A bit about the pelvic floor

Pelvic floor PT (PFPT) focuses on the skeletal muscle function of the pelvic floor. It also focuses on the muscle function of the abdominal wall and diaphragm, as all three (PF, Abdominal wall and diaphragm) work together to stabilize the midsection and provide support to the internal organs.

This is SO important because your pelvic floor is responsible for "the three Ps": Peeing, Pooping and Pro-creating (Sex). All very important activities of daily life! Our society places so much shame on discussing your "private parts." I believe that this has led to a cultural disassociation from the pelvic floor and as a result, a significant lack of awareness of these muscles. Your pelvic floor muscles are skeletal muscles, just like your biceps and quads. You have voluntary control of these muscles. You should be able to voluntary contract, relax and lengthen these muscles for optimal functioning - if not, then it is likely you have pelvic floor dysfunction. 

 The first thing most people think of when they think PFPT is "Kegels." Yes, Kegels are important to maximize the strength of your PF muscles to support your pelvic organs and prevent pelvic organ prolapse (when a pelvic organ intrudes on another pelvic organ's canal due to weakness of the musculature). However, if you are constantly focusing on tightening your pelvic floor and not getting full excursion of the muscle length, it's as if you're holding your bicep in flexion all day - not allowing your elbow to straighten. Functionally, you NEED full relaxation and lengthening of these muscles to produce optimal force / strength to hold gas, pee or poop. 

About Charisse 

Charisse Balance, DPT, RYT  is a a pelvic health physiotherapist serving  prenatal and postnatal mamas in San Francisco.  Her offerings aim to promote optimal pelvic floor muscle function through a variety of modalities such as : vaginal steaming, sEMG biofeedback, neuromuscular reeducation, myofascial release, manual therapy techniques, restorative yoga, yin yoga and prenatal yoga. 

Charisse believes in the importance of educating her clients on what is going on in their bodies anatomically, as there is empowerment in this knowledge and self understanding.  Learn more here and find Charisse on  Instagram  @balanced.physioga for updates on offerings, workshops and fun PF health info! 

Homeopathy can help with nausea, mastitis, birth trauma, and more.

Treating your self or family members with a homeopathic remedy begins with symptoms: 

For example ...

• What are your individual nausea symptoms? 
• Do you feel better with a snack, or does the thought of food make you worse? 
• Does your nausea come on at a certain time of day?

For mild to moderate nausea, match your symptoms to one of the remedies before, and see if you get some relief!

Remedy	Symptoms
Colchicum	Constant nausea with icy coldness or burning in stomach. Bloating
Ipecac	Persistent nausea and vomiting. Clean tongue.
Petroleum	Nausea better from eating. May also have diarrhea or dry skin.
Sepia	Nausea better from eating. Worse in the morning and 3-5 p.m. Feels better after exercise
Tabacum	Nausea with perspiration. Feels better in fresh air. Much worse from movement.

If you are new to homeopathy, here are some tips: you can purchase remedies at a health food store or natural pharmacy. Dissolve 2-3 pellets under the tongue. For acute situations (like nausea) it's okay to repeat your dose hourly or more often until you get relief.

Homeopathy is an energy medicine - the substance you are taking has been highly diluted. Therefore, it's safe for pregnant people and infants, and that's why the above remedies, like petroleum or t abacum, can make you feel better if you are nauseous.

If you are using homeopathy to treat yourself or your family at home, and could use some assistance, or if you want to learn how a well-chosen remedy can help ease your pregnancy, birth experience, or post-partum life - please check out my website or contact me to set up a phone call at 510-388-9949.  I look forward to being part of your healing journey.

Have a mom's group? I will give you a one-hour free talk on using homeopathy at home and answer your homeopathic questions on site!