The pelvic floor is composed of muscle fibers and fascia (connective tissue) which cover the area underneath the pelvis. It separates the pelvic cavity above from the perineal area below. Both men and women have a pelvic floor (also called pelvic diaphragm), but those of women are larger than those of men.
The pelvic floor is important for support of the pelvic organs, that is, the bladder, part of the intestines, the prostate, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and the uterus, and it aids in continence (the ability to control movements of the bowels and bladder). It also supports childbirth, it helps to keep optimal intra-abdominal pressure in check, and plays a role in erections and ejaculation in men.
The pelvic floor may be emotionally armored, often expressing itself in excessive tension and contraction. Possible negative emotions that are thought to be held in the pelvic region include sexual frustration, shame, guilt, anxiety, rage, feeling unbalanced, and disconnected.
In general, a pelvic armor is often due to unwanted sexual activity, sexual repression, genital trauma (childbirth, surgery, injury, etc.), and/or sexual trauma in the past, which is prone to affects one’s physical and emotional sex life negatively.
De-Armoring (commonly written in British English as Dearmouring) and releasing this tension through Pelvic Release Massage, acupressure, touch, Yoga, stretches, mindfulness, and breathwork can enable better blood supply and circulation for the genital i.e. reproductive organs in the area, alleviates or cures sexual dysfunctions and disorders, increases sexual energy flow, at the same time promoting emotional and trauma release.
Mind that the pelvic floor can also be oversensitive, disconnected, or numb. In this case, it will rather need stimulation (sensitization) and strengthening.
In Eastern traditions, such as in Tantra and Taoism, it’s thought that sexual energy is concentrated in the lower pelvic region, corresponding for instance with the idea of dormant Kundalini Energy in the Root Chakra (Tantra), or Jing Energy stored in the kidneys and in semen (Taoist Sexual Practices). Tensed or constricted pelvic floor muscles are seen as an obstacle for the healthy flow of sexual energy, the latter considered a manifestation of Vital Life Energy. In addition, it’s thought that an overly weak pelvic floor may “leak” Life Energy resulting in an overall loss of vitality and shorter lifespan.
At any rate, the possible benefits of a healthy a proper functioning pelvic floor include:
- Lowers risks of (or stops) urinary or fecal incontinence;
- Reduces erectile dysfunction symptoms;
- Increases sensitivity during sexual intercourse;
- Increases pleasure and satisfaction during sexual activity;
- Promotes more intense orgasms for women and men;
- Realigns reproductive organs in their proper position;
- Promotes higher levels of energy and supports longevity;
- Supports easier childbirth;
- Promotes better blood supply to the genital and abdominal organs;
- Improves prostate health;
- Alleviates general pelvic pains;
- Aids postural corrections;
- Aids in having a healthy emotional and physical sex life.
De-Armoring Body Parts – Quick Reference
Receive occasional news about our new eBook and Video Workshop publications.