Understanding Constipation and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help
Constipation is more than just infrequent bowel movements—it’s a condition that often includes straining, hard stools, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. While diet, hydration, and exercise are crucial for bowel health, many people overlook the role of their pelvic floor muscles in this common issue.
How Does the Pelvic Floor Affect Constipation?
Your pelvic floor muscles play a key role in controlling bowel movements. If these muscles are too tight (hypertonic) or uncoordinated, they can make it difficult to relax and pass stool. This is known as dyssynergic defecation, a common but often overlooked cause of constipation.
How Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help?
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a tailored approach to relieving constipation:
Muscle Relaxation: Therapists use manual techniques to release tight pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback: Learn to coordinate your pelvic muscles properly during bowel movements.
Education and Strategies: Discover better bowel habits, posture, and breathing techniques for easier elimination.
Takeaway
If constipation is affecting your daily life, pelvic floor therapy may provide the relief you need. A trained therapist can help restore proper muscle function, improving both your comfort and bowel health.
Don’t let constipation hold you back—take the first step toward feeling better today!
Why Does Sex Hurt? Exploring the Causes of Painful Intercourse and How to Find Relief
Sex is often seen as an act of connection and pleasure, but for many people, it can be a source of discomfort or pain. This condition, known as dyspareunia, affects people of all genders and can be caused by a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological factors. If sex is painful for you, know that you’re not alone—and that solutions are available.
Common Causes of Pain with Sex
Pain during sex can be broadly categorized into physical and psychological causes, though the two are often interrelated.
1. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in sexual function. If these muscles are too tight (hypertonic), weak, or uncoordinated, they may cause pain during penetration or deep thrusting. Conditions such as vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms) and pelvic floor myalgia are common contributors.
2. Hormonal Changes
Low estrogen levels, often seen during menopause, postpartum, or while using certain hormonal contraceptives, can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal walls (vaginal atrophy). These changes can make penetration uncomfortable or painful.
3. Infections and Inflammation
Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted infections can cause irritation, swelling, and discomfort.
Conditions like vulvodynia (chronic pain in the vulva) or vestibulodynia (pain at the vaginal opening) can result in burning or stinging sensations during sex.
4. Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pelvic pain. Deep pain during intercourse, particularly with deep penetration, is a hallmark symptom.
5. Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
Also known as painful bladder syndrome, IC can cause pelvic discomfort and pain during sex due to bladder irritation.
6. Scarring and Trauma
Scar tissue from surgeries (e.g., cesarean sections, hysterectomies), childbirth tears, or pelvic injuries can reduce flexibility in the pelvic area, leading to pain during sexual activity.
7. Psychological and Emotional Factors
Emotions significantly influence the body’s response to sexual activity. Anxiety, past trauma, fear of pain, or relationship stress can lead to tension in the pelvic muscles, exacerbating pain. Psychological factors may also reduce arousal and lubrication, further contributing to discomfort.
8. Other Medical Conditions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or chronic constipation may increase pelvic floor tension and discomfort.
Neurological conditions like pudendal neuralgia can cause pain or burning sensations in the pelvic region.
Seeking Help for Painful Sex
It’s essential to address pain during sex, as it can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider
A gynecologist, urologist, or primary care physician can help diagnose underlying medical conditions contributing to pain.
2. Pelvic Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in assessing and treating issues related to pelvic floor muscles, scar tissue, and posture that may be causing pain. Treatment often includes:
Manual therapy to release muscle tension.
Exercises to improve strength and coordination.
Education on relaxation and breathing techniques.
3. Lubrication and Moisturizers
Using high-quality lubricants during sex or vaginal moisturizers for daily use can help reduce friction and dryness.
4. Counseling or Therapy
If emotional or psychological factors play a role, therapy can help address past trauma, anxiety, or relational concerns. Sex therapists or counselors trained in intimacy issues can be particularly helpful.
5. Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause, treatments may include hormonal therapies, medications for infections or inflammation, or procedures to address specific conditions like endometriosis.
Takeaway
Pain during sex is not something you have to endure or ignore. While it may feel isolating, it’s a common issue with many possible causes and treatments. Understanding your body and seeking professional support are crucial first steps in finding relief and reclaiming intimacy.
