I recently started going to physical therapy. (PT) It's been an amazing process, which I started because I have had intense pelvic pain for far too long. (I feel kind of vulnerable writing this in a public newsletter but you know what - I'm all about transparency and a strong believer that healing happens through sharing… so here I go!)

I have been to countless MDs, GYNs, acupuncturists, nutritionists, and massage therapists. I've done emotional release work, shaman ceremonies… you name it, and I've tried it!

Meeting with the PT has deeply enlightened me . I learned that my hips and hamstrings are tweaking my pelvic floor muscles and visa versa. I also have scar tissue built up due to past trauma. So I feel like we're on the right track… I'm intrigued and receptive to my physical therapist's suggestions. Until she says "I want you to stop doing yoga for awhile".

WHAT? STOP PRACTICING YOGA?

You have to be kidding

But It's my preferred form of exercise, it's my stress reliever, it's what I do for fun, it's what I do to escape, I go with friends, it's my ME time!

As you can see I had a strong reaction.

After I went home and meditated on what she said, I realized this is the biggest lesson I could be learning right now- the lesson of letting go .

A lesson in letting go of my physical and exercise regimen and noticing that if I keep repeating the aggravating stress patterns, I'll never learn how to retrain other muscles to work properly. A lesson in letting go of my daily routine and to honor that some of my habits are no longer serving me, because now I have a stronger goal. That goal being…I want my pelvis to feel good.

I'm also noticing how my habits shape my identity.

Letting go has never come easily for me. I tend to hold onto things and its one of my biggest spiritual practices, which is why it's coming up again…right?

How does this relate to the work we do at Fruition Women's Health? It relates completely.

When clients come in with health concerns, they are actually seeking new ways to use their diet to support their health. Our current diet serves the life we have created for ourselves. If we were to study the foods you eat, the time of day you eat, and what you crave, we could learn a lot about your health, your habits, and your likes and dislikes.

We could find an example in the person who goes out for drinks on Friday nights. Her health goals are to lose weight, have more energy and clear up digestive issues. The client realizes that drinking leads to overeating and staying up late. This overeating cycle goes on all weekend, leaving her feeling overstuffed and perhaps constipated. Afterwards, she feels like she's gaining weight, which causes her self-esteem to suffer, which in turn leads her to continue to overeat… Her goal was to lose weight, have energy and clear up her digestion, but her patterns keep her from reaching her goals. (This might be an extreme case, but we all have our own versions)

We are attached to our habits. Our diet and health concerns reflect that.

If we were to suggest that a client avoid cheese and dairy for a while, possibly wheat or sugar or (god forbid) suggest a decrease in caffeine, we'd get some strong reactions. You can imagine right? Even as you're reading this article you're agreeing that you could change a lot about your diet, except of course, for _____________(fill in the blank)

And what's interesting about that is that IF you were to abstain from that one food or food group for a bit of time, you would most likely learn a lot about yourself.

I am totally clear that my yoga practice is aggravating my pelvic floor. I'm not convinced that it's the only thing but it's a great place to start. Since stopping yoga for the past week, many emotions and breakthroughs have occurred.

Sometimes I feel lost. I'm like…Ugh, what do I do now? How do I move my body in ways that will feel good but not aggravate my symptoms? There are SO MANY QUESTIONS… and I don't always have the answers…but the inquiry itself is creating change.

I notice that if I move one piece of the puzzle, everything else in my life changes too. Now I'm going to the gym more. I like the gym in the afternoon but I liked yoga in the morning, therefore my work schedule might need to change, or my social time, or even my diet because I eat differently based on the time and kind of exercise I do. What a breakthrough!

Another breakthrough is that I have been practicing deep breathing and relaxation exercises. To my surprise, the deep breathing is loosening stagnation in my intestines which is GREAT since I already lean towards constipation if I'm not aware of my eating habits, stress and exercise. The deep relaxation is also encouraging more self study in the areas of relationship, life dreams and passion.

If I kept doing (or eating) the same thing, how could I ever start to gain new perspective?

Here's the food for thought

These are deep questions and I encourage you to keep a journal and record how you feel, what you see, if you go to food when you feel like change is too hard, or if you stop eating altogether?

At Fruition Women's Health we get excited and thrilled to support women around their health.
Answering these questions and learning new habits takes time and support. Call us or email us if you would like to come in and speak to one of us about our programs.

We would love to support you!

For the in-person cleanse, contact Yoga Tree - UNLESS you live far away or cant make the class dates! Email me directly at darshana@fruitionhealth.com and join us virtually.

THE FWH LOCAL GROUP PROGRAM : Our first group was so popular that we are starting a second group Monday April 16, 2007. It is rolling admission, so you can join anytime. So if you had a great time and learned a lot in your one-on-one fruition program and want a refresher… Or if you have never participated due to timing or money but have always wanted to, this is your chance to learn about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle.
Click here for details: http://www.fruitionhealth.com/services_local.html or call us at 415 552 8344

FRUITION FRIDAYS: I’m sorry to say that this weeks Fruition Friday has been cancelled. I know some of you are excited about the topic: loving our body. I promise it will be back next month

back to top