anatomy of arousal

“I didn’t hear words that were accurate, much less prideful. For example, I never once heard the word clitoris. It would be years before I learned that females possessed the only organ in the human body with no function than to feel pleasure. (If such an organ were unique to the male body, can you imagine how much we would hear about it—and what it would be used to justify?)”
― Gloria Steinem, The Vagina Monologues

 

“The clitoris is pure in purpose. It is the only organ in the body designed purely for pleasure.”
― Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues

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Christine, based in London, is completing a training (here in the states) to become a Fertility Awareness Educator. Interested in using my artwork (the reproduction system) as teaching material, she contacts me.

While the work is grounded in scientific medical illustration, it is also abstracted. I use symbolic color and line suggesting the subtle energy of the human body. As it turns out she is also a Massage and Craniosacral Therapy practitioner and understands why I explain – it may or may not work as traditional teaching material.

We share some goals, in this particular case, to educate and empower women.

I admit since beginning our correspondence, I’ve learned what (almost) feels like a new language! Christine asks if you were to draw something up from scratch for us – for example the internal anatomy showing the full anatomy of arousal, what is your rates? I respond in a practical way giving general information for a commission and prices.

Though all the while I’m wondering…what exactly is the full anatomy of arousal?

Eventually while speaking with her (where are my notes!) I realize I think sensual as she clarifies sexual anatomy. She explains more and I really do feel like I am hearing a foreign language.

She emphasizes the clitoris, crura (2 legs extending 9 cm into the pelvis), and bulbs of the vestibule (two – one laying to either side of the vaginal opening). She directs me to reference material, including images and books.

I respond to the information Christine sends. The plexus of veins and the arteries (like a hammock), and the nerves among all the forms also catch my attention. I know they will make for added (and beautiful) detail, shape and texture.

I am further educated by my friend Tara, a Pelvic Floor Specialist. I say to her, I don’t like pink, I don’t want to paint anything pink. She explains color indicates health (pink it is). Once again she lends me her medical pelvis model with ↓bladder, uterus and colon (I plan to include). And she too, provides me with reading material.

I start to organize a composition and I can’t help but recall The Dinner Party and the work of Judy Chicago ↓. I am further reminded of the politics of the female body as I continue to research other artist’s work.

Judy Chicago, test plate, 1978 National Museum of Women in the Arts (photo by C. Lavender)

Right now the study sits on my drawing table. I might add one more element. And then I’ll consider the title of the small painting on mylar.

I leave you with a few interesting facts…

• The clitoris has at least 8000 nerve endings (a man’s penis has about 4000).
• The clitoris and the crura are referred to as the wish bone because their structure resembles one.
• One single gene on a Y chromosome and a clitoris (female) becomes…you guessed it…a penis (male).
• Clitoris is Greek for key. It has only one job.

I plan to ask Christine if she wants to say anything about the anatomy of arousal. If she agrees, look for a future post.

There is so much to our body – take care to know it.

the physical pelvic floor and the subtle mūla bandha

I’ve never heard of a Urogynecology. Talking with Tara, in my studio, she wonders if I can draw pelvic floor anatomy.  Are you talking about the perineum? That’s part of it, she says as she names muscles of the pelvic floor. I’m impressed. All I know at this point is that she’s in physical therapy. I ask if she’s heard of Mula Bandha (Sanskrit). What’s that? she asks. It’s the root lock, I explain. No, she’s never heard of it.

Mula Bandha is an energetic seel that locks prana (life force) into the body, located at the base of the spine, at the pelvic floor. To practice mula bandha you activate the perineum (muscular body between the anus and the genitals) at its center.  It supports the body by strengthening muscles and supports the mind by creating calmness and stability – primarily through the breath.

I understand (from my Yoga Teacher’s Training) the practice of mula bandha offers people physical as well as emotional benefits. I know a bit about the general muscles in the area though Tara’s work is specialized. She brings me reading material. In conversation she explains the diaphragm is connected to the pelvic floor. How so? I ask. They share the same fascia, she answers. Everything is connected. Of course they do, and yes everything is connected. Breath work too, is a part of the therapy she provides.

I ask about her clients, are they male or female? I assume perhaps they’re females, after giving birth. Yes, I do see women after childbirth but I also see men.  She notes incontinence, constipation as well as various sexual dysfunctions.  She explains tight muscles, loose muscles and other contributing causes to function and/or impairment of the pelvic floor.

I work on these 2 small mixed media works. And I use new materials. I’m not sure if I’m finished. Naturally I want to include all the muscles of the legs and abstract the composition more – but I also want to keep the focus on the pelvic floor. Will see.

Two weeks ago I drew out the brain and the spinal cord. This week I work on the area at the base of the spine. It feels natural and organic. The more I learn the more I realize there is  much more to learn.

Our intricate body – so completely fascinates me.