If you’re experiencing pain with sex, reach out to a trusted healthcare provider or pelvic physical therapist. You deserve a fulfilling and pain-free sex life, and help is available.
Need Guidance? If pain during sex is affecting your life, contact our pelvic physical therapists to assess, diagnose and treat your sexual health.
Understanding the Overlap Between Back Pain and Urinary Issues: How Pelvic Physical Therapists Bridge the Gap
Back pain and urinary issues often seem like unrelated concerns. Back pain may conjure thoughts of strained muscles or herniated discs, while urinary issues may point to bladder or pelvic dysfunction. However, these two conditions frequently intersect due to the body’s complex musculoskeletal and nervous system connections. Pelvic physical therapists (PTs), who are also trained as orthopedic PTs, are uniquely equipped to address this overlap.
The Connection Between Back Pain and Urinary Dysfunction
The pelvis and spine share critical anatomical and functional relationships. The pelvic floor muscles, which play a key role in urinary control, are intricately linked to the lumbar spine, sacrum, and hip joints. When one area is dysfunctional, it can directly or indirectly impact the other.
Here are some common scenarios:
Nerve Involvement: The lumbar and sacral spinal nerves (particularly the pudendal nerve) control pelvic floor function. A herniated disc or lumbar stenosis may compress these nerves, causing both back pain and urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, or leakage.
Muscle Imbalances: Chronic low back pain often leads to compensatory muscle patterns, which can overburden or weaken the pelvic floor. This may result in incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.
Postural Changes: Poor posture, whether from prolonged sitting or injury, can misalign the pelvis and lumbar spine. This alignment issue can stress the bladder or pelvic floor muscles, creating urinary symptoms.
Stress and Tension: Stress-related conditions such as pelvic floor hypertonicity can manifest as both low back pain and bladder discomfort, as the pelvic floor muscles are in constant overdrive.
The Role of Pelvic Physical Therapists in Treating the Overlap
Pelvic PTs are uniquely qualified because they are also trained in orthopedic physical therapy principles. This dual expertise enables them to assess and treat both the musculoskeletal and visceral aspects of pain and dysfunction.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Pelvic PTs take a holistic approach to understand the root cause of your symptoms. They assess:
Spinal mobility and alignment
Pelvic floor muscle function (strength, endurance, and coordination)
Posture and gait patterns
Core stability and breathing mechanics
Tailored Treatment Plans
Treatment often involves a combination of techniques, such as:
Manual Therapy: To release tight muscles, improve joint mobility, and address fascial restrictions.
Pelvic Floor Training: Strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor as needed to restore balance.
Core Stabilization Exercises: Targeting deep abdominal and back muscles to support the spine and pelvis.
Neuromuscular Re-education: Retraining the brain and body to work together more effectively.
Behavioral Modifications: Guidance on bladder habits, posture, and ergonomics to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose a Pelvic PT for Back and Urinary Issues?
While many orthopedic PTs can treat back pain, not all are trained to address the nuanced relationship between the pelvis and urinary system. Pelvic PTs bridge this gap, offering a unique skill set that can address both conditions simultaneously, reducing the time to recovery and improving overall quality of life.
If you’re experiencing back pain with urinary symptoms, you don’t have to manage them separately. A pelvic PT can provide the specialized care you need to uncover the connections and restore your health holistically.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re dealing with overlapping back pain and urinary concerns, consult our pelvic physical therapists to regain control of your body and comfort in your life.
When most people think about strengthening their core to protect their back, they picture endless crunches, sit-ups, or other abdominal exercises. While these moves might make your abs burn, they don’t necessarily provide the support your back needs. In fact, they can sometimes do more harm than good if not paired with proper form and functional stability practices.
To truly manage back pain and develop a functional core, it’s time to focus on what really works: understanding neutral spine and mastering stabilization.
The Myth of Ab Workouts and Back Protection
Abdominal exercises often target just the 6 pack abs. While these muscles are important for many movements of the spine, they’re only part of the abdominal wall and only one piece of the “core”. Your core also includes deeper muscles like the transverse abdominis (your body’s natural corset), pelvic floor muscles, and spinal stabilizers and require the support from the pelvic muscles (aka gluteal muscles).
