I’m Sexy, I’m Menopausal and I know it!
Menopause is a whole body experience! As we age there’s not a crevice that escapes the
decline of estrogen and natural collagen stores, and that includes the vagina! This
reflects in the many recognised menopausal symptoms that can interfere with the
regular functioning of the pelvic region, causing irregular menstrual cycles, vaginal
dryness, loss of libido, unusual odours and even vaginal prolapse! And this list isn’t
conclusive! Experiencing one or more of the symptoms reduces sexual appetite and
interest, affecting confidence and self-esteem, which can have an impact on our
intimate relationships.
It doesn’t have to be ALL doom and gloom!
Menopausal vaginal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and women are often too
embarrassed to talk about them and seek professional advice. But if your daily
symptoms are severe there may be a need for a medication prescription and you should
seek advice. Don’t allow a brief moment of embarrassment stop you reclaiming and
experiencing what can be a really juicy and sensual time of life.
At the beginning of my menopause journey, I experienced an incident that left me
questioning my own sexual health.
During a juicy intimate session with my partner, just before that sweet, blissful rush of
nectar release, I was overcome by a sudden pressing need to pee! All my feelings felt
conflicted and confused, not knowing if there was going to be a trickle of pee released
along with an orgasm, I withdrew and moved on from the moment. The incident left me
anxious and upset and wondering if I was able or willing to allow myself become so
relaxed enough to ever experience sexual bliss again!
Taking a step back, I began to investigate!
As a yoga teacher of more than 20 years, pelvic floor exercises are not new to me.
Fortunately, I did recognise that somehow, I had lost my focus with the onset of perimenopause
causing havoc on my physical body in so many areas and I had neglected
these specific and very important exercises.
I rolled out my mat and literally within a week of doing regular, targeted pelvic floor
exercises, I felt a renewed confidence of my body. I had rejuvenated control and strength
in my pelvic region and it felt great!
I put my hard work and effort to the test! (No step-by-step details needed!) I was once
again, liberated and was able to start enjoying a relaxed and blissful outcome! For me,
this was a really eye-opening experience on how our hormones can literally dip from
one moment to another and cause havoc, physically and mentally. I suspect, similar to a
‘hot flush’ sneaking up unannounced!
Teaching yoga specifically to menopausal women, I essentially work with and constantly
remind our Goddesses to engage the pelvic floor muscles during the practice, this brings
a fresh supply of oxygenated blood flow, nourishing the pelvic area. Yogic exercises
improve vaginal health and strengthen the bladder, which can help put the Sha-Bang
back into your sex life!
In yoga class we engage three parts of the lower pelvic region to create a ‘root lock’ this
is know as the Mula Bandha - one of three yogic locks which are referenced in yoga
practices. The Mula Bandha consists of the vagina, the anus and the pelvic floor muscles
in the lower belly. The Mula Bandha is engaged to strengthen internally and stop the life
force from escaping the body and to keep the prana flowing, oxygenating and lubricating
around the lower body regions.
How to engage Mula Bandha:
Whilst on the loo, midstream stop the flow of urine. (It's not recommended that you
regularly stop the flow of urine midstream as this can cause bladder problems.) Once or
twice is adequate in helping you recognise the action of recruiting and squeezing the
vagina muscles. That’s one part of engaging the root lock.
The second part is engaging the anus. Imagine you’re in a public place, and oh no… you
feel like passing ’wind’. Yep! Engage the anus sphincter muscle and squeeze it tight.
Don’t mistake the bottom cheeks for the sphincter! The bottom remains relaxed and can
still wobble!
The third part of the root lock is pressing the pelvic floor muscles - lower abdomen back
toward the spine to meet the other two parts internally, visually creating a kind of
triangular shape. The engaging of all three parts together becomes the Mula Bandha –
root lock.
It is important to note that the root lock is not held with the holding of the breath. The
breath still flows in and out, the bottom still wiggles and the top of the surface belly still
jiggles! Once the practice becomes familiar, it is an internal exercise that can be
practiced and held anytime and anywhere!
At Triple Goddess Yoga our practices will compliment any medical route and are super
effective in enriching the renewal of oxygenated life force energy in the pelvic region,
helping you reclaim your sensual and sexual persona and feel empowered as the
Goddess you are! For a seasoned yogi, the root lock can be engaged and held throughout
a class. For novices, simple yogic exercises whilst engaging the root lock will reap many
benefits and start to lay a strong foundation of core pelvic strength.
In the privacy and comfort of your own home, please watch and participate in our Triple
Goddess Yoga pelvic floor short yoga practice to help you restore and rejuvenate!