Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles has numerous benefits, from improving urinary incontinence to enhancing sexual pleasure. One significant aspect of pelvic floor therapy that is often overlooked is the proper integration of breathing techniques with kegel exercises. In this article, we will explore the importance of Kegel breathing and its benefits, as well as provide you with a realistic example of how it can be done.
What is Kegel Breathing?
Kegel breathing refers to the synchronized performance of kegel exercises and conscious breathing techniques. By incorporating deep, mindful breathing, kegel exercises become more effective in strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles.
Why is Breathing Important in Pelvic Floor Therapy?
A crucial component of kegel exercises is learning to isolate and target the muscles adequately. Simultaneously, it is essential to maintain relaxation in other surrounding muscles like the abdominals, glutes, and thighs. Proper breathing techniques help in achieving this goal by promoting relaxation and allowing for better focus on the pelvic floor muscles. Some benefits of Kegel breathing include:
- Enhanced mind-muscle connection:
- Improved muscle control and coordination:
- Increased oxygen supply:
- Reduced muscle tension:
By consciously focusing on your breath, you gain better awareness of your body, making it easier to identify and engage the pelvic floor muscles for kegel exercises.
Coordinating your breathing with kegel exercises allows for better synchronization and control of your pelvic floor muscles.
Deep breathing ensures there is sufficient oxygen supply to the pelvic area during the exercises, aiding muscle function and recovery.
Breathing techniques can help reduce strain on other muscles, allowing for a more effective workout for the pelvic floor muscles while preventing injury.
How to Perform Kegel Breathing
Follow these steps to effectively incorporate deep breathing into your kegel exercises:
- Find a comfortable position:
- Identify and isolate the pelvic floor muscles:
- Begin with deep diaphragmatic breathing:
- Combine Kegels and breath:
You can perform Kegel breathing in any position, such as lying down, sitting, or standing. Ensure your spine is aligned, and your shoulders and neck are relaxed.
Visualize the muscles that you would hold to stop the flow of urine or prevent passing gas. These are your pelvic floor muscles.
Inhale deeply through your nose, focusing on expanding your belly and chest. Exhale through your mouth, allowing your chest and belly to fall naturally. Repeat a few times to establish a relaxed state.
Inhale deeply, then during an exhale, contract the pelvic floor muscles, holding them as you continue to exhale. As you finish exhaling, release and relax the pelvic floor muscles. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Kegel Breathing Example:
Jane has been experiencing urinary incontinence and seeks to strengthen her pelvic floor muscles by performing kegel exercises. She incorporates Kegel breathing by following these steps:
1. Jane finds a comfortable seated position.
2. She locates her pelvic floor muscles by imagining stopping the flow of urine or preventing passing gas.
3. Jane establishes a deep breathing rhythm by inhaling through her nose and expanding her belly and chest, then exhaling through her mouth.
4. As Jane exhales, she contracts her pelvic floor muscles, holding the contraction until the exhale is complete. She then relaxes the muscles and repeats this process 10 times.
Mastering Kegel breathing takes practice, but the benefits are definitely worth the effort. As you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, you will notice improvements in your overall health and well-being. Don't hesitate to share this valuable knowledge with your friends and explore other guides on Pelvic Floor Therapy to further enhance your understanding. Remember, a strong pelvic floor is the foundation for overall health, so keep practicing and reap the benefits.