Signs that you are not engaging your deep core system:
A Pooch even though you do a ton of abs. This is not a sign of a fat stomach. This is the sign of serious muscle imbalance
Your back hurts and it’s not getting better. Easy. If your back hurts, you’re doing it wrong!
Your single leg balance either stinks OR you have to hike a hip or lean back to stand on leg. Believe me, this is one of the biggest tellers of stable spine.
Your hips click like crazy during your ab workouts. This, my friends, is the sign that your midline cannot move your leg through space. Our legs our heavy and when it clicks, there are little micromovements happening instead of spinal stability.
The Real Key: Neutral Spine and Stabilization
The secret to a functional core lies in achieving and maintaining a neutral spine—a position where the natural curves of your spine are in alignment. This is the posture that allows your core muscles to engage properly and support your back during movement.
Stabilization exercises train the entire core to work as a team to support your spine and pelvis, whether you’re sitting, lifting, or twisting. This functional strength is what prevents injuries and reduces strain on the back.
Protecting your back isn’t about how many crunches you can do; it’s about building functional strength through stabilization and maintaining a neutral spine. When your core muscles work together to support your spine, you’ll feel stronger, move better, and finally kick back pain to the curb.
Ready to trade crunches for real results? Focus on stabilization by utilizing our Portal tools and your back won’t lie!
Kegels have long been touted as the go-to exercise for pelvic floor health, especially for people dealing with issues like incontinence or postpartum recovery. While they can help isolate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, Kegels alone often fall short of delivering true functional benefits.
Why? Because our bodies don’t operate in isolation. For your pelvic floor to function optimally, it needs to work in harmony with your entire core and adapt to the dynamic movements of daily life. Without this integration, Kegels can become an exercise in futility.
The Problem with Kegels
Lack of Functional Application: Kegels focus on contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles, but this movement rarely mirrors real-life demands. Your pelvic floor isn’t just called upon when you’re sitting still; it’s working when you lift, squat, walk, and breathe.
Over-Isolation of Muscles: By isolating the pelvic floor without addressing its relationship with surrounding muscles (like the diaphragm, deep core, and glutes), you risk creating imbalances. Overly tight or weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to dysfunction, just like any other muscle in the body.
Failure to Address Coordination: The pelvic floor works as part of a team. It should naturally contract and relax in response to movement and changes in intra-abdominal pressure (like when you sneeze or lift something heavy). Kegels don’t train this coordination, which is essential for functional pelvic health.
The Functional Alternative
To truly improve pelvic floor function, exercises must integrate the pelvic floor into whole-body movements. Here’s how:
Link the Pelvic Floor to Breathing: Your pelvic floor and diaphragm are closely connected. Practicing diaphragmatic breathing can help you engage the pelvic floor naturally during inhalation and exhalation, training it to respond to pressure changes.
Incorporate Functional Movements: Exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts—when performed with proper alignment and core engagement—naturally involve the pelvic floor. These moves train the pelvic floor to support your body during the activities you perform daily.
Focus on Stability and Coordination: Exercises like bird dogs, bridges, and planks can help integrate the pelvic floor into larger movement patterns, ensuring it works cohesively with other muscles.
Final Thoughts
Kegels aren’t inherently bad—they’re just not the whole story. Isolating the pelvic floor can be a useful first step for some, especially in early stages of rehab. But if you want lasting results and improved function, you need to think bigger.
Train your pelvic floor to move and respond as part of a coordinated system, and you’ll not only strengthen this critical muscle group but also improve your overall movement and quality of life.
Say goodbye to endless Kegels and hello to functional movement for true pelvic floor health!
What is Desire Discrepancy, and What Can I Do About It?
Desire discrepancy is a common challenge many couples face—it happens when partners have different levels of sexual desire. More often than not, my female patients complain that they feel as if they are broken because they do not want to have sex with their partners. They often describe that they feel as though they “should” be more into sex and feel tremendous amounts of shame for their lack of interest.
News flash for all of y’all: we may assume that this is a female-specific problem. This is not true. Desire discrepancy can occur in any relationship by any particular person. Same-sex and queer couples can present this issue. Likewise, there are plenty of men with lower libidos than their female partner.
