What is Vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is chronic pelvic pain in the area of the vulva or to the entrance of the vulva. The pain may be unprovoked, constant or intermittent or may be triggered by pressure or touch such as during intercourse. It is private pain sometimes making it hard to discuss and does not currently have a definable cause in western medicine. Vulvodynia can be present at any age and may affect up to 6 million people, with symptoms including but not limited to burning, soreness, aching and itching.

How can Acupuncture Relieve Vulvodynia Pain?

Here at Garden Acupuncture we now offer treatment for a great number of chronic pelvic pain disorders. If you are suffering with vulvodynia pain, we want you to know that you don’t have to suffer alone or suffer in silence without treatment. We understand that your pain is real! Sitting hurts, sex hurts, even the feeling of your underwear touching your sensitive, delicate skin can be painful. The chronic pain that you are experiencing is frustrating and distracts you from work and from tasks at home. The pain and burning sensations are anxiety provoking.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are a safe, effective method to alleviate the pain and calm anxiety. The way our method works best is to receive acupuncture treatments 2-3 times weekly for at least 12 weeks. Some folks need more treatment depending on the severity their problem. The needles are not placed near the vulva, so you don’t have to worry about feeling needles inserted into an area that is in pain. Rather we place extremely thin needles in the arms and legs and maybe the abdomen or your back in order to treat the pain.

Chinese herbs taken internally help to stop the pain, alleviate anxiety, reduce inflammation, and cool heat. Diet can also play a large part in the healing process, so we discuss what you are eating and drinking and make recommendations of foods which will help promote free flow of energy and reduce inflammation. A soothing Chinese herbal salve made especially for sensitive skin can be placed over the painful area to act as a barrier to underwear, swimsuits and chlorinated water to help alleviate day-to-day pain and burning. Garden Acupuncture has this salve in stock.

New Study Provoked, Localized Vulvodynia Treatment With Acupuncture and Lidocaine Pilot

Vulvodynia pelvic pain sufferers have caught the attention of The National Institutes of Health. The NVA, OCOM and CCAOM have funded a study about the use of acupuncture for this common pelvic pain syndrome suffered by so many. This study is still recruiting participants. The NIH study is headed by Lee Hullender Rubin, DAOM, LAc, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in collaboration with National Vulvodynia Association, Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and Oregon Health and Science University.