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.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia affects approximately 7% of American women, yet many suffer for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. This chronic vulvar pain of unknown origin, lasting at least three months, can devastate intimate relationships and severely impact quality of life. For acupuncturists treating pelvic health conditions, understanding vulvodynia and the growing evidence supporting acupuncture as an effective treatment offers hope to patients who have often exhausted conventional options.
NEW PUBLICATION: CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN & ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture has officially been published in collaboration with Golden Flower Chinese Herbs.
This work brings forward a powerful and much-needed conversation around chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and the role of acupuncture in addressing one of the most complex and underserved conditions in modern healthcare.
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome in Pelvic Health
When patients present with a constellation of seemingly unrelated symptoms (skin flushing, digestive issues, pelvic pain, and unexplained reactions to foods or temperature changes), many practitioners find themselves searching for answers. For acupuncturists specializing in pelvic health, understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is becoming increasingly essential to providing comprehensive, effective care.
Pelvic Care Grand Rounds: Collaborative Case Discussion for Pelvic Health Practitioners
Join Us For Grand Rounds on Feb 18th at 12:00 Noon. Recording available to all registrants.
The Sinews & The Pelvis -Webinar
Pelvic health is an area of growing clinical interest for acupuncturists, yet it is often underrepresented in formal training. The Sinews & the Pelvis is a specialized continuing education course designed for licensed acupuncturists seeking to expand their clinical understanding of pelvic health through the framework of the Jing Jin (sinew channels).
This live webinar will take place on January 28th at 12:00 PM EST and offers an integrative, clinically relevant approach that bridges classical Chinese medicine theory, modern anatomical concepts, and evidence‑informed manual and needling techniques applicable to pelvic conditions.
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
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.
MAKING MONEY AS AN ACUPUNCTURIST-LET’S GET TO THE ROOT
Have you ever felt like your acupuncture practice is full … but your income doesn’t reflect the time, energy, and expertise you pour into it? You’re not alone.
I’m thrilled to invite you to a special combined Grand Rounds on Wednesday, November 19th at 2:30pm EST, where we’ll be diving deep into this exact topic:
Making Money as an Acupuncturist: Let’s Get to the ROOT!
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.
Exploring Pelvic Health Tools: A Guide for Practitioners
Pelvic health is often overlooked, yet it impacts so many aspects of overall wellness — from sexual function and reproductive health to emotional wellbeing and quality of life. In this blog, we’re exploring a variety of pelvic health tools that can support healing, extend treatment beyond the clinic, and give patients practical ways to care for themselves at home.
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.