Desires naturally ebb and flow. Many factors feed into our sex life even though we associate most of sex with our genitals. Our stressors, lifestyle, hormonal changes, children, sleep cycles and general health can all tremendously impact how we relate to our sexuality.
The bottom line here that we all really need to understand a couple of things:
What value does sex bring into our lives? Is it a release? Physical touch? Intimacy? Reflecting on what sex means to you and being vulnerable enough to have that conversation with your partner is the first step in conquering this issue. The real challenge here is that SHAME wants to fault your desires and needs.
Good, giving, game of Dan Savage rules when it comes to our sexuality. We have to be willing to at least entertain or explore our partner’s needs in regards to our sexuality in a judgement free space.
SEX WILL CHANGE! This is inevitable. Our hormones change, our bodies change, we age. There are facts. Understanding 1 & 2 will keep these conversations open and make sexuality something that can be adaptable through the lifespan.
At its core, desire discrepancy isn’t about “fixing” anyone. Instead, it’s about understanding the unique factors that influence desire, such as stress, emotional connection, and physical well-being. One powerful tool to navigate this difference is mindfulness.
How Mindfulness Can Help
Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, can shift the way couples approach desire and intimacy. Here’s how:
Managing Stress: Stress is a major libido killer. Mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or guided meditation help calm the nervous system, creating space for desire to re-emerge naturally. Arousal needs us to be in a parasympathetic state. By managing our stressors through mindfulness, we can actually be in a state to be present.
Improves Emotional Connection: Mindfulness fosters nonjudgmental awareness, allowing partners to listen and empathize with each other’s feelings about intimacy without defensiveness or shame.
Enhances Body Awareness: Practices like body scans or mindful touch can help individuals reconnect with their own sensations and desires, paving the way for deeper intimacy. I agree that disembodiment is a beautiful coping mechanism from time to time but we need to be inside of our bodies to experience pleasure.
Builds Communication Skills: When couples approach conversations about their desires and their shame with mindfulness, they can express needs and even boundaries with more ease which fosters mutual understanding.
Mindfulness Exercise to Try
The 5-Minute Connection Practice:
Sit facing your partner.
Spend one minute making eye contact without speaking. Notice your breath and your partner’s presence. Do not feel bad if this is awkward. Notice the feelings or thoughts and let them come and go.
Take turns sharing one sentence about how you’re feeling in the moment. Listen fully without interrupting or problem-solving. You are allowed to feel great, terrible or anywhere in between.
End by thanking each other for the connection.
This simple practice (even if you laugh the entire time) can help you feel more attuned to your partner and create a foundation for open dialogue about your pleasures, desires or just feelings in general. .
Desire discrepancy doesn’t have to create lasting distance between partners. Oftentimes, it can become a point to connect and evolve as a couple. With mindfulness exercises that are self-guided or partnered, you can turn it into an opportunity for growth, understanding, and deeper intimacy.
The Importance of Physically Getting Out of Fight or Flight
In today’s fast-paced world, many people spend a significant portion of their lives under stress, often stuck in a state of fight or flight. This physiological response, rooted in the body’s survival mechanisms, was originally designed to protect us in dangerous situations. However, when the fight-or-flight response is constantly triggered by daily stressors—like work pressures, financial worries, or interpersonal conflicts—it can have detrimental effects on physical health. Understanding the importance of getting out of this state is key to preserving long-term well-being.
What is Fight or Flight?
The fight or flight response is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). When faced with a perceived threat, the body reacts by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, preparing the body for immediate action—whether that be to fight or flee.
While this response can be lifesaving in moments of acute danger, chronic activation due to ongoing stress can overwhelm the body and mind, leading to numerous health issues.
The Physical Consequences of Chronic Fight or Flight on your Nervous System
When fight or flight is activated frequently, the body’s parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps bring the body back to a relaxed state, is often underutilized. This imbalance can have serious long-term effects:
Cardiovascular Health Chronic activation of the fight or flight response can lead to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that sustained stress may increase the risk of hypertension and heart disease, as elevated levels of cortisol can contribute to inflammation in blood vessels and the heart.
