There is a group of muscles that are rarely discussed, yet they are profoundly connected to women's health, quality of life, and even intimate relationships.
These are the pelvic floor muscles.
Located at the bottom of the pelvis, like a hammock, it supports the bladder, uterus, and intestines. These organs are involved in urination control, core stability, postural maintenance, and are directly related to female sexual function.
But in most people's daily lives, these muscles are almost forgotten—we don't feel them, we don't know how to use them, and we rarely take care of them consciously.
Chanrou offers a way to reconnect with these muscles.
Why are the pelvic floor muscles so important?
The health of the pelvic floor muscles has a wider impact than most people realize.
They maintain the normal position and function of the pelvic organs. When the pelvic floor muscles become weak or lose their tone, it can lead to a series of problems—from urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse to a decline in core stability.
These muscles are also closely related to women's sexual health. Studies have shown that disuse, weakness, and insufficient tone of the pelvic floor muscles are associated with sexual dysfunction. This is because the tone and blood circulation of these muscles directly affect the sensitivity and responsiveness of the pelvic cavity.
More fundamentally, the pelvic floor muscles are part of the entire deep core system. Together with the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and multifidus muscles, they form the body's most fundamental support system. The function of the pelvic floor muscles affects the coordination of the entire core.
How can we cause our pelvic floor muscles to lose function in modern life?
Problems with the pelvic floor muscles often don't occur suddenly, but are the result of long-term accumulation.
Prolonged sitting keeps the pelvic floor muscles in a passive, unused state. Chronic core weakness causes these deep muscles to lose coordination with the rest of the body. Pregnancy and childbirth pose a significant challenge to the pelvic floor muscles, requiring careful recovery. Age and hormonal changes also affect their tension and function.
There is another often overlooked factor: we don't even feel them.
Most people have a very vague awareness of their pelvic floor muscles. Without feeling them, they cannot consciously use them; without using them, they gradually lose function. This is a silent, vicious cycle.
Chanrou, how do you work with your pelvic floor muscles?
The way GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® address the pelvic floor muscles is quite different from simple Kegel exercises.
It doesn't require you to repeatedly forcefully contract a group of muscles, but rather to put the pelvic floor muscles back in their proper place—part of the entire deep core system, naturally awakened and coordinated through the integration of breathing and movement.
Start through breathing
Gentle breathing exercises, especially exhalation and contraction breathing, allow the pelvic floor muscles to work synchronously and in coordination with the diaphragm and transverse abdominis muscles in a complete breathing cycle. This is the most natural way to activate the pelvic floor muscles—not by exerting force in isolation, but by being awakened as part of breathing and the core.
Cultivating body awareness
Chanrou places great emphasis on cultivating body awareness. This is especially important for the pelvic floor muscles—because awareness is a prerequisite for use. As you gradually become aware of this previously neglected area through Chanrou's practice, you will be able to truly connect with and utilize it.
This awareness itself is the first step in restoring function.
Promote circulation in the pelvic cavity
The gentle three-dimensional pelvic movements, spinal undulations, and spiral motions provide mild, dynamic stimulation to the pelvic cavity, promoting blood circulation in this area. Good circulation is the foundation of tissue health and sensitivity.
Integrating into the movements of the whole body
Chanrou doesn't train the pelvic floor muscles as an isolated part, but rather allows them to find their role in the overall coordination of the body. This allows the function of the pelvic floor muscles to be truly integrated into daily movement—standing, walking, carrying things, exercising—rather than being activated only in specific exercises.
Women's health deserves more holistic care.
The health of the pelvic floor muscles and their connection to women's quality of life are gradually receiving more attention. Some preliminary explorations have begun to focus on the potential benefits of methods like Chanrou, which combine pelvic floor training and body awareness, for women's physical and mental well-being—although research in this area is still in its early stages, the direction is worth paying attention to.
From the perspective of Chanrou's principles, its value to women's health comes from the integration of several levels: it strengthens the pelvic floor muscles while cultivating awareness of this area; it promotes circulation in the pelvic cavity while regulating the entire nervous system; it takes care of the body while also supporting emotions and overall quality of life.
This holistic approach is precisely the kind of care that women's health truly needs—not cutting the body into individual parts and treating them separately, but understanding the body as an interconnected whole.
Rediscovering this forgotten part
For many women, the pelvic floor muscles are a part that has never been properly understood.
What Chanrou offers is not just a method for training it, but also an opportunity to rediscover it, feel it, and connect with it.
When you begin to feel this previously neglected area and begin to understand how it participates in your breathing, your core, and your every movement—you transform from someone who is unfamiliar with your body into someone who truly knows your body.
This understanding will bring not only improvements in pelvic floor muscle function, but also a deeper understanding and mastery of one's own body.
Several important reminders
Pelvic floor health issues require professional evaluation. There are a few things to keep in mind.
Consult a medical professional first if you have any concerns. If you have urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or other pelvic floor-related issues, consult a gynecologist or pelvic floor physical therapist for a proper evaluation.
Find a qualified Chanrou instructor. Pelvic floor training requires professional guidance from an instructor. Finding a qualified and experienced Chanrou instructor can help you practice correctly and safely.
Everyone's situation is different. There are many types of pelvic floor muscle problems; some are due to weakness, while others are due to excessive tightness. The appropriate approach varies from person to person, which is why professional assessment and personalized guidance are so important.
Taking care of the pelvic floor muscles is an important but often overlooked aspect of women's health.
