Insights

Pathways to Pain Relief: Insights and Resources for Your Journey

Healing from the Inside Out: The Power of Breath, Hypopressives, and Positive Thought

The Link Between Mindset and Healing

Just as this exercise demonstrates, we can actively "melt" negative thoughts by redirecting our focus. When we start to spiral into self-doubt, stress, or negativity, having a mental "store" of positive, calming images can help shift our mindset. With practice, this can rewire our thought patterns and create an environment that promotes healing at the cellular level.

This isn’t just a feel-good idea; science backs it up. Our thoughts and emotions have a profound effect on our autonomic nervous system, which governs processes like digestion, heart rate, and even the healing of tissues. By choosing positive thoughts, we encourage the release of beneficial hormones and chemicals, such as serotonin and oxytocin, that can boost physical and emotional recovery.

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The Role of Neuropeptides and the Dorsal Horn in Psoas Function

Neuropeptides: The "Molecules of Emotion"

Neuropeptides are chemical messengers that influence communication between cells, modulating everything from emotion and pain to immune function and tissue health. Dr. Candace Pert, a leading researcher in this field, described neuropeptides as the "molecules of emotion" due to their ability to encode and transmit emotional states throughout the body.

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Unlocking Resilience: The Therapeutic Power of Hypopressives for Psoas Health

In the fast pace of modern life, our nervous system plays an incredible role in balancing the demands of daily stress and maintaining a healthy feedback loop between its sympathetic (fight or flight), parasympathetic (rest and digest), and enteric branches. When this balance is intact, challenges are met, traumas integrated, and the body remains resilient, ready to self-regulate. However, when stress overwhelms us and inner reserves dwindle, this balance falters. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) loses its self-regulating ability, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes hyperactive—a state often mirrored in the fibers of the psoas muscle.

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The dance of life - ribs and pelvis

The Dance of the Rib Cage and Pelvis: How Breathing Shapes Pelvic Floor Health

The human body is an intricately connected system, where every movement, breath, and posture influences the rest of the structure. Two movers and groovers in this interconnected dance are the rib cage and the pelvis, particularly in the context of breathing. This relationship between these structures is super important  for optimal function and health—especially for the pelvic floor.

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Oxygen’s Journey: Activating the Pelvic Fascia and Muscles Through Breath

In the context of the pelvic floor, oxygenated blood flows into the fascia and muscles, invigorating these tissues. The pelvic fascia, a web of connective tissue, thrives on this oxygen-rich environment, which supports its elasticity, hydration, and overall function. Meanwhile, the pelvic muscles, responsible for core stability and organ support, gain the ATP energy they need to perform optimally.

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Oestrogen, Hypopressives & You

Connecting the Dots: Oestrogen and the Pelvic Floor

Oestrogen directly influences pelvic floor health by maintaining tissue elasticity, hydration, and strength. When levels dip due to stress, poor sleep, or the shift during menopause, the pelvic floor may weaken, leading to dysfunction. Elevated cortisol from adrenal fatigue can exacerbate these issues, creating a cycle of tension and reduced resilience.

Practices like Hypopressives, deep breathing, and mindful movement restore balance, supporting the pelvic floor and overall hormonal health. By addressing stress, sleep, and posture, clients can regain functional strength and confidence.

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The magic of Menopause

The Magic of Menopause: Embracing the Transformation to the Wise Woman Years

Did you know that women, orcas, and pilot whales are the only beings on Earth that go through menopause? This amazing transformation is an extraordinary reminder of our unique biology and the critical role we play in our communities.

In orca pods, post-menopausal females take on a vital leadership role. Known as matriarchs, they use their decades of experience to guide younger generations, ensuring the survival of the group. These wise female whales lead their pods to food sources and navigate challenges, demonstrating the huge value of life after childbearing.

Humans are no different. As we move through menopause, we enter a phase of deeper insight and leadership. Freed from the demands of childbearing and the intensity of hands-on parenting, we step into a time of clarity, wisdom, and purpose—a time to guide, inspire, and nurture not just our families but our broader communities.

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Your Pain is Not Your Identity

You Are Not Your Pain: Redefining Yourself Beyond Your Pelvic Floor

If you’ve been living with pelvic floor dysfunction, it can sometimes feel like your entire identity is wrapped up in your pain. It might seem as though every moment of your day is dictated by discomfort, frustration, and limits on what you can do. But let me remind you of something powerful: you are not your pain. You are not defined by your pelvic floor. You are so much more.

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The Posture Puzzle: How a Kyphotic Spine and Forward Head Impact Your Pelvic Floor (and how Hypopressives Can Help)

When you work on your posture, you’re not just fixing how you look in the mirror—you’re rebalancing the very foundation of your body. Hypopressives offer a unique way to rebuild this balance from the inside out, connecting your breath, posture, and pelvic floor in a way that feels light and effortless.