Source: A review published in The Lancet (2020) found that chronic stress is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to persistent elevated blood pressure and inflammation.
Immune System Suppression Prolonged stress can suppress the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Elevated cortisol levels can reduce the production of white blood cells, which are essential for immune defense. This compromises the body’s ability to fight off illnesses, leaving it more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
Source: Research in the Journal of Neuroimmunology (2015) shows that long-term stress impairs immune function by reducing the body’s ability to mount a proper immune response.
Digestive Problems Stress can lead to digestive disturbances, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and indigestion. The fight-or-flight response prioritizes blood flow to muscles and away from the digestive system, which can impair digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, cortisol can impact gut health by disrupting the balance of good bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal issues.
Source: A study in Gastroenterology (2017) found a direct correlation between chronic stress and the development of gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.
Muscle Tension and Pain When the body is in a constant state of stress, muscles remain contracted, which can lead to chronic pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. This muscle tension, when prolonged, can also contribute to headaches and joint issues.
Source: According to research in Frontiers in Neurology (2018), chronic muscle tension due to prolonged stress is a leading cause of tension-type headaches and musculoskeletal pain.
Hormonal Imbalance and Reproductive Health Prolonged stress and the release of cortisol can disrupt the body’s hormone levels. This disruption can affect menstrual cycles, fertility, and sexual health in both men and women. Stress can lead to decreased libido, irregular periods, and even early menopause.
Source: A study published in Fertility and Sterility (2010) highlights the link between stress-induced hormonal imbalance and reduced fertility in both men and women.
How Acupuncture Helps Regulate the Nervous System
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to influence the flow of Qi (vital energy) and balance the body’s systems. Here’s how acupuncture can help shift the body out of fight or flight:
Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Acupuncture is known to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. By activating the PNS, acupuncture helps reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), bringing the body into a more relaxed state. This shift encourages lower heart rates, normalized blood pressure, and a reduction in stress hormones like cortisol.
Source: A study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013) showed that acupuncture significantly reduces cortisol levels and improves the body’s stress response.
Reduces Muscle Tension One of the most common physical symptoms of stress is muscle tension. Acupuncture needles are used to target areas where tension accumulates, such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps to relax the muscles and improve circulation, reducing pain and discomfort.
Source: Research published in Pain Medicine (2017) found that acupuncture significantly decreases muscle pain and tension associated with chronic stress.
Balances the Body’s Energy (Qi) In TCM, health is defined by the free and balanced flow of Qi. Stress causes blockages and imbalances in Qi, leading to physical and emotional symptoms. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, which helps reduce the negative effects of stress.
Source: A study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012) found that acupuncture effectively regulates Qi, improving emotional well-being and reducing stress-related symptoms.
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Anxiety Acupuncture can directly affect brain chemistry, promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. This effect can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and help individuals feel more calm and centered.
Source: According to research in The Journal of Clinical Psychology (2016), acupuncture is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
Other ways to Physically Get Out of Fight or Flight
Understanding how to break free from the fight-or-flight response is critical to preventing the harmful physical effects of chronic stress. Here are some practical ways to shift the body from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing for relaxation and recovery:
Deep Breathing and Meditation Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help counter the physical effects of stress. Meditation and mindfulness practices are also highly effective in reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
Physical Exercise Regular physical activity helps the body release endorphins, which counteract the stress response and reduce pain. It also helps lower cortisol levels and improve cardiovascular health, promoting overall well-being.
Adequate Sleep Chronic stress often disrupts sleep, which in turn exacerbates stress. Ensuring adequate, restful sleep is vital for restoring the body’s balance. The body repairs and regenerates itself during deep sleep, making it a crucial component in recovery from stress.
Massage and Bodywork Massage therapy and other bodywork techniques, like acupressure or yoga, can help release built-up muscle tension, stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, and promote relaxation.
Connection with Nature Spending time outdoors or engaging in activities like forest bathing can help reduce stress levels and encourage a sense of calm, allowing the body to shift out of fight or flight mode.
