Integral Pelvic Therapy (IPT) is a form of bodywork which has been developed to focus on pelvic complaints. The intention of IPT is to restore balance within the pelvis. This is achieved by raising one’s awareness in the area, giving oneself permission to feel what is present within, and understanding one’s boundaries better. IPT is a means through which stored tension and emotions can be released, in order to heal and restore one’s feeling of vitality.
How does tension become stored in the body, and how can it be released through IPT?
Fascia, the connective tissue which is present throughout the body is designed to reduce friction and support tissues and organs. It transmits tension generated by muscular activity or external forces. If these tensions build up, occur repeatedly, or occur as one significant traumatic event, such as long-term mental stress, a difficult birth, or surgery, then the fascia will struggle to maintain the flow and balance, leading to restrictions. Restrictions in the fascia can result in blood flow being reduced to areas or nerves being compressed, which can lead to pain and/or areas of numbness.
As well as physical stressors, emotional, mental and energetic factors can also contribute to bodily complaints. All these layers are integrated and taken into consideration during a session. They are addressed with presence, use of physical touch and breath-work, to support the flow and balance of the body in its healing process.
Although more than one session may be recommended, clients frequently report significant change after just one session: feeling a deeper connection with themselves, a reduction in their symptoms, and improved sensitivity.
Complaints which IPT can address
What sessions can look like
Before an IPT session can be offered, an Intake appointment must take place. This hour long appointment enables the client to fully understand what IPT is, and how it may serve them with their request for help. It is also a good opportunity to meet the practitioner beforehand to help inform the client as to whether they feel a full yes to go ahead with a session. Embodied consent is central to IPT, and so the Intake serves as an opportunity to understand and practise feeling a full yes, not only from the head, but also the heart and whole body.
At least 24 hours after the Intake has taken place, there can be a session of up to two hours. The session will start with a short check-in. When the client feels ready they will be invited to lie on the therapy bed, undressing from the waist down as far as feels comfortable for them. Blankets will cover the client to maintain a feeling of safety and warmth. The session may start with a meditation and include some touch from the head down to the feet, depending on what is needed at the time. If the client then feels ready to receive touch on their pelvis, the practitioner will ask to sit on the bed with them, placing the clients legs over their own
so that the pelvic area is more easily accessible. This is not always necessary, if the client does not feel an embodied yes for this step then adjustments can be made, such as the possibility of the practitioner remaining to one side if preferred. Likewise, depending on the clients request for help, external and internal touch may be offered during a session, but it is not always necessary to do so. All touch given is based on the client’s individual process and based on embodied consent. Gloves will always be worn by the practitioner for external and internal touch to the pelvic area, this is a non-negotiable boundary for the practitioner.
Clients sometimes report a feeling of mild soreness following a session, just as you might feel after other physical therapies. If this does not resolve by itself within a few days or worsens, you are requested to make contact for further support and advice. Following a session, remember to stay well hydrated and avoid heavy lifting where possible.
Intake: € 175,- / Session: € 350,-
