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.
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.
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.
Featured on MyDAO Labs: Bridging Traditional Chinese Medicine & Women’s Hormone Health
We’re thrilled to share that The Pelvic Acu was recently featured on the MyDAO Labs blog, where Dr. Krystal Couture explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help balance hormones and support women throughout their menstrual cycle.
In the article, Dr. Krystal breaks down the four phases of the cycle—menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal—and shows how the shifting rhythms of Yin and Yang energy can guide everything from the foods we eat to the way we move and rest.
Pelvic floor + Menstruation
Let's look at Menstruation and the Pelvic Floor through the lens of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Talk by Dr. Krystal Lynn Couture, PT, Lac, The Pelvic Acu.
Menstrual relations
According to Chinese Medicine, there are unique relationships between the organs and fluids associated with our monthly bleed. Chinese Medicine differs from Western medicine in that the organs do not only carry out their functions on a physiological level, but also on an energetic level. Essentially, this means that each organ has an essence or energy that is particularly unique, almost like a personality. The fluids of the body also hold a vibration. The interplay of these frequencies makes an impact on the whole of the being.
Hormones, Chinese Medicine and Menstruation!
In Chinese Medicine, menstruation is regarded as a vital component of women's health, reflecting the unique balance of Qi, Blood, and Yin. The harmony of these vital fluids indicates the health of the body. The menstrual cycle is considered a dynamic evolution influenced by the interplay of these essential fluids and energies.