Many of us have been told to “squeeze,” “tighten,” or “brace” to protect our core and pelvic floor. But here’s the truth: a muscle that’s always tight isn’t a strong muscle — it’s an exhausted one.

In pelvic health, this distinction is crucial. Function doesn’t come from gripping harder; it comes from teaching the body to release, respond, and move with adaptability.

Just like your nervous system, the pelvic floor needs to find its Goldilocks point — not too tight, not too lax, but adaptable and responsive to what life asks of it.

Cancer is a journey that can feel overwhelmingly out of our control. Between treatments, side effects, and the mental toll of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel like your body has been hijacked by something you can’t influence. But what if there was a way to reclaim some of that power? What if you could take an active role in your own healing and find moments of calm, relief, and even strength along the way?

Why Does It Work?

The underlying physics of hypopressive apnoea is all about pressure differentials. When you hold your breath after a slow steady exhalation, the internal pressure drops below atmospheric pressure. According to principles similar to those in fluid dynamics (think of how a suction cup works), this creates an inward pull. In the human body, this “suction” can:

• Reduce Intra-abdominal Pressure: A lower pressure within the abdomen decreases the load on the pelvic floor, potentially reducing issues like pelvic organ prolapse.

• Enhance Muscle Activation: The body naturally recruits stabilising muscles, including those deep within the core, to counteract and adjust to the pressure changes.

Over time, regular practice of hypopressive exercises can contribute to better core stability, improved posture, and enhanced pelvic floor health.