Vulvodynia can feel mysterious, isolating, and overwhelming - especially when treatments seem to focus on symptoms instead of causes. In this conversation, acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner Jennifer Dubowsky shares how she approaches vulvar pain through a whole-body lens built on 24 years of clinical experience. Jennifer walks us through the most common TCM patterns she sees in women with vulvodynia and explains how acupuncture may help with pain, inflammation, and pelvic-floor tightness. She also demystifies concepts like qi, damp heat, and mirror-imaging points in a way that feels practical and accessible. Connect with Jennifer: * https://jenniferdubowsky.com/ * Jennifer’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-In-Chinese-Medicine-Acupuncture/ * https://www.instagram.com/vulvodyniaproject/ * https://www.instagram.com/acupuncture007/ Connect with Mathilde: mathilde@baubo.org @meet.baubo Resources Mentioned: National Vulvodynia Association: https://www.nva.org/ Research Studies: * Lee Hollander Rubin's study tested whether adding acupuncture to regular lidocaine treatment (a topical numbing medication applied to the vestibule to reduce pain) for provoked vulvodynia is feasible, acceptable, and potentially helpful for reducing pain: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31592976/ * Judith Schlaeger's studies on acupuncture for vulvodynia patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25639289/ and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9649367/#sec4 Topical Products: * Yin Care topical liquid - https://yincare.com/product/yin-care-original-100-ml/ * Apply with organic cotton ball, can be diluted with water or used straight * Can also be placed on cotton ball between labia for extended relief * V-Magic balm by Medicine Mama - Works as a vaginal moisturizer, particularly helpful for menopausal symptoms: https://www.amazon.com.mx/Medicine-Mamas-Apothecary-Vmagic-Intimate/dp/B0071Q5PL0?th=1 * Therapeutic Intimacy Oil by Wellness and Nature - Natural numbing option: https://www.wellnessxnature.com/intimacy-oil Product Safety Tool: * Yuka app (for scanning personal care products and food for irritants): https://yuka.io/en/ Safe Lubricants (water-based, free of vulvar irritants): * Sliquid: https://sliquid.com/ * Good Clean Love: https://goodcleanlove.com/products/almost-naked%C2%AE-organic-personal-lubricant-4-oz * Pre-Seed (fertility-friendly): https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Seed-Fertility-Friendly-Personal-Lubricant-Pack/dp/B00BYDC79O * Avoid: KY Jelly and Astroglide - these kill good bacteria and can increase vulnerability to infection Movement & Stretching: * A simple 5 minute yoga routine to soothe the nervous system, release muscle tension and ease Vulvar pain: https://www.instagram.com/reel/B_2jI5shOHX/ General TCM and Lifestyle Advice: * Temperature & Circulation: * Do NOT drink ice water (constricts circulation and "dumps ice into your fire of life") * Do NOT walk around barefoot * Do NOT sit on cold surfaces * DO apply heat to lower abdomen and lower back to increase circulation * Use infrared heat when possible * Take lukewarm (not hot) Epsom salt baths * Dietary Support: * Drink ginger tea regularly - anti-inflammatory and warming, increases circulation * Clothing & Hygiene: * Wear loose-fitting clothing * Wear cotton underwear only * Don't sit in wet bathing suits - change promptly * Check laundry detergent for irritants * Avoid chlorinated water and hot tubs * Stress Management & Relaxation: * Box breathing technique: Breathe in for count of 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4, repeat * Practice relaxation techniques to prevent muscle tensing * Address anxiety as it worsens muscle tension and pain * Complementary Treatments: * Pelvic floor physical therapy - highly recommended for all vulvodynia patients, especially those with muscle tightness/vaginismus