Pelvic Liberation: Using Yoga, Self-Inquiry, and Breath Awareness for Pelvic Health

This was an interesting read with a lot of information and ideas about the function of the pelvis and how to keep it healthy, especially through yoga and breathing. Aside from damaging this area of our body by sitting in bad posture, for example, we carry a lot of emotions in that area, so psychological or emotional stress can build up as well. What I really liked is that the focus was for women who have a problem with tense muscles or a combination of tense/lax muscles (especially from stress or trauma--emotional of physical), whereas so often the only message we receive is that any discomfort must be from muscles that are too lax. So this is very body positive and inspiring. I have no tried any of the exercises yet, as I currently have some other exercises I'm working with, so I cannot comment if they help, but the information about anatomy is truly invaluable to any woman. All that said, this book would be great to borrow or share with a group or friends rather than purchase outright if you don't plan to use the exercises and would definitely be good for group discussion.

This book provided comfort, inspiration, and self-empowerment to me in a time of need."What you need is Leslie Howard Yoga! Write that down." These were the words spoken to me by a kind herablist woman to whom I reached out when experiencing painful/irritative symptoms in my pelvic area. At the age of 43 I was several weeks into pelvic floor physical therapy where I had been doing kegels and other exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor and surrounding areas due to stage 1-2 prolapse. I was experiencing an exasperation of symptoms, together with accompanying fear/anxiety/bewilderment about the cause of the symptoms. Through local health care resources I have since been diagnosed with a hypertonic pelvic floor. (I also still have stage 1-2 prolapse.)As someone who has been practicing yoga on an almost daily basis for 20 years, having preciously taught yoga and studied yoga philosophy in my 20's in an ashram and with master teachers, I was immediately drawn to the book. Thinking about the possibility that my old and trusted friend yoga could help me now with what I was experiencing renewed my reverence for yoga and its healing abilities.In the opening pages Leslie Howard describes her experience with pelvic pain and how she (like I had been doing for several weeks) wondered what was going on -- was it perimenopause, physiological, psychological? Just hearing these words and knowing that someone else had gone through the same questions that I had been asking was enormously helpful to me, and from there, I read on through her book.The book is alive with a reverential and "wise-woman" energy and I was reminded several times while reading of the miraculous and beautiful nature of our bodies. It provided helpful context for me to reflect upon my own body and experiences. Leslie Howard also brings a lightness of spirit to the topic which is refreshing and balancing. I only wish that I lived close enough to her to be in her presence and experience her teaching in person.I would recommend for those of you considering the kindle vs hard copy version to purchase the hard copy. I purchased the kindle version (I needed the book right then and there!) and in hindsight think it would have been easier to review points of interest through the book as well as the specific instructions for asasna found at the end if I had the hard copy.

I was a regular student of Leslie Howard for years, and she is without question the best and most knowledgeable yoga teacher I have ever experienced. Her knowledge of anatomy is profound and she knows exactly what yoga moves to do for what effects and what constitutes an overall wellness practice. I was also there at the beginning when she was just starting to explore how to improve the health of the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles and tissues. It was at the time a hidden health crisis and she bravely forged ahead and tore aside the veil. Since then, she has explored, deepened, tested, and taught her "body of knowledge" all over the world. Howard's book is honest, and practical, with no-nonsense diagrams and descriptions. Yet her accounts of personal experiences and anecdotes of the suffering and healing of other women are deeply touching, testimonies to the need for this book and the 'pelvic liberation' movement overall. I believe everyone can learn something and benefit from exploring these health issues as she suggests. And if anyone can explain what to do and how to do it, she can. If you have questions in this area, or even think you might stand to gain from what she knows, don't wait to buy this beautiful, mindful, well-considered book.

This author is authentic and entertaining. A plethora of knowledge and learning is filled throughout as Leslie Howard provides sweet illustrations in this text. I highly recommend this book for all yogis seeking a deeper awareness of the pelvis and hip cradle. One of my new essentials added to my yoga studies library.

Easy to follow and wrap one's mind around the information. Most important is applying everything in tge recommended postures and alignment.

If you are having problems with hips or pelvic floor or just as a preventative measure, this is the book. The author knows her stuff. Great book. Highly recommend :)

Just bought it for knowledge of exercises for a stronger pelvic floor!! Good read! Easy to follow!

Thank you for this enlightening account of the pelvis and more..

Very practical and easy to immediately use!