Acupuncture and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
According to Classical Chinese theory, channels of energy called meridians run in regular patterns both internally and externally throughout the body, creating a network akin to the circulatory or nervous systems. Acupuncture points are the gates along these meridians that connect them to the interior environment of the organ systems. The energy in these meridians, called Qi, can be influenced and changed by needling or stimulation of the acupuncture points. The meridians have been compared to rivers that flow through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energetic pathways is like a dam that is full of impediments and backs up. Disease is the result of blockage or imbalance in the flow of Qi. Any disharmony of Qi affects the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of the body. The practice of acupuncture can be looked upon as a procedure that nourishes and enhances the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting the body's inherent and profound ability to heal itself.
In Western terminology, acupuncture points are areas of increased electrical sensitivity. When stimulated, they transmit impulses to the hypothalamus-pituitary glands, causing the release of endorphins, our natural pain killing mechanisms, and increased hormone production (including serotonin) which helps the body respond to stress and injury. Acupuncture has also been shown to stimulate the immune system, help promote sleep, increase stamina and energy, decrease inflammation and relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain and tension. It has positive affects upon circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, secretion of gastric acid and production of red and white cells.
Acupuncture can affect Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in three separate ways, all of which can be components in a single treatment session.
From a symptomatic point of view, many of the problems that manifest as part of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction are common ailments that are regularly treated by acupuncture. Problems such as incontinence, pelvic pain, IBS, vulvodynia, cystitis, genital pain, urinary or bowel burning, frequency or retention, constipation, and diarrhea are routine ailments treated by acupuncturists.
Pelvic Floor dysfunction has an integral relationship with the structure of the musculoskeletal system. In some patients, problems in the musculoskeletal system can be the underlying origin of their complaint. Tight or weak muscles and/or structural misalignments create imbalances in muscle tone which then lead to further postural asymmetries. Trigger points in the Abdominal, Iliopsoas and External Oblique muscles cause vaginal, labial and groin pain as well as constipation; in Quadratus Lumborum, can cause internal pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, pain in the perenium, testicular and genital pain and well as cause constipation or diarrhea; tight Hamstrings are associated with pain in the Obturator Internus; the Adductors refer pain to the groin; the Piriformis and Gluteal muscles when tight can compress the Pudendal Nerve. When the trigger point is "dry needled" by acupuncture, this mechanically disrupts the integrity of the dysfunctional endplates within the trigger area, and results in mechanical and physiological resolution of the trigger points.
Lastly, in Traditional Chinese Meridian theory, the external and internal genitals are traversed by a number of channels: the Liver or Foot Jueyin channel, the Spleen or Foot Taiyin channel, and the Kidney or Foot Shaoyin channel. Thus genital pain, both internal and external can be accessed from reflex points along these channels. Points along the shin, at the ankle and on the medial knee can be used to affect and decrease both genital pain and pain in the perineum.
A treatment regime consisting of regular Acupuncture Treatments in combination with Physical Therapy is the ideal approach for chronic Pelvic Floor Problems.
|