Conclusion
Getting out of the fight-or-flight state is not just a mental or emotional necessity; it is a physical one. Chronic stress and prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system can lead to numerous health issues, from cardiovascular problems to immune suppression. By employing techniques such as deep breathing, exercise, adequate sleep, and bodywork, you can help your body restore balance, alleviate stress, and prevent long-term health problems. Taking action to move out of fight or flight is essential for both physical recovery and overall well-being.
Food as Medicine TCM considers food to have medicinal properties. Every food is categorized by its flavor (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, pungent) and its nature (cold, cool, neutral, warm, hot). These properties determine how a food influences the body, such as whether it strengthens Qi, nourishes the blood, or clears heat.
Holistic Balance The goal of dietary therapy in TCM is to maintain balance within the body and between the individual and their environment. Factors such as the season, age, constitution, and current health condition determine the ideal diet.
Connection to Organs and Elements Each organ system in TCM is linked to specific flavors and food types. For example:
The spleen and stomach, central to digestion, are supported by warm and sweet foods like rice and squash.
The liver, associated with the wood element, benefits from sour foods like citrus and vinegar.
The Therapeutic Role of Food
Strengthening Qi and Vitality Foods like grains, legumes, and root vegetables are considered tonifying and help sustain energy levels. For individuals with Qi deficiency, such as those experiencing fatigue or digestive issues, these foods provide grounding and nourishment.
Balancing Yin and Yang Yin foods (e.g., cucumbers, tofu) have cooling properties and are used to address heat-related conditions, such as inflammation or hot flashes. Yang foods (e.g., ginger, lamb) are warming and invigorating, helpful for cold-related conditions like fatigue or poor circulation.
Detoxification and Cleansing Bitter foods (e.g., bitter melon, dandelion greens) are used to clear heat and toxins from the body, supporting the liver and heart in eliminating waste.
Emotional Health TCM recognizes the link between diet and emotions. For example:
Sweet foods calm the mind and alleviate worry, making them useful for stress.
Sour foods stabilize the emotions and anchor scattered energy.
Diet Guidelines in TCM
Eat Seasonally Seasonal eating aligns with nature and supports the body’s needs throughout the year:
In spring, eat light and fresh foods to encourage renewal (e.g., leafy greens).
In summer, emphasize cooling foods to counteract the heat (e.g., watermelon, cucumber).
In autumn, consume foods that moisten and nourish (e.g., pears, nuts).
In winter, focus on warming and hearty foods (e.g., soups, stews).
Prioritize Digestion The spleen and stomach are the foundation of health in TCM. To support digestion:
Avoid overeating or skipping meals.
Eat warm, cooked foods instead of raw, cold foods, which are harder to digest.
Chew thoroughly to aid nutrient absorption.
Balance Flavors A balanced diet incorporates all five flavors in appropriate amounts to nourish different organs and maintain harmony.
Gut Health and Warm Foods Modern research supports the idea that warm, cooked foods are easier to digest, particularly for individuals with gastrointestinal issues. This aligns with TCM’s emphasis on warm, nourishing meals to support the spleen and stomach.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Bitter Foods Foods with bitter properties, like leafy greens, have been shown to reduce inflammation and support liver detoxification, corroborating TCM practices.
Seasonal Eating and Immunity Seasonal diets are linked to improved immunity and metabolic health. For example, winter foods like soups and stews provide warmth and nutrients, reducing susceptibility to colds and flu.
Conclusion
In Chinese medicine, diet is more than a source of sustenance—it’s a cornerstone of holistic health. By understanding the energetic properties of food and tailoring dietary choices to individual needs and seasons, TCM offers a unique approach to nurturing both the body and mind. Whether you’re seeking to improve digestion, boost energy, or simply maintain balance, adopting TCM dietary principles can transform your relationship with food and health
The postpartum period, or the fourth trimester, is a transformative yet challenging time for new mothers. Physical recovery, emotional well-being, and hormonal balance are all critical during this phase. Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a natural and holistic approach to supporting postpartum recovery. Here’s a detailed look at its benefits:
1. Pain Relief and Physical Recovery
Postpartum Pain: Acupuncture helps alleviate pain related to childbirth, such as perineal discomfort, cesarean section recovery, and back pain. By promoting circulation and reducing inflammation, it supports tissue repair and accelerates healing.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: For mothers experiencing pelvic pain or incontinence, acupuncture can improve blood flow to the area, aiding muscle recovery and reducing discomfort.
