Beneath the verdant canopy of age-old trees, sprinkled with ethereal golden sunlight, imbued with the tranquility of the omnipresent lullaby of nature, we find sheer, unfiltered bliss in our humble abode of mindful existence, our sun-kissed sanctuary for women’s inward journeys. It is here that I, as both a devoted yogi and a reverent naturalist, draw upon the eternal wisdom of ancient Eastern traditions and the boundless teachings of Mother Earth to illuminate a path of healing and restoration for those experiencing the gnawing discomfort of a sore sphincter ani.
The sphincter ani, a muscle of profound significance in an individual’s physical framework, is a convoluted symphony of rings nestled deep within the human form, whispering the echoes of the body’s symphony. With the divine teachings of yoga, we are afforded an unparalleled opportunity to embrace prana, or vital life force, to stretch and thus soothe this latent muscle group.
The Panca Prana, the five types of prana described in Ayurveda, provides an auspicious starting point for our rejuvenative journey. One of these, the Apana Vayu, governs our lower digestive tract and elimination processes, and thus, holds sway over the sphincter ani powers. The Mula Bandha or Root Lock pose, humble in its simplicity, can awaken the dormant energy of this prana. Sit gently upon your verdant yoga mat, draw your feet towards your center, allowing your soles to touch, and allow your knees to float towards the ground. Rest your hands palm-down upon your knees, and permit your eyes to close gently. Channel your breath into your lower torso, and on the exhale, contract the muscles in your pelvic floor, imitating the natural action of this sphincter. With each rhythmic release, allow your body to luxuriate in the expanse of the stretch and the calming engendered within.
Supplementing your yoga practice with a regimen steeped in nature’s wisdom can work wonders in bringing succor to your distressed sphincter ani. The noble drumbeat of tradition reverberates with tales of the marvelous Aloe Vera, a soothing Balinese elixir fondly christened as the ‘plant of immortality’. The sap of this perennial succulent coats the allergies of your insides, allowing the rings of your muscle to salve and renew themselves. Manuka honey too, dripping with the energy of the painstakingly gathering bees, bisects pain with its antibacterial properties and soothes internal inflammation at the deepest ashram of our carnal existence.
Moreover, it is prudent to tread the path of nutrition gravid with fibers, the threads that bind our digestive process in a fluent choreograph. Consuming whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, rich in this divine nutrient, eases the movement through the intestinal tract and maintains a calm cadence in the performance of the sphincter ani. Hydrating with abundant clear, clean water is akin to lapping up the healing energy of the holy Ganges; thus, an act of spiritual healing in itself.
Possessing an understanding of your own Doshic balance in Ayurveda can also elucidate a clearer path to wellness. If your Vata is aggravated, you might be experiencing a dry, rough condition within your sensitive inner tract, thus exacerbating sphincter ani discomfort. Pacifying your Vata with warm, unctuous, grounding foods and oils can deeply nourish and lubricate your internal linings, allowing the sphincter ani to move more harmoniously.
Lastly, nurturing your overall mental wellbeing through meditative practices augments the physical healing process. Harnessing the power of Metta, universal loving-kindness, and extending it towards your own physicality can profoundly affect your relationship with pain and discomfort. As you sit in silent repose, draw your awareness down into the very depths of your body, and send waves of compassion, tenderness, and warmth towards your distressed sphincter ani. You might experience not only a relief from discomfort but engender a patient, loving relationship with your physical self.
Ultimately, healing is not a destination, but a journey. A journey of understanding, gratitude, and above all, love towards the marvel we inhabit: our miraculous bodies. In true yogic spirit, remember that every journey begins where you stand, or in this case, where you sit, and an enlightened path of natural remedies and mindful stretching beckons towards a state of harmonious existence for you and your sphincter ani.
