Whether you are a woman or a man, I think that we could all probably do a better job of integrating the wonderful, intelligent va-jay-jay into our lives.

Even though the book, What’s Up Down There? by Lissa Rankin, M.D. isn’t about yoga per se, the effect of reading the book is that of more friendliness toward the precious and sometimes mysterious hoo-ha. It is yoga at its best, in my opinion, to welcome a possibly misunderstood, disliked or un-trusted body part into greater awareness.  Especially the vagina. (Maybe because I have one…)

When I get home from work, I’m as hot and bothered by my lover as the next person is. I know it’s hard to believe, but to most of us doctors, vaginas (and penises) are simply another body part, not unlike the ear or the mouth. What makes vaginas different from the ear or the mouth is the possibility contained within. In this place of wonder, love is consummated and babies are born. We gynecologists select our chosen field because we get to bear witness to this magic.
~Lissa Rankin, M.D.

I, like many women, was taught to fear this part of my body in an effort to keep me “safe” from a teenage pregnancy or disease. And if I allow myself to think about it, it seems that some of those early messages still hang around my pussy (I said the “p” word!). So to read about Dr. Rankin’s respect and awe for a part of myself that might have been “dirty” or “ugly” was so liberating. It just felt healthy.

The book offers helpful and sometimes humorous information about coochies, sex, masturbation, orgasm, itching, periods, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, boobs, pee and butts.

Dr. Rankin uses lots of fun words for vagina (as I have in this blog post). She quotes Rachel Carlton Abrams, M.D., coauthor of The Multi-Orgasmic Woman: Sexual Secrets Every Woman Should Know:

Vagina comes from the Latin word for ‘sheath for a sword,’ so it is not necessarily the most powerful metaphor for, arguably, the most powerful and creative part of the human body. My general feeling is, if you don’t like the word, toss it. Make up another one.

I actually think that this could be a step towards enlightened sexuality, to properly and joyfully name our “love bits”. And I would love to hear it if Elephant readers know of any other empowering and fun words for vagina. If you do, please leave them in the comments below!

* This article is a part of Mulabloga, a Yogic Muse production. *