Evidence:
A study published in The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research highlighted acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain and enhancing recovery following cesarean sections.
2. Postpartum Hormonal Balance
The hormonal fluctuations after childbirth can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and irregular lactation. Acupuncture stimulates the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance and supporting the body’s natural recovery processes. This helps regulate:
Estrogen and progesterone levels
Oxytocin release, which supports breastfeeding and emotional bonding
Evidence:
Research in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that acupuncture supports hormonal balance and improves lactation in new mothers.
3. Emotional Well-being
Postpartum Depression (PPD): Acupuncture can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by stimulating the release of endorphins and serotonin, improving mood and promoting relaxation.
Stress and Fatigue: The calming effects of acupuncture help manage the stress of adapting to new motherhood, improving sleep quality and energy levels.
Evidence:
A meta-analysis in PLOS ONE (2018) confirmed that acupuncture effectively reduces postpartum depression symptoms and enhances emotional well-being in new mothers.
4. Breastfeeding Support
Acupuncture can improve lactation by stimulating points associated with milk production and relieving blockages or mastitis. It also helps reduce nipple pain and engorgement, making breastfeeding a more comfortable experience.
The rise in popularity of acupuncture and trigger point needling (often referred to as dry needling) reflects their effectiveness in treating chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues. However, the debate over who should perform these procedures is a crucial consideration for safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes. While both methods involve inserting needles into the body, there is a compelling case that only licensed acupuncturists should perform needling techniques.
Understanding Acupuncture and Trigger Point Needling
Acupuncture: Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture focuses on balancing energy, or Qi, through specific points along meridians. This practice is holistic, addressing systemic issues such as pain, stress, and internal imbalances.
Trigger Point Needling: A Western adaptation targeting myofascial trigger points—tight muscle knots that cause localized or referred pain. While effective for musculoskeletal issues, it is more narrow in scope compared to acupuncture.
Though different in philosophy, both methods require precision, anatomical knowledge, and an understanding of underlying health conditions to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Why Acupuncturists Should Exclusively Perform Needling
Extensive Training and Certification Licensed acupuncturists undergo rigorous education, typically including:
3,000+ hours of training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and needling techniques.
Clinical internships under supervision to refine skills. This comprehensive preparation ensures that acupuncturists are well-versed in both traditional practices and modern safety protocols.
In contrast, dry needling practitioners (often physical therapists or chiropractors) may receive as little as 20–40 hours of training, which is insufficient for mastering the complex skill of inserting needles into the body without causing harm.
Punctured organs, such as a pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Infection due to poor hygiene practices
Acupuncturists are trained to avoid these risks through sterile techniques, precise needle placement, and a thorough understanding of human anatomy.
Holistic Expertise Acupuncturists treat the whole body, addressing root causes of pain rather than just symptoms. Trigger point needling alone focuses on localized issues, potentially overlooking broader systemic factors contributing to pain or dysfunction.
Regulation and Accountability Acupuncturists are licensed and regulated in most regions, ensuring they meet stringent professional and ethical standards. Dry needling often operates in a regulatory gray area, where practitioners may lack adequate oversight.
Scientific Support for Acupuncturist-Led Needling
A study in Medical Acupuncture emphasized that the success of needling depends heavily on the practitioner’s training and expertise. Poor technique, often seen with minimally trained dry needling practitioners, increases the risk of complications.
Research from Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that patients treated by licensed acupuncturists reported higher satisfaction and fewer adverse events compared to those receiving dry needling from less-trained providers.
The Ethical Implications
Allowing undertrained individuals to perform invasive procedures undermines patient trust and safety. Acupuncturists have spent years mastering the art and science of needling, ensuring that they can provide safe, effective, and comprehensive care. This level of expertise cannot be matched by weekend courses or limited training programs.
Conclusion
Acupuncture and trigger point needling are valuable tools in pain management and healing, but their effectiveness depends on the skill of the practitioner. Only licensed acupuncturists have the comprehensive training necessary to safely and effectively perform these techniques. Choosing a qualified acupuncturist ensures not only better results but also the peace of mind that your health is in expert hands.
