Pelvic floor and perineum in Grenoble: support through traditional Chinese medicine

Urinary leakage, a feeling of heaviness, organ descent, post-childbirth recovery: the **perineum** and **pelvic floor** deserve particular attention. **Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)** sheds light on these situations through the idea of **Qi that holds** and a **Kidney that retains**, **complementing** pelvic-floor rehabilitation and medical care.

The perineum: a matter of holding Qi

In Chinese thought, keeping organs in place rests on a **Qi that holds and raises**. When this **holding function declines**, we see **ptosis and prolapse** — organ descent, cystocele, rectocele — that is, the loss of the ability to keep the viscera in place. The perineum is therefore not read in isolation: it depends on the strength of this Qi.

Spleen, central Qi and organ support

This holding Qi is linked to the **Spleen** and to **central Qi**. When the Spleen is **obstructed**, Qi production drops: this is **Qi deficiency**, with **fatigue**, **shortness of breath**, weakness of the limbs and difficulty "holding up". **Cold** and **Dampness** may worsen this picture. Supporting the perineum, in TCM, therefore begins with **tonifying the Spleen** and central Qi.

Kidney, Ren Mai and Chong Mai

The **Kidney** governs **retention** — the ability to hold — in relation to the **Bladder**: its weakening favours **frequent urination**, **incontinence** and **post-void dribbling**. The pelvic sphere is also animated by the **Ren Mai** and **Chong Mai** vessels, which govern reproductive life. After **childbirth**, **Blood** and **Kidney** are often deficient: gentle, nourishing support has a clear role here.

Postpartum and the feminine plant

Herbal tradition recognises certain plants as **regulators of the feminine**. **Raspberry** (Rubus idaeus), for instance, is described as tonifying for the uterus and used in **postpartum** to encourage **uterine retraction** and reduce bleeding, as well as in **pregnancy** from the second trimester. These uses belong to **individualised support**: every plant, like every point, should be chosen with a trained practitioner, in liaison with your midwife or doctor.

Acupuncture, acupressure and lifestyle

**Acupuncture** and **acupressure** seek to **tonify central Qi**, **support the Kidney** and **regulate Ren Mai and Chong Mai**, always **individualised**. They come **alongside** **pelvic-floor rehabilitation**, which remains the reference, and a regular lifestyle (avoiding early heavy lifting, looking after posture and digestion). Any unusual sign — new heaviness, bleeding, pain — should prompt a consultation.

In short

**Traditional Chinese medicine** treats the **perineum** as the reflection of a **Qi that holds** and a **Kidney that retains**, supported by the **Spleen** and the **Ren Mai** and **Chong Mai** vessels. These are gentle levers to activate **alongside** rehabilitation and medical care in Grenoble, never in their place.

Ghislaine Morin's website in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/medecine-chinoise-a-grenoble-38000-38100