The foundation for all movement, balance, stability and flexibility begins in one area; the pelvis. The Perineum muscle is the base of your pelvic floor. This muscle is very important because it not only structures your abdominal cavity, but it also aides in bladder functions, childbirth, and sexual pleasure. Some exercises that utilize this muscle are called Kegel exercises. Kegels are resistance strength training and really aide in flexibility and strength training of your elusive vaginal muscles.
You can engage this muscle during your yoga practice as well. One way of identifying if you are using the correct muscle is to sit on the toilet and try to stop and start the flow of urine. If you focus that the strengthening of that muscle during your practice, you will see improvement of your core muscles too. Some yoga poses that really help stretch your perineum are the downward facing dog and bridge pose. The lifting movement of these poses engage your perineum and stretches this essential area. During times of stress and change, your pelvic floor is bearing the weight. Finding ways to strengthen this foundation can help more than just physically; it can help you open yourself to change and growth.
For various reasons, the perineum can become overstretched or weak which can result is many complications. Some of these symptoms are urinary incontinence, lower back pain, lower abdominal pain, diminished sexual pleasure and painful intercourse.
The function of your pelvic floor and perineum affects almost everything we do. It is our foundation and there is so much everyone can do to preserve and restore it. We are not simply limited to the well-known Kegel exercises. As you strengthening your core with yoga, you will find that there are many ways to maximize your health and keep that foundation strong and flexible for many years to come.