Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Blog
Welcome to our blog where we talk about the science behind Acupuncture, Classical Chinese Medicine, and achieving optimal health, well-being and consciousness.
Growing Pelvic Health Practices: A Message to Fellow Acupuncturists
In my latest video, I walk you through a pitch deck full of ideas and concepts designed to help you grow your pelvic health clientele. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your existing offerings, this resource is full of inspiration and strategy you can start applying right away.
The Wood Element & The Pelvis
The article "The Wood Element and the Pelvis" by Krystal Lynn Couture, PT, LAc, featured in Acupuncture Today, delves into the intricate relationship between the Wood element in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and pelvic health. It emphasizes how understanding this connection can enhance both physical and emotional well-being.
Pelvic Floor & Postpartum Healing: Insights from Dr. Krystal Couture’s AAC Webinar
The Pelvic Acu returns to the TO THE POINT podcast from the American Acupuncture Council. In this episode, Dr. Couture dove deep into one of the most important (and too often overlooked) areas of women’s health: Pelvic Floor and Postpartum Care.
Empowering Women’s Health: Dr. Krystal Couture’s Chinese Medicine Wisdom on A League of Our Own
On “A League of Our Own,” host Ashley Blum sat down with Dr. Krystal Couture to explore how Chinese medicine and acupuncture support women at every turn of life’s great cycle. Here’s a closer look at their conversation—and why these time‑honored practices deserve a place in modern women’s health care.
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.
The jAW & The Pelvis
Dr. Krystal Couture and Dr. Michelle Gellis discuss The Jaw & The Pelvis. The connection between the pelvic floor and the jaw is one rooted to week 3 of embryonic development. In this course, we’ll talk about the unique anatomical and energetic similarities between the pelvis and the jaw. We’ll cover basic pelvic and jaw anatomy, local treatment, spirit of the points, sinews, and extraordinary vessels.
11 Reasons Why You’re Leaking
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. There are many reasons why Urinary Incontinence occurs that aren’t age or postpartum related. Urinary leakage isn’t a “normal” part of aging or postpartum and can indicate something serious going on. If your leakage has occurred suddenly or has dramatically increased suddenly, make sure you have a chat with your healthcare provider. Here are 11 reasons why you might be leaking
Pelvic Care intro Webinar - FREE
Our last Free Pelvic Care Intro Webinar was so popular, we’re bringing you another opportunity to join us!!! Live online, September 11, 2024 at 12 noon EDT. A replay will be available shortly after the course. Our Pelvic Care Intro Course will give you the insight you need to determine if Pelvic Care is for you and if Dr. Krystal is the right instructor for you! In just one hour, we’ll discuss the impact of acupuncture on Pelvic Health and some of the techniques and tools you already know to start treating the pelvis.
Urinary Pathologies-Defined!
Urinary pathologies affect a large percentage of the population (all genders). And they have a significant impact on quality of life, according to multiple research studies. But, urinary pathology can be hard to talk about. It can feel shameful, embarrassing, guilt provoking and depressing. In addition, with routine medical visits averaging a total of 15 minutes, we can feel rushed and like we have to prioritize our concerns. And, we’re not feeling seen or heard as a client or human being.
Pelvic Care Introduction Webinar
Check out my Introduction to Pelvic Care for Acupuncturists Webinar to see if brining Pelvic Care into your practice is right for you!
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.
The Elemental Nature of the Pelvis
I am so honored to be featured in such an amazing magazine that truly embodies to the nature of Chinese Medicine and explores the roots of what we do. I love being able to share my knowledge and passion for all things pelvic care.
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 Women
Women can experience a range of pelvic health disorders that may affect various aspects of their reproductive, urinary, bowel and gastrointestinal systems.