Integrating Science into Wellness: Marianne Williamson’s Compelling Case for a Holistic Health Approach

Content warning: This story discusses suicide and trauma, which may be distressing for some readers.

Zoe, a 48-year-old mother, faced overwhelming chronic pain. Despite countless doctor visits, no one could give her answers. “They washed their hands of me,” she recalls. The only thing that kept her going was her love for her two children. After a year of feeling lost and unheard, she finally found hope through a pelvic floor physical therapist who diagnosed her with a hypertonic pelvic floor. This diagnosis opened the door to healing.

The pelvic floor muscles support essential organs like the bladder, bowel, and uterus. They’re crucial for various bodily functions. Unfortunately, trauma—whether from childbirth or other experiences—can disrupt the pelvic floor’s normal function, leading to issues like pain during intercourse or incontinence.

Trauma doesn’t just affect the body physically. It can also influence the nervous system. Stress can cause the pelvic floor to tighten, triggering a cycle of further pain and anxiety. For instance, Zoe learned that her body had developed a pattern of pain, a memory of trauma that needed addressing. Alongside physical therapy, she sought counseling to tackle the emotional aspects of her condition. Understanding the connection between mental health and physical symptoms was a key part of her journey.

Other women shared similar experiences. Dianna struggled with pain and incontinence after a traumatic childbirth and emotional stress from her sister’s illness. It wasn’t until therapy that she recognized the deep connections between her past traumas and her physical health. Dianna discovered how her childhood memories shaped her physical responses years later.

Experts like Alexandra T. Milspaw emphasize the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. Changes in mental health can manifest as physical symptoms, and vice versa. The pelvic floor is often at the center of these issues, requiring sensitive treatment approaches.

So what can you do if trauma affects your pelvic floor? The first step is to seek help from a professional who understands this connection. However, barriers exist. Many healthcare providers lack training in pelvic health, and societal stigmas make discussing such issues uncomfortable. Women like Zoe and Dianna faced dismissive attitudes when seeking help, fueling their feelings of isolation.

Educating oneself about pelvic health is crucial. Treatments from pelvic floor physical therapists include exercises, manual therapy, and relaxation techniques. These can all help restore balance and alleviate symptoms. For some, like Savannah, understanding the link between stress and physical symptoms was transformative. Her journey through pelvic therapy alongside care for her endometriosis made a significant difference in her life, highlighting the importance of holistic healing.

Zoe, Dianna, and Savannah have all shown courage in advocating for their health. They encourage others to persist in seeking answers, even when faced with skepticism. The road to healing may be long, but it can lead to brighter days ahead. As Zoe puts it, “I’ve rebuilt myself from the ground up,” demonstrating resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

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