Bloomva: yoga + fertility

Supporting women's physical, emotional and sexual health before the baby bump and beyond

4 Yoga Poses that Strengthen the Pelvic Floor Muscles

Flickr @lululemon athletica creative commons

Flickr @lululemon athletica creative commons

The pelvic floor is made up of a series of muscles and spongy tissues that support the uterus, bowel, bladder and sex organs. The pelvic floor muscles combined with the abdominal muscles embody the core, which helps you to develop balance and stability. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles with the help of yoga postures can be beneficial during pregnancy and for improving sexual functioning and bladder control.

Mula Bandha

Mula Bandha is the Sanskrit term used to describe a “root lock” or energy center located in the pelvic floor area. The application of Mula Bandha during yoga poses is said to tone the pelvic floor muscles, increase energy and improve balance…

Continue reading Nicole’s original article on TheNest 

Photo credit 

Leave a comment »

4 Yoga Poses to Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain

Flickr @tiffany assman creative commons

Sciatic pain is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a herniated disc, rather than a condition itself. If you experience sciatic pain that radiates from your lower back down your buttocks and legs, you may find some relief through a series of yoga poses. If you are unsure of proper alignment in any of the poses, consider working with a qualified yoga teacher to avoid aggravating your sciatic nerve further.

Child’s Pose

Child’s pose stretches the muscles of the lower back, hips and buttocks to help relieve sciatic pain. To perform Child’s pose, start in a kneeling position…

Continue reading Nicole’s original article on AZCentral

Photo credit 

Leave a comment »

Pillow-Supported Poses for Lower Back and Pelvic Discomfort for Pregnant Yoginis

Pelvic tilt exercises are a staple in Pilates and yoga classes, where great emphasis is placed on developing strong pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles attach to the pelvic bone and help to control urination. A strong pelvic floor is also linked to postural stability and a decrease in lower back pain. Pelvic tilt exercises are gentle exercises that are often recommended for pregnant yoginis or mamas who have just given birth, but feel wonderful also if you are experiencing period pains. If you are still recovering from delivery or a recent lower back injury, you may wish to perform the exercises listed below with a pillow for extra support.

Items you will need

  • Pillow

Pelvic Tilts

1 Lie on a bed or other soft surface and place a pillow directly under your hips and buttocks…

Continue reading Nicole Carlin’s original article on AZCentral.com 

Photo credit 

Leave a comment »

Yoga Asanas for Absolute Beginners

Flickr @lululemon athletica creative commons

Flickr @lululemon athletica creative commons

Yoga is not only for pretty young things with lithe bodies. Certain yoga poses — also called asanas — are designed for bodies of all shapes, sizes and ability levels. Yoga poses for beginners often focus on setting the anatomical foundation for later, more difficult asanas. For example, when you learn poses such as Tadasana and Virabhadrasana, you’re setting the body up for more difficult variations of standing poses.

Tadasana

Tadasana, also called Mountain Pose, is the foundation of all of the yogic standing poses. While from the outside Tadasana may look like simply standing with your arms by your sides, several internal movements are integral to performing this pose…

Continue reading Nicole Carlin’s original article published on AZCentral.com 

Photo credit

Leave a comment »