YOGA FOR PELVIC HEALTH By Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

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YOGA FOR PELVIC HEALTH By Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi BhavananiThe pelvic region is one of the important regions of the human body. As we mature from childhood into adulthood and then into old age we find that problems of this pelvic region occur more and more frequently. The problems of this region include menstrual disorders in the female, urinary and bowel disorders in both male and female and the reproductive disorders that are so common nowadays. Disorders of the bones, the joints and the muscles of the pelvic region are also very common.

This region is a sacred region, even the bone of this region is called the sacrum, and even the nerve plexus is called the sacral plexus. Yoga considers that this region houses the all important potential energy, the energy known as the Kundalini Shakti, that energizes our very nervous system, not only the physical but the psychic and the spiritual.

Health of the pelvic region influences the overall health. If there is pain in the pelvis, if there is a sense of congestion, if there is discomfort, the whole life is affected. The Yoga practices outlined in this presentation help us to reenergize this region. An energy known as the Apana Vayu the energy of excretion - pushing out, that works through the urinary system, the reproductive system and the excretory system. This Apanic energy is strengthened, is normalized, is harmonized by these Yoga practices.

The congestion of this region leads to many disorders and the postures where the body is held inverted, the topsy-turvy postures help to drain this congestion away. Practices where there is alternate contraction and relaxation help to energize and relax this area. The Pranayama practices, focusing the mind in the pelvic region, sending healthy energies to this region help to normalize the different conditions that occur there.

One of the beautiful practices of Yoga is known as the Mula Bandha, the root lock. Mula refers to the anal region, the pelvic floor, upon which our while system is based. This lock, a neuromuscular energy lock, known as Mula Bandha is performed by contracting the anal and urinary sphincters, contracting the whole pelvic floor and holding this contraction as long as it is comfortable. This may be done with the breathing practices, the Pranayamas; it can be done in the different Asanas, the static postures, and even in the relaxation. The Mula Bandha helps to relive the congestion in the pelvic region, it strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, preventing and helping manage conditions such as prolapse, the varicosities of this region and other energetic imbalances.

Another active practice called the Aswini Mudra can also be performed. In Aswini Mudra which is a gesture as Mudra signifies and Aswini like the anal defecatory action of a horse. The Yogis looked into nature and whatever they found there, they applied in themselves. Here the pelvic muscles and anal sphincters are contracted and relaxed. The alternate contraction-relaxation, contraction-relaxation that is performed in the Aswini Mudra again helps to relieve the congestion. It energizes the system and even helps us to feel better. It gives us a better sense of well being, an improved sense of a healthy mood.

Another practice that can also be done, is the Baddhakona where both the soles of the feet are brought together. It is often called the butterfly, or the auspicious or the cobbler posture. In the Baddhakona Asana the soles are kept touching whereas the thighs and the knees are off to the side. In this practice one can sit quietly using the Mula Bandha or Aswini Mudra concentrating the energies into the pelvic region and focusing the mind to produce health and harmony and healing in this region.

In the Baddhakona Kriya, the action where the knees are moved up and down can also be done helping to force the energies into the pelvic region in a healthy manner. Again the Aswini Mudra and Mula Bandha can be applied while doing the Baddhakona Kriya the bound angle action. We can also bend forward performing the Purna Baddhakona, stretching forward as far as possible thus improving the compression on this region, creating a healthy compression, energizing, rejuvenating the organs of the pelvis.

Another practice that may be done is to lie down keeping the feet in the Baddhakona in what is known as the Supta Baddhakona, the reclining bound angle posture. It is a beautiful posture to energize the pelvic region and it is also a relaxatory posture, relaxing the body, relaxing the mind and relaxing the emotions. And, when we relax there is a normalization of the blood flow into the pelvic region. A normalization of blood flow at the physical level signifies the normalization of the energy at the Pranic, psychic level. When the Apanic energy is normal, health and harmony and a sense of well being is brought into the pelvic region. The urinary functions, the excretory functions, and the reproductive functions all improve drastically producing health in this region. It is a region that gives us the creativity to pass on our energies to the next generation.

Yoga is the science of right-use-ness, using every aspect of our life in the right manner. Through the practice of Yoga as a proper life style and utilization of practices I am giving you in this presentation, I am sure you will definitely be able to move from the state of ill health to a state of dynamic positive health. Please remember it may not be possible to do all the practices I am giving you in this presentation. Please meet and consult a qualified, experienced, yoga therapist, find out which of these practices is most applicable to you and then practice them with sincerity, discipline and dedication.

I wish you all the best in this journey towards health, harmony and happiness.------This is the transcript of Dr Ananda’s introduction to his new DVD on " Yoga for pelvic health " that is available from Dhivyananda Creations, Pondicherry, India. Pl contact yognat for more details

-- Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi BhavananiChairman: ICYER and Yoganjali Natyalayam25, II Cross, Iyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry, Indiawww.icyer.com and www..org

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