Yoga Therapy: An Evidence-Informed Integrative Approach to Help People Enhance Pelvic Floor Health: Montreal, QC

The intention of this course is to offer a theoretical and experiential integration of accessible and practical yoga methods and philosophy with evidence informed practices to enhance overall pelvic floor (PF) and respiratory health and wellness.  For both men and women, our PF plays a role in many aspects of our existence that contribute to a healthy life, including breathing, bowel and bladder function, sexual function, hip and spinal health, core strategies, and more.

We will outline evidence surrounding biopsychosocial factors that influence PF function and explore why and how yoga can serve as a valuable adjunct to pelvic wellness. We will explore pelvic and respiratory diaphragm mechanics, relevant anatomy, physiology and the intimate relationship between breath and pelvic floor. Be prepared to participate and enjoy inspiring gentle yoga practices implementing a variety of techniques that you can immediately use with your patients or students, including PF awareness practices, visualization, mindfulness meditation practices, breathing practices and mindful movement to help promote PF relaxation,  engagement and excursion. Examples of language and philosophy used to potentially enhance more effective cueing, within scope of practice, will be included.

The techniques offered are intended for immediate use in the clinic or yoga studio setting.

In addition to learning, you get to enjoy the added benefit of some well deserved self-care as you participate in these practices, and experience what it feels like to nourish all aspects of your being, using a biopsychosocial model of health.

Whether you are a PF physiotherapist looking to expand your current approach or a new practitioner wanting to learn more about the PF, this course is meant to help support you on your path to learning more about how yoga can address PF and respiratory health in an evidence informed manner.

**This course is an Approved Professional Development (APD) course for C-IAYT continuing education!**

REGISTER HERE

This 2 day course is part of Montreal’s H~OM Yoga Advanced 300 hr YTT, but registration for this particular session is ALSO open to:

Rehab Professionals (PT, PTA, OT, OTA, AT,ET, Kin, etc), movement specialists, yoga teachers, yoga therapists, and those interested in learning more about yoga and PF health and wellness.

Day 1: Saturday April 13, 2019: 10:30 am – 7:30 pm

Day 2: Sunday April 14, 2019: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Objectives:

Theory

• briefly overview the anatomy and biomechanics of the pelvic and respiratory diaphragms and their intimate relationship.
• learn the roles the pelvic diaphragm plays in overall health and wellness and why gaining skills in addressing pelvic floor (PF) health can be important and valuable for any movement practitioner or yoga professional working with clients.
• learn the factors that can contribute to performance and function of the PF using the pancha maya kosha model or biopsychosocial-spiritual approach.
• review the first 2 chakras (using a framework based on one modern translation of chakras) and discuss the role they may play in pelvic health.
• list the 4 categories of PF health dysfunctions.
• Define the components of a healthy and efficient breath pattern.
• Define inefficient breath patterns and the evidence based term: breathing pattern disorders (BPDs).
• Discuss 3 common inefficient breathing patterns, and learn how and why they can contribute to physical, mental, energetic and emotional imbalance.
• Learn the factors that can contribute to inefficient breath patterns or BPDs using a biopsychosocial framework.
• discuss the debate surrounding the performance and cueing of kegel exercises for PF health using a best evidence approach.
• discuss Mula Bandha (MB) including a healthy debate surrounding potential intention of MB from a historical perspective and evidence-informed approach of healthy PF behaviour.
• outline factors that may contribute to a Non-Relaxing Pelvic Floor and health issues that may arise from over-recruitment of pelvic floor musculature.
• list 8 limbed path of Raja yoga and how the components of the paths can contribute to a biopsychosocial-spiritual approach to PF and respiratory health.
• Understand scope of practice as it relates to yoga professionals or practitioners who do not perform internal pelvic floor exams or treatment and when to refer to a physiotherapist who specializes in PF health.

Practical Session

• learn and experience breathing methods and mindfulness practices as they relate to PF health through awareness and relaxation of PF.
• discover and practice facilitating pelvic diaphragmatic excursion by integrating yoga practices including breathing, visualization, awareness, mindfulness meditation, postures and mindful movement.
• learn and experience practices that include components of the core strategy system that have been shown to influence pelvic floor muscle engagement and function, including hip and lumbo-pelvic strategies, through the use of a functional integrative approach which includes mindful movement, awareness and breathing practices.
• experience the respiratory and pelvic diaphragms working together through breath and movement, and if time permits, experience how the voice is connected.
• participate in practices to enhance foot awareness and its potential connection to the pelvic floor.

**This workshop is not intended to assess or treat or act as medical advice for your individual health concerns. Please ensure you feel safe to practice in a group class without individual assessment or attention. Please seek guidance and treatment from your health professional in your area for any unmanaged conditions.**

**This course is an Approved Professional Development (APD) course for C-IAYT continuing education!**

For more details and to Register: Click HERE