The Connected Yoga Teacher Podcast
194: Bladder 101 for Yoga Teachers
Description:
An issue that may be embarrassing and isolating, but which nonetheless affects 300 million people worldwide, including many of our yoga students is urinary incontinence. While this is a common issue that many people struggle with, it is not normal and it is not something you just have to live with.
In working with many students who deal with urinary incontinence, Shannon has found that yoga can be so beneficial. Yoga helps not just through its connection to the nervous system, movement and breath, but by also creating awareness and education around how the bladder actually works, understanding our pelvic floor, and ensuring our pelvic health.
Shannon shares more about the three types of incontinence, some of the misconceptions around incontinence, as well as the ways in which yoga can help address incontinence. She also has some tips on giving your yoga students osme basic information about the bladder. If you or your students are struggling with urinary incontinence, this episode is a great introduction, with many resources linked below.
Key Takeaways:
[1:56] Urinary incontinence affects 300 million people worldwide, but it is not normal.
[2:41] Yoga can be beneficial for people dealing with urinary incontinence in many ways.
[6:25] Shannon gives a shout out to Schedulicity and a reviewer!
[8:45] There are three categories of urinary incontinence - stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence.
[11:57] What is the role of the nervous system in incontinence and how can yoga help?
[13:03] Shannon addresses the misconception that Kegels is the answer to all urinary incontinence.
[14:57] If you decide to start talking about the bladder in one of your yoga classes, Shannon recommends having the contact details of pelvic health PTs in your area to share with your students.
[15:34] Alignment and posture can also play a part in addressing bladder issues.
[18:08] Yoga practice also works on strengthening, and this can be helpful for people dealing with urinary incontinence.
[19:00] As yoga teachers, something we bring to our yoga students that can help them with their bladder health is awareness.
[21:38] There are so many benefits that you are already sharing with your yoga students to help them with their urinary incontinence without you realizing it.
[24:09] If you are dealing with urinary incontinence, you are not alone.
Links:
Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity and Pelvic Health Professionals
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Quotes from this episode:
"Our nerves and our spine, and the nerve that radiate from the spine have a real connection with the bladder." - Shannon
"Oftentimes, the misconception is that if you're experiencing urinary incontinence, the answer is Kegels." - Shannon
"Another important thing that we bring to our yoga students that can help them with their bladder health is awareness." - Shannon