Acupuncture for Women

It is estimated that 60% of women suffer every month from some form of PMS. Painful cramps, bloating, irritability, depression, breast tenderness, and headaches do not have to be part of your monthly cycle! These symptoms typically arise when there is an underlying imbalance in the body.

Acupuncture does not merely suppress these symptoms, but rebalances the entire body, resulting in improved overall health, a decrease in anxiety and a pain-free, regular cycle.

A typical course of treatment for PMS spans 3-4 menstrual cycles with the number of treatments declining each month. A recent study found that among women with severe pre-menstrual symptoms, 77.8% of them experienced no form of PMS after three months of weekly treatments (Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2002).

Menopause itself is not a disease. It is a normal physiological change; nature’s way of protecting the body and slowing the aging process in women past child-bearing age. Blood is a woman’s primary source of energy, vitality, and longevity. When a woman eventually stops having her menstrual flow, she ceases to lose blood on a monthly basis, thus conserving precious energy and allowing her to fight aging and live a longer, healthier life. Unfortunately, for many women this comes with unpleasant symptoms. If the body has internal deficiencies, a number of symptoms can occur. These include: hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations, spotting, bleeding, fatigue, migraines, and osteoporosis.

Acupuncture is a safe and highly effective alternative to hormone therapy. When treating menopausal symptoms, combining acupuncture with herbal medicine is key. Chinese herbs safely and naturally balance the hormones, and bring none of the risks of HRT. Acupuncture may also be used safely as a compliment to your doctor’s already prescribed HRT protocol.

Even severe menopausal symptoms can be eliminated or markedly reduced after only a couple weeks of treatment. It can work for you, too! – a study found that of 30 menopausal women who received acupuncture, 28 of them had permanent relief from their symptoms after just one month of treatment (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #6 1992).

Fibroids can be painful and discouraging. Surgical therapy may provide some relief in the short-term, but because the underlying pathology is not cured, the adhesions often return and spread to other areas of the body.

Herbal medicine is an important part of treating fibroids. The herbal prescription safely and naturally breaks up adhesions and prevents further adhesions from forming. Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, releases endorphins and boosts the body’s natural immunity.

If you suffer from fibroids, acupuncture and herbal therapy is an option for you.

Endometriosis is a condition that is becoming more commonly diagnosed in women between ages of 25-40. It is a condition where the endometrial tissue begins growing outside of the uterus.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine is helpful in treating the symptoms associated with endometriosis; such as painful periods, heavy periods, spotting, and infertility.

Acupuncture treatment for women with endometriosis will consist of weekly treatments for 6 to 8 weeks, then twice monthly treatments thereafter, preferably just prior to ovulation and menses. The acupuncture helps to relieve pain, regulate cycles and improve normal function.

It is also essential that endometriosis patients take the appropriate Chinese herbal formula(s) for their specific disease pattern. They can help detoxify the body, nourish organs, decrease pain, balance hormones and regulate the immune system function naturally, without side effects.

Nutritional therapy is also very important in the treatment of those with endometriosis. We can encourage the body to produce natural anti-inflammatory compounds with proper nutrition. Also, because endometriosis is estrogen-driven, we want to naturally decrease estrogen levels by supporting the liver, which is the organ responsible for detoxifying excess estrogen. This process is assisted by reducing intake of alcohol, sugar, caffeine and animal protein, increasing vegetables & fresh fruits, and high-fiber whole foods.

Acupuncture, herbs and dietary changes are key to managing endometriosis symptoms.