The genitals are a component of our stress response system, joining the jaw joints (TMJ), the neck, the low back and the intestines to form the 5 bodily centers that are reactive to emotional stress. Once a connection is made between stress and the center/s, a pattern of reaction is established:
- Jaw tightening/pain/teeth grinding
- Stiff neck
- Tight, painful low back
- Intestinal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, IBS, etc.
- Vaginismus, Dyspareunia
- Vulvodynia (when not caused by other factors)
Particular to the vagina/genitals, these anxiety patterns amplify both normal and adverse sensations, making the stress louder, deeper, more overwhelming, overpowering, controlling…
It would be easier to accept that there is something physically/medically wrong when a center ‘speaks’ than to attribute it to stress/anxiety. This is especially true in the vagina, with women on a continual cycle of medical advice > the prescription of medications/topical preparations > continual suffering, and so on.
Unlike the penis that must be erect for intercourse, the vagina is a passive passageway that can function with or without the mind. However, the mind can easily stall vaginal function if a pattern of stress has been established there.
I wish all the other doctors were as informed as both of you are! great piece!
very good overview, thanks!