If you’re struggling with back pain, pelvic floor issues, or simply want to improve your alignment, Hypopressives could be the missing piece of your puzzle. It’s a gentle practice, but its effects ripple through your entire body, helping you move and breathe in a way that feels natural and free

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Nature mirrored in our bodies

When we pause to observe nature, we often find striking parallels between the natural world and our own bodies. It’s almost as if nature has written its wisdom into both ecosystems and human anatomy, showing us that we are deeply connected to the world around us. One beautiful mirroring lies in the relationship between our lungs and nervous system and the way tree roots and mycelium network beneath the earth.

These systems share striking similarities: they are both intricate webs of connection, designed to sustain life, communicate, and maintain balance. What can this parallel teach us about our bodies, our health, and the environment?

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Connecting the Transverse Diaphragms: A Symphony Within

The pelvic diaphragm is deeply influenced by what happens above and below it. Misalignments in the arches of the feet or tension in the thoracic diaphragm can place extra strain on the pelvic floor, while restricted movement in the cervical diaphragm or pharyngeal diaphragm can create compensatory patterns that ripple down the chain.

Scar tissue in the pelvic region—whether from cesarean births, episiotomies, or abdominal surgeries—adds another layer of complexity. It can limit the natural rise and fall of the pelvic diaphragm, leading to tightness, weakness, or pain.

Breathing mechanics also play a role. Many people with pelvic floor dysfunction unintentionally breathe in a way that increases intra-abdominal pressure, further straining the pelvic diaphragm.

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The Anterior Pelvic Tilt: How It Wreaks Havoc on Your Back, Psoas, and Breathing

Your pelvis is like the foundation of a house—it sets the stage for everything above it. When it’s in balance, your body works like a well-oiled machine. But if your pelvis tilts forward into an anterior position, it can throw off the entire system, leaving you with tight muscles, poor posture, and even breathing difficulties. Let’s unpack how this naughty tilt impacts your back, your psoas, and your breath—and, most importantly, what you can do about it.

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Kegels vs. Holistic Pelvic Floor Care: Why Hypopressives Are the Breath of Fresh Air Your Pelvis Needs

If you’ve ever been told to “just do your Kegels” to fix pelvic floor issues, you’re not alone. Kegels are often hailed as the magic ticket for everything from incontinence to pelvic pain. But here’s the thing: they’re just one piece of the puzzle—and for some people, not even the right piece.

Enter holistic pelvic floor programmes, with Hypopressives leading the charge. These approaches aren’t just about clenching and hoping for the best; they’re about working with your body in a way that feels natural, restorative, and (dare I say it?) empowering. Let’s break it down.

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The Secret Sauce of Pelvic Health: Fascia!

When it comes to the pelvis, we often zero in on the heavy hitters—the bones, the muscles, the organs. But there’s this unsung hero quietly holding everything together: fascia. This stretchy, web-like tissue connects every part of your body, and in the pelvis, it’s working overtime to support, stabilise, and move with you.

So, let’s take a moment to give pelvic fascia the spotlight it deserves—because if you’re on a journey toward better pelvic health, this is a game-changer you absolutely need to know about.

What Even Is Fascia?

Fascia is like the body’s scaffolding, hugging muscles, wrapping organs, and keeping everything in place without being stiff or rigid. Imagine a spiderweb crossed with a super comfy hammock—it’s strong, flexible, and always adapting.

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pelvic floor, women's health, Hypopressives Abby Lord pelvic floor, women's health, Hypopressives Abby Lord

The mouth to pelvic floor: an uber cool soft tissue connection

Not only do the mouth and pelvic floor have similar tissue types, but they also share the same embryological origin. That’s right—before we were fully formed, these two areas started from the same place during development. And this connection might explain why something as simple as a kiss can spark a cascade of sensations that lead to arousal—and why relaxing the jaw can help release tension in the pelvic floor.

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Inner thighs - The Hidden Link: How Your Adductors Connect to Your Pelvic Floor

The body is a beautifully interconnected system, and the adductors and pelvic floor are just one example of how no muscle works in isolation. If you’ve been struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction, don’t underestimate the power of your inner thighs! By bringing awareness to this connection and incorporating gentle, mindful practices, you can foster greater balance and support for your body.

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pelvic floor, EYES, Hypopressives, Breathing Abby Lord pelvic floor, EYES, Hypopressives, Breathing Abby Lord

The Surprising Connections Between Your Eyes and Your Nervous System

When you think about your eyes, you probably picture them as the windows to the world, letting in colors, shapes, and light. But what if I told you they’re also a powerful gateway to your nervous system? Yep, your eyes are doing so much more than just helping you scroll TikTok or spot your next cup of coffee—they’re actually influencing how you feel, how you move, and even how your body heals.

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