The Power of Your Pelvic Floor

My first real introduction to the pelvic floor was through studying Qi Gong. I learned that in Taoist philosophy the most powerful center of energy in the body is referred to as our Lower Dan Tian, or the “Sea of Qi” located in the low belly, below the belly button and several inches into the abdomen. This area is revered as a sacred center of energy in the body, and is believed to govern and support the following: 

~ overall life force energy (like our battery for the body)

~ physical health and stamina 

~ youthfulness

~ emotional stability 

~ creative expression

~ warmth and circulation

The Pelvic Floor is one of the most powerful energy centers in the body.

Activating your Dan Tien

The first breath technique I learned was the fire path breath, a technique that uses gentle contractions of the pelvic floor/perineum to stoke the fire of the lower Dan Tian and build up warmth and vitality for the body. If you want to learn a quick exercise to activate your Dan Tien with a Master Qi Gong Teacher Mantak Chia, CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO!

A Modern Perspective on Pelvic Floor Health

It turns out that pelvic floor health from a western biomedical viewpoint overlaps with this perspective of the immense power of the tissues that lie base of the pelvis and their importance on everything upstream. There has been a massive resurgence of interest in pelvic floor physical therapy, with internet searches increasing by 300% over the last few years. The pelvic floor is often described as a hammock (or more accurately perhaps a responsive trampoline) which holds the bladder, rectum and prostate/uterus. Our pelvic floor is the absolute foundation - the base of our core strength, connecting to the tailbone and sacrum (thus the rest of the spine and cerebrospinal system), holding our internal organs, coordinating with the diaphragm and the lungs in breathing, connecting with the nervous system, aiding reproductive function, elimination of waste and so much more!!

When the Pelvic Floor Needs Support

Unfortunately, as we age the pelvic floor can start to weaken and the rate of pelvic floor disorders start to rise. The following are common disorders related to a weak OR an overly tense/tight pelvic floor:

~ constipation

~ urinary urgency, leakage, incontinence 

~ weak orgasms, lack of sensation/pleasure 

~ erectile disorders 

~ prostate disorders 

~ prolapse of rectum, bladder, uterus 

~ interstitial cystitis 

~ frequent UTI’s 

~ IBS

~ pain with intercourse ~ pelvic pain, 

~ vaginal spasms

Support & Healing at Lawrence Acupuncture

Even though the occurrence of these kinds of conditions are common, there aren’t many practitioners trained on treating them. I took a special training in Acupuncture for Pelvic Floor disorders in 2023 and have seen great results with patients. I am also excited to be offering a special workshop this Thursday on how to use Yoni Eggs as an at-home practice to restore or maintain healthy function of the pelvic floor and nourish sexual vitality. You will get your own brand new yoni egg when you attend my live class! If you are in need of a referral to an excellent pelvic floor physical therapist please reach out, I know an excellent one in town! My hope is to shed some light on a part of the body that often doesn’t get much attention, and to encourage those in need that there are modalities and practices that can help! And if graceful aging is a priority for you, consider spending some time with your precious and powerful pelvic floor.

Upcoming Workshop: Yoni Eggs for Pelvic Floor and Sexual Vitality

• Date: Thursday, April 16th
  Time: 6:00–7:00 pm
  Location: Lawrence Acupuncture + Taoist Arts Collective
  1246 Haskell Ave, Lawrence, KS

  This class may be especially helpful for women experiencing:

  • Urinary urgency, leakage, or incontinence

  • Constipation

  • Decreased sexual sensation or pleasure

  • Interstitial cystitis

  • Frequent UTIs

  • IBS

  • Pain with intercourse

  • Pelvic pain or vaginal spasms

  Participants will receive a new and personal yoni egg, safety guidance, handouts, and a class recording.

  Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

  Reserve your spot today.

 In Health and Happiness, Shahida Spann-Ryan, LAC

Class series taught by Shahida Spann-Ryan, Master of TCM and a board licensed with ABORM as a specialist in reproductive health. She has profound heartfelt devotion towards helping guide women through the various stages of life with grace and ease.

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Take the Next Step

These classes are an invitation to slow down, learn your body’s rhythms, and build sustainable practices that support you for years to come.

Whether you join us for one class or the full series, we look forward to welcoming you into this space of education, connection, and healing.

Join the Self-Love Series by clicking the link below.