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.
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.
🩺 Upcoming Pelvic Acu Grand Rounds – Oct 22nd
Continuing education is one of the most important parts of being an effective, confident practitioner — and at The Pelvic Acu, we’re committed to keeping our community inspired, connected, and learning together. Our next Grand Rounds session will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd, and is worth 1 NCCAOM-approved PDA. This is a wonderful opportunity to sharpen your clinical skills, deepen your understanding of Pelvic Care, and engage with fellow acupuncturists and healthcare providers from across the country.
OUR GLOBAL PELVIC CARE COMMUNITY IS GROWING
We’re thrilled to share that The Pelvic Acu Map has been updated! This interactive map highlights the growing network of practitioners who have completed our Pelvic Care Practical and Advanced Certificate programs—and they’re making an impact all around the world.
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.
The Pelvic Acu Featured on the Y’nspired Podcast 🎙️
We’re thrilled to share that The Pelvic Acu’s very own Dr. Krystal Couture was recently featured on the Yinspired Podcast in an episode all about pelvic health — and how acupuncture can play a powerful role in supporting it.
QIOLOGICAL E396 - ROOT AND POWER-ATTENDING TO THE PELVIS
The body holds experience in layers—some are structural, some energetic, and others deeply emotional. Nowhere is this more evident than in the pelvis, a place of both power and vulnerability, stability and flow. It’s the root of movement, the center of balance, and a space where emotions and history are stored, often in ways we don’t fully recognize.
Pelvic Floor + Pregnancy- AMERICAN ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL
Dr. Krystal joined the American Acupuncture Council for another exciting episode of TO THE POINT as guest host! She presented: Pelvic Floor and Pregnancy.
PELVIC FLOOR + FERTiLITY- AMERICAN ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL
Dr. Krystal joined the American Acupuncture Council for another exciting episode of TO THE POINT as guest host! She presented: Pelvic Floor and Fertility
New FEATURE IN DIGITAL JOURNAL
“The Pelvic Acu Announces Comprehensive Training Program to Revolutionize Pelvic Health in Acupuncture…. The Pelvic Acu launches specialized courses for acupuncturists, equipping practitioners with holistic approaches to address pelvic health challenges and improve quality of life.” -Digital Journal Dec 2024
8 Reasons Acupuncturists should take a Pelvic Health Continuing Education Course
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Activities (PDAs) in pelvic health can offer acupuncturists specialized knowledge and skills to enhance their practice.
9 Things to Consider when selecting a Pelvic Care CEU / PDA Class
Pelvic Care for Acupuncturists is super specialized and if it’s piqued your interest, it’s important to choose the right course system for your needs. This endeavor will likely require an investment of both time and money. Here are ten things to consider when selecting a pelvic health class:
What your client needs to know about their pelvic floor.
Clients who are curious about the pelvic floor and associated dysfunctions as well as those who present with pelvic floor patterns can really benefit from a little bit of understanding and some education. Clients who understand their pelvic floor function have a much greater opportunity to participate in the healing and leaning into the support you’re offering.
Clearing Blocks in Acupuncture
You may have heard of your acupuncturist say something like, “Before we work on your pelvic floor, we need to check for and clear any blocks.” Blocks are essentially barriers to the treatment being effective and holding from one session to the next or long term. Blocks can be diagnosed through the pulses, through your energy or even through the eyes. Blocks can also be physical symptoms like pain.
Connection between the Low Back and the Pelvic Floor
The low back can have indirect effects on the pelvic floor due to the anatomical and functional connections between these areas. The low back (lumbar region) and pelvic floor are part of the same musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system, and alterations in one region can influence the other. Here’s why Trigger Point Needling (Dry Needling or Ashi Point Needling) of the back impacts the Pelvic Floor:
Published Research on Acupuncture and Pelvic Pain
Research on acupuncture for pelvic pain, particularly related to conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, has gained interest in recent years. Here are some notable studies:
Safety Concerns when Needling the Pelvis
Needling the pelvis, especially in the context of pelvic health interventions such as trigger point needling, dry needling or Ashi point needling, requires careful attention to safety considerations. Safety concerns associated with needling the pelvis are..
What is Pelvic Floor Dry Needling?
Pelvic floor dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of acupuncture needles which are sterile, thin, solid needles into specific points in the pelvic region. These points are usually Ashi (tender points or trigger points. “Ashi point” needling is acupuncture trigger point needling, and this is described in Chinese medical texts dating from 200 BCE – 200 CE. Insertion of needles into Ashi points can alleviate pain, improve muscle function, and address various pelvic health issues.
Common Pelvic Health Disorders in Men
While pelvic health concerns are often associated with women, men can also experience a variety of pelvic health dysfunctions. These issues may involve the pelvic floor muscles, reproductive organs, and urinary or gastrointestinal systems. As with women, quality of life for men can be seriously impacted. For some men, pelvic health dysfunction may be a highly emotional topic and one that is very challenging to talk about. Addressing the issues can be life changing.
Pelvic Health as a Source of Profit in Your Acupuncture Practice!
If you’re like most acupuncturists, you hate when marketing specialists say ‘you have to niche your practice’. You probably don’t want to treat only one type of client. You don’t want to lose the clients you already have. And if you’re like me, you definitely don’t want to exclude certain populations.