SPECIAL ISSUE: The Healing of Vulvodynia from the Client's Perspective

Abstract

The participant describes her experience with the year-long struggle with vulvodynia, or vulvar vestibulitis (chronic pain at the entrance to the vagina), focusing particularly on biofeedback techniques. Through an introspective analysis of her physical pain, surrounding environment, diet and supplements, and overall lifestyle, she identities factors that caused the pain to increase and decrease. She identifies six main catalysts for illness and nine main catalysts for relief, with an emphasis on biofeedback, meditation, visualization, and having a good holistic health coach. Through her written account of her personal experience with the syndrome, she offers a new perspective to provide hope and relief to other patients who suffer from vulvodynia, which is often misunderstood and underreported. Seven years later, she is still symptom free.