Breathing to the pelvic floor
Within the symphony of our bodies, an often overlooked but fascinating connection exists between two pivotal components—the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. These seemingly distant regions are intricately linked, playing a vital role in our pelvic function.
Let us dive into the symbiotic relationship between the diaphragm and pelvic floor, uncovering the profound impact of their harmonious dance on our health and functionality.
Understanding the Diaphragm:
The diaphragm, a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities, is primarily recognised for its role in respiration. It contracts and flattens during inhalation, allowing the lungs to expand and draw in air. However, its significance extends beyond breathing, influencing various bodily functions.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor:
Conversely, the pelvic floor, a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues forming the base of the pelvis, acts as a muscular hammock supporting pelvic organs. This includes the bladder, uterus, and rectum, playing a crucial role in maintaining continence, supporting the spine, and contributing to sexual function.
The Connection:
The diaphragm and pelvic floor share an intrinsic connection through the thoracopelvic canister, a cylindrical structure comprised of the diaphragm at the top, abdominal muscles at the front, spine at the back, and the pelvic floor at the base. These components work harmoniously to maintain intra-abdominal pressure, essential for various physiological functions.
Breathing and the Diaphragmatic-Pelvic Floor Connection:
Synchronised movement of the diaphragm and pelvic floor is integral to proper breathing. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts, causing abdominal organs to descend, while the pelvic floor relaxes. Exhalation sees the diaphragm relaxing and moving upward, with pelvic floor muscles contracting to support abdominal organs.
Dysfunction and its Impact:
Disruptions in the diaphragm-pelvic floor connection can lead to dysfunction. Chronic stress or dysfunctional breathing patterns may contribute to pelvic floor muscle tension, resulting in conditions like pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse.
Re-establishing Harmony:
To restore balance, awareness and intentional practices are crucial. Addressing root causes such as mouth breathing, stress, tongue tension, emotional factors, neck issues, breathing disorders, and overactive abdominal muscles is essential. The journey towards re-establishing harmony involves rehabilitating diaphragm function and improving the diaphragm-pelvic floor connection.
Is Belly Breathing the Best Approach?
While conventional wisdom often advocates for sending breath into the belly, it may not always be the most effective prompt. Paradoxical diaphragm movement or dysfunctional patterns may lead to the use of abdominal muscles instead. An integrative approach that starts from the top of the airway down, challenges existing beliefs around breathing, and employs practices to rewire patterns on a neurological level proves beneficial in promoting a healthier diaphragmatic breathing technique.
Our take away message:
Merely adopting "belly breathing" to enhance diaphragm function may not always be the optimal approach for restoring the form and function of the pelvic floor. It's insufficient to solely focus on the pelvic floor; instead, we must restore healthy patterns across the entire diaphragm and respiratory system.
To effectively address pelvic floor dysfunction, it is essential to delve into the root causes of dysfunctional breathing and embark on a journey of retraining breathing patterns. This comprehensive approach ensures that the entire system, encompassing both the diaphragm and the pelvic floor, is appropriately addressed and rehabilitated.
Book in with our breathing expert, Dr Natalie Moore to have a comprehensive whole body breathing assessment to find out how to incorporate an appropriate breathing practice into your life.