Pelvic Floor Health & Traditional Chinese Medicine: FAQ

The pelvic floor is an area of the body most of us give little thought to until we experience problems with our reproductive organs, sexual health, bladder, or bowels. There are 14 hardworking pelvic floor muscles and endopelvic fascia that can be described as a supportive hammock or sling. These muscles can become weak (hypotonic) or overly tight (hypertonic) leading to various symptoms discussed below. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses different modalities to normalize function and improve quality of life.

What Type Of Conditions Are Treated?

TCM uses acupuncture, Eastern bodywork modalities, and Chinese herbs to support various types of pelvic floor dysfunction and related concerns. It can help treat the following:

• Post-partum pelvic floor dysfunction

• Pelvic pain 

• Urinary and fecal incontinence

• Sexual dysfunction including pain

• Organ prolapse 

TCM helps with issues that are rooted in hypotonic and hypertonic muscles, post-natal strain, neurological problems, stress, sexual trauma, chronic constipation, aging & hormonal changes, and surgery. 

How Does TCM Help?

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, and Eastern bodywork such as guasha, moxa, tuina, and cupping stimulate the flow of qi and blood to reduce pain, relax muscles, nourish & strengthen muscles, and promote overall health. It works directly by affecting soft tissues, hormones, neurochemicals, and nerve signals. TCM also works indirectly by calming the mind, and improving digestive function to improve overall health.

• Stimulates Nerves and Circulation: Acupuncture needles stimulate key points connected to the lower abdomen, pelvis, and hips, improving blood flow and nerve function in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. 

  
  

• Moderates Muscle Tension: TCM modalities help to release tension in tight muscles and tissues or nourish slack ones, which can be causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. 

  
  

• Improves Core Stability: By improving blood flow and nerve function, TCM enhances deep core stability, which is vital since the pelvic floor is connected to the diaphragm and abdominal muscles. 

  
  

• Nervous System Modulation: Muscular tension and intensity of pain are affected by emotional states. TCM modalities help regulate nervous system responses, thereby regulating pain signals to the brain.

  
  

How Does TCM Work With Physiotherapy?

TCM modalities can work alone or in tandem with physiotherapy to improve muscle tone and function. While physiotherapy can use manual therapy, biofeedback, and exercises as part of the treatment protocol, TCM can support the function of the muscles, improve circulation to the pelvis, and stimulate nerves helping to make physiotherapy treatments even more effective. In cases where stress and emotions result in muscle tone concerns, TCM assists with calming the mind and relaxing sinews through nervous system regulation. 

What Can Patients Expect During A Treatment?

• Acupuncture treatments involve 8-18 needles, with the majority of treatments using 10-14 needles, and some as little as 4 needles.

• Most points are distal points on the arms below the elbow and the legs from the knee down; local abdominal and lumbosacral points are also often used with electrical stimulation.

• There are effective points on the ears that can be needled or treated with ear seeds which patients can massage between appointments.

• Treatments can be supine (face-up) or prone (face-down) depending on the patient’s comfort, but using both options is ideal in alternating treatments.

  

• For stress and mental health related cases, points on the head, neck and shoulder may be added and abdominal points can be avoided in cases of sexual trauma.

• 60 min treatments allow for Eastern bodywork in cases of overall muscle tension and is ideal for most patients, however 45 min treatments that focus only on acupuncture are extremely effective in cases where general muscle tension or stress are not present.

• After a full assessment, patients will be provided with home care options to support acupuncture treatments and these can include qigong exercises, dietary recommendations, and acupressure.

  
  

What Is The Course Of Treatment?

• The course of treatment will vary from patient to patient and whether they are receiving regular physiotherapy as well. 

• It is ideal to have 4-6 consecutive weekly acupuncture treatments to start, then tapering off to bi-monthly, or monthly maintenance appointments.

• Many patients opt for bi-monthly treatments and see slower but good results, however treatments spaced more than 2 weeks apart are not recommended.

• The duration of the course of treatment is dependent on how long standing and severe the pelvic concerns are. Many patients will experience some improvements after just one or two treatments and could require 8-12 treatments for lasting results.

Why Should I Choose Eastern Bodywork Modalities?

Many patients with tight pelvic floor muscles will often experience tight muscles elsewhere in the body. By using cupping, tuina (a type of massage), and guasha we can alleviate tense or painful muscles in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, legs, and feet. Eastern bodywork is also an effective treatment for those struggling with stress or mental health concerns.

Do I Need Chinese Dietary Therapy?

Often, patients have deficiencies in qi or blood resulting in pelvic floor concerns. There may be other underlying concerns that can be helped with dietary changes along with acupuncture. If you are interested in individualized dietary recommendations, please come in for a 60 min treatment.

Beyond The Pelvic Floor

Since TCM takes a holistic approach to health and wellness, receiving treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction can result in seemingly unrelated health benefits. Many people with hypotonic muscles experience fatigue, foggy thinking, digestive concerns, cold sensations, and sense of weakness. Those with hypertonic muscles can also experience tense muscles elsewhere in the body, lower back and sciatic pain, anxiety, jaw clenching, headaches, and poor sleep. When receiving acupuncture and other TCM modality treatments, the accompanying symptoms are also treated leading to overall heath improvements.

Book a FREE 15 min consultation with our Registered Acupuncturist to see if Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies are right for you.