Why Perineal Health, Cryotherapy, and Self-Determination Belong Together
Cold in your underwear. Sounds like a dare or a TikTok trend. But for more and more women, it has become a conscious act of self-care—and for some, even a feminist statement. Because who actually decides what we are allowed to do with our bodies? And who defines what is “normal,” “embarrassing,” or “taboo”?
Adèle Bouscasse has a clear answer: women themselves. With Maholi, she is rethinking an almost forgotten practice—perineal cryotherapy, the targeted application of cold to the perineum—and bringing it out of the medical niche into women’s everyday, self-determined lives. No shame. No permission. No pink wellness clichés.
The Body as a Starting Point—Not a Problem
The idea didn’t come from a branding workshop, but from real life. Adèle suffered for years from recurring infections, felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and not taken seriously. Health experiences within her family—her mother exploring alternative approaches, her sister living with endometriosis—shaped her perspective.
When Adèle first applied cold to the pelvic area on her mother’s advice, something unexpected happened: relief. Not dramatic. Not magical. But noticeable. Better sleep, less pain, a stronger sense of her body.
“This was never a promise of healing,” she says. “It was simply the realization: This helps me. And that’s enough to begin.”
Perineal Health: Why This Area Matters for Women
The perineum—the area between the vulva and the anus—is one of the most important yet most neglected regions of the female body. It stabilizes the pelvic floor, supports internal organs, influences sexuality and continence, and plays a crucial role in childbirth, recovery, and hormonal transitions.
Despite its importance, perineal health remains highly taboo. Many women only learn about it during pregnancy or postpartum care—and even then, mostly in a purely functional way.
Adèle is convinced: when women reconnect with this area, they reclaim their bodies. Not as patients. Not as objects. But as active decision-makers.
What Is Perineal Cryotherapy?
Perineal cryotherapy refers to the targeted application of cold to the perineal area. The aim is to stimulate circulation, regulate nerve activity, support relaxation, and potentially reduce inflammatory processes.
Because the skin in this area is thin and highly vascularized, cold stimuli are often perceived as having a broader, whole-body effect. Many women report:
- reduced pain
- a stronger sense of bodily awareness
- deep relaxation
- feelings of grounding or renewed energy
Traditionally used to support inflammatory conditions, perineal cryotherapy is gaining attention in the fields of female health, pelvic health, and longevity for women.
More Than Wellness: Why Cryotherapy Can Be Political
What may sound like a biohack quickly becomes something more. Taking time for oneself—without justification, without productivity pressure—challenges deeply rooted expectations placed on women.
“Women are often conditioned to act for others first,” Adèle says. “For children, partners, work. Making space for ourselves is still not a given.”
Taking a cooling pack from the family freezer, using it openly, even talking about it—this is more than self-care. It is visibility. Choice. Agency.
In other words: I know what is good for me.
Between Experience and Science
Adèle is keenly aware of the responsibility that comes with addressing sensitive health topics. That’s why Maholi collaborates with medical professionals and participates in clinical research. Initial qualitative observations—conducted in cooperation with specialized clinics—indicate positive effects on pain perception and quality of life. Further studies are underway.
Transparency is key. Not everything is proven. Nothing is overpromised. But much is being explored.
“I don’t want to sell miracles,” Adèle says. “I want to make options visible.”
Menopause, Pelvic Health, and Longevity
What stands out is who uses Maholi today: not only younger women, but increasingly women over 45. Women in perimenopause and menopause who are re-engaging with their bodies—often for the first time without external expectations.
During menopause, circulation, tissue elasticity, temperature regulation, and pain sensitivity change. Pelvic and perineal health become central to quality of life, independence, and healthy aging.
Cold applications can play a supportive role—not as a replacement for medical care, but as an additional tool within a female-focused longevity approach.
Vision Instead of Shame
In five years, Adèle sees herself less as a product founder and more as a voice for bodily self-determination. With new products, educational formats, a book, public talks—perhaps even a TEDx stage.
Her goal: that women stop whispering about their bodies. That the word “perineum” no longer feels awkward. And that self-care no longer requires an explanation.
As she puts it:
“I don’t need permission to take care of myself.”
And that is where feminism begins.
In the body. Not in theory.
Mini Glossary
Perineum
The area between the vulva and the anus. Central to pelvic floor stability, continence, sexuality, and women’s health.
Perineal Cryotherapy
Targeted cold application to the perineum to support circulation, nerve activity, and relaxation.
Pelvic Floor
A group of muscles that support internal organs and play a key role in posture, continence, and body awareness.
Female Health
A holistic approach to women’s health across all life stages, integrating physical, hormonal, and social aspects.
Menopause
The life stage following the last menstrual period, marked by hormonal changes affecting tissue, circulation, and pelvic health.
Longevity
The goal of living longer in good health—focused on prevention, body literacy, and sustainable self-care.
