Pelvic Care Blog
Our blog is dedicated to supporting acupuncturists who specialize or hope to specialize in pelvic health. We hope you enjoy our musings and offerings.
The Spirit of Pelvic Health: Our Latest Podcast Feature
Pelvic health is so much more than anatomy, it’s a living dialogue between the physical body, our emotions, thoughts, spiritual journeys, and the deeper stories we carry.
Electroacupuncture for Post‑Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence: What Acupuncturists Should Know
Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common and distressing side effects following radical prostatectomy. For many men, leakage persists for months and significantly affects quality of life, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing. A recent randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open provides compelling evidence that electroacupuncture (EA) may significantly accelerate early recovery of urinary continence after prostate surgery.
This article summarizes the study in clinically relevant language for acupuncturists and explores research methods, results, TCM interpretation, pelvic health relevance, and practical treatment takeaways.
A Secondary Infertility Case Study
Infertility is defined by the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Secondary Fertility is considered the inability to conceive after one has already successfully conceived and had a live birth. Infertility is considered a disease of the male or female reproductive system or unexplained factors
Endometriosis Acupuncture Point Protocols
Endometriosis is marked by active endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. Endometriosis can impact the ovaries, uterine walls, fallopian tubes, ureters, bladder, vaginal wall, rectum, colon and even abdominal scar tissue. 10% of those assigned female at birth were diagnosed by laparoscopy with endometriosis
The Pelvic Acu Ft on the Chick Chat Podcast: Exploring the Heart–Womb Connection
We’re honored that The Pelvic Acu was recently featured on the Chick Chat Podcast in the episode “Heart to Womb: The Emotional and Energetic Connection Between the Heart and Uterus.”
PCOS Acupuncture Protocols
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine diseases in those assigned female at birth in menstruating years with a global prevalence of 4-12% (Chen et al., 2023). PCOS affects reproductive health, metabolism, and mental health with symptoms that include: irregular menstruation, acne, thinning hair on the scalp, hirsutism (excess facial, chest and back hair), ovulation dysfunction infertility, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, weight gain and pelvic pain.
Is Lumbosacral Electroacupuncture Effective for Stress Urinary Incontinence?
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and often under-discussed condition that can greatly impact quality of life. As a pelvic health and women’s health specialist, I’m always interested in research that explores evidence-based, non-invasive approaches to support those experiencing SUI. Two studies—Xu et al. (2016) and Liu et al. (2017)—investigated the effectiveness of lumbosacral electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of SUI. Here’s a look at what they found and how it may apply in clinical practice.
Acupuncture and Primary Dysmenorrhea
Primary dysmenorrhea—painful menstrual cramps without underlying pathology—is one of the most common gynecological complaints among women of reproductive age. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the standard first-line treatment, many individuals seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture for symptom relief with fewer side effects. This literature review explores the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of primary dysmenorrhea, comparing outcomes with NSAIDs, sham acupuncture, and no treatment. While research in English is somewhat limited, three relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed for this discussion.
FIRE AND THE PELVIS-ACUPUNCTURE TODAY
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Krystal Couture, founder of The Pelvic Acu, was recently featured in Acupuncture Today with her article “Fire and the Pelvis.” In this piece, Dr. Krystal explores a concept that is both poetic and profoundly clinical — how the element of Fire expresses itself within the pelvis. While most of us associate the fire element with the Heart and Small Intestine channels, Krystal reminds us that the pelvis holds its own unique expression of fire — one that is subtle, sustaining, and deeply connected to our essence.
The Pelvic Bowl: A Window to Source
Published in The Clinician, Vol. 3 Issue 2 (Sept 2025)
We’re thrilled to share that Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture’s article, “The Pelvic Bowl: A Window to Source,” was recently published in The Clinician. This piece explores the pelvic bowl as both a biomechanical foundation and an energetic center—a place where structure, function, and spirit meet.
THE PELVIC BOWL-EP4-dR. JULEE MILLER
The Pelvic Bowl: Deep Conversations with The Pelvic Acu, Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture, DPT, LAc is a video podcast dedicated to acupuncturists bringing pelvic health to the forefront of their wellness practices. In this episode we feature Dr. Julee Miller, AP, DAcCHM, FABORM who practices in Jacksonville, Florida.
Upcoming Pelvic Care Practicals for Acupuncturists
At The Pelvic Acu, we are dedicated to helping acupuncturists expand their skills and bring vital pelvic health care into their practice. That’s why we’ve designed Pelvic Care for Acupuncturists—a 2-day, live, hands-on practical trainingthat provides the knowledge and tools needed to safely and effectively address pelvic floor health.
Return on investment-pelvic care for acupuncturists
I know it can feel really intense to spend $1600 on a weekend continuing education course. For many of us as acupuncturists, $1600 is going to support our family and our practice, and spending that money without a guaranteed return on investment can really push boundaries and comfort zones.
Are We in Fear Mode as Acupuncturists?
I have the pleasure of teaching around the country and interacting with acupuncturists on a daily basis. I hear success stories, major milestones, transformations—and lately, a resounding sense of fear. This fear stems from so many questions about our collective identity as acupuncturists. With a good number of acupuncture schools closing their doors, it makes sense that we have a lot of questions.
Exploring the Pessary: A Non-Surgical Option for Pelvic Support
At The Pelvic Acu, we believe that understanding both Eastern and Western approaches to pelvic health makes us stronger practitioners and better advocates for our clients. That’s why we’ve created another free mini-course, this time focused on the pessary—a non-surgical medical device that can provide support for those experiencing pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence.
The Pelvic Bowl: Episode 3 - with Dr. Andrea Orvieto
In Episode 3 of The Pelvic Bowl: Deep Conversations with The Pelvic Acu, host Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture, DPT, LAcsits down with Dr. Andrea Orvieto, L.Ac., DACM, FABORM, founder of SoFla Acupuncture & Wellness in Hallandale Beach, Florida. What unfolds is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation about the path to pelvic care, the integration of acupuncture with pelvic floor therapy, and the profound ways these practices change patients’ lives.