Womens Health & Menopause
There is overwhelming evidence that Chinese medicine plays a significant role in treating infertility, gynaecological problems and balancing hormones therefore women of all ages can benefit from acupuncture care.
THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Contrary to popular belief menstrual pain is not a natural part of the menstruation process, it can be comfortable and regular so that it doesn't interfere with day to day activities. For young women just beginning to menstruate, acupuncture can help relieve associated cramping and PMS. It also greatly benefits those with chronic menstrual problems such as the pain and heavy bleeding associated with fibroids and endometriosis. It is entirely possible to eliminate all pain and discomfort as acupuncture has a regulatory affect on women’s hormones and changes in the menstrual cycle can sometimes be noted within one or two cycles. Acupuncture can treat: heavy menstruation, scant menstruation, menstruation which is either too early, too late or which occurs at no fixed schedule, amenorrhea, PMS, lower abdominal pain, endometriosis, fibroids & painful sore breasts.
MENOPAUSE
Menopause, also known as the 'change of life', marks the end of the monthly cycle of menstruation in a woman's life. It is a natural occurrence and marks the end of the reproductive years, just as the first menstrual period during puberty marked the start. You will know that the menopause has taken place if you have not had any bleeding for 12 months. As you approach menopause, the production of ‘female’ hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) by the ovaries starts to slow down. Hormone levels tend to fluctuate and you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle such as: irregular cycles, lighter bleeding or unpredictable and heavy bleeding. Eventually, your hormone levels will fall to a point where menstruation (periods) will cease altogether and the menopause is reached. Some of the symptoms that women experience include: hot flushes, night sweats,aches and pains, crawling or itching sensations under the skin, forgetfulness, headaches, irritability, lack of self-esteem, reduced sex drive (libido), tiredness, difficulty sleeping – wakefulness or waking hot and sweaty, urinary frequency, vaginal dryness, discomfort with sexual intercourse. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine works well at reducing and alleviating the symptoms women experience during menopause to make this time of transition much more comfortable.
ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL MEDICINE WORK FOR PMS
Results from a korean systemic review and meta-analysis support the effectiveness of acupuncture and herbal medicine as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome. In the case of acupuncture, a reduction of up to 77.8% in symptoms was seen after as few as two to four treatment sessions.
(Effects and treatment methods of acupuncture and herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder: systemic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014 Jan 10;14:11)
ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
An analysis from Taiwanese authors confirms that acupuncture can improve symptoms in women experiencing menopause. 12 studies were analysed and the results of the analysis showed that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flushes. In addition, acupuncture was also shown to improve psychological, somatic, urogenital and vasomotor symptoms.
(Effects of Acupuncture on menopause related symptoms and quality of life in women on natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Menopause. 2014 Jul 7.