual experience, but can actually make pelvic organ prolapse worse. Kegel exercise actually pulls the organs in the direction of prolapse by pulling the tailbone closer to the pubic bone and tucking the pelvis. These exercises may work in the beginning as they contract the muscle. But they do not lengthen it. Example: a bicep curl. A strong muscle contracts and then lengthens. By only contracting the muscle, it actually becomes shorter and weaker. Many women have reported increased prolapse symptoms after engaging in prolonged Kegel exercise. If the abdominal wall is not constantly pulled in (as we are taught to hold our stomachs in) and the pelvis not tucked, the breath and the diaphragm can work to push the organs forward and into the hollow of the lower belly where they are safely positioned by the forces of intra-abdominal pressure. Prolapse is caused by organs falling back not down. A “tucked pelvis” places the pelvic organs on top of the pelvic floor muscles or the kegel muscle. Women are told to do kegel exercises, but this muscle is just not cut out to do the job of supporting all the pelvic organs. Positioning the pelvis this way is an invitation to have the pelvic organs fall out of you. In our society we see a lot of organ prolapse especially in women who have more to loose there in the form of uterine and bladder prolapse and urinary incontinence. Both genders can suffer hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse. So I highly encourage you to consider an anteverted or forward facing pelvis. With an anteverted pelvis as opposed to a tucked pelvis, you have the pubic bone underneath these organs supporting them perfectly well. The pubic bones are our true pelvic floor. I personally would rather have bone supporting my organs than a relatively weak trampoline of muscles. A realignment of posture returns us to natural pelvic organ support and can help us in some cases avoid surgery. The word pelvis means “bowl.” But this pelvic bowl should be tipped forward on its’ rim which is the pubic bone. You can keep your bones under you by picturing a bowl filled with water. But you want the water spilling out the front. As I have mentioned before a really great way to help antervert the pelvis is by walking using and developing the glutes as you go. Leaning forward slightly in the beginning can help you engage the proper gluteal muscles and place the bones where they should be. Also sitting and standing with your “behind” behind you being careful not to sway the upper lumbar area while doing this. (See *2) If you had a tail you would want it out behind you and not in between your legs or sitting on it. Keep the shoulders open and think tall as you breath creating more space for all of your organs. *1.)Christine Kent www.wholewoman.com. *2.)Esther Gokhale – http://www.gokhalemethod.com Article written by: Michelle “Mickie” Ball Gokhale Method® Teacher and massage therapist 0428223271
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