A topic in class the other day, connecting the physical and the subtle bodies, was an article in the New York Times this week. I'll note a couple of things. It’s titled “Every Woman Can Benefit From This Pelvic Floor Workout,” but I’d like to point out that men have a pelvis and need a healthy pelvic floor, too. 

“Pelvic Floor Disorders are in no way limited to women. They are just as prevalent in men, and worsening (in both populations). Sure, the names of the issues are different -- many of them using the word ‘prostate’ instead of ‘vulva’ but the biomechanics/mechanisms of these ailments are the same.” ~ Katy Bowman

It’s interesting that the first exercise the article recommends is diaphragmatic breathing, and that forms the basis of the other exercises. So that gives a clue that we’re playing on a larger field than just the pelvic floor. (What isn’t helped by better breathing?) So now we’re including the abdomen and its organs and other tissues, the hips, legs, and low back, the rib cage, the shoulders, neck, and jaw. At least. (And men have all these, too!)

The article also-but-only hints at the nervous system and brain being involved (your insular cortex, among other brain areas, is connected). Emotions and stress are suggested, too, so there’s the subtle body component. Balance and general movement are mentioned, so there’s a place for the vestibular system, as well!

The article says that prolonged sitting could be problematic, but then provides exercises that are all done sitting or in a hips-at-90-degrees position. So…

For an expanded understanding of the pelvis, you might read Katy Bowman on Kegels, etc. (Here and here.) Not surprisingly, there’s more to it. It's helpful to think of brain maps, both sensory and motor, for the pelvis, just as for all other areas of the body. And sensory-motor amnesia.

Consider the exercises we do in class: pelvic tilts and circles, hourglass circles, hip circles and all leg movements, really. Breathing practices. Thoracic spine and cervical spine mobility. Shoulders and arms. Jaw mobility. Tongue circles. Furthermore, standing up, sitting down, walking, and moving your whole body. All these can contribute to better pelvic health.

The key, I think, is like with everything else. For better overall health (or at least improving your odds), move a little throughout the day, rather than only moving a lot a couple times a week. How’s that for subtlety?