I would be curious to do a tally to see the comparison of how many women experience abnormalities when it comes to their cycles, hormonal imbalances and reproductive concerns – I am more than positive the numbers are sky high. In reality, in history through Traditional Chinese Medicine, a woman’s monthly should not be a burden and her reproductive health should be in balance….a lot easier said than done! Many stressors affect women’s health and a lot can be told from a woman’s monthly cycle. Some of these stressors may include daily life - work, school, peers, self-critic, social media, mental & physical health, relationships (not just with a partner – and these stressors impact men as well), nutrition, and so on and so forth. Over time all of these variables can impact a woman’s health.
Acupuncture has been shown to effectively treat many, common women health concerns.
Please see the following:
No periods (Amenorrhea)
Painful periods (Dysmenorrhea) – yes folks that’s right, painful periods are not normal. That is your body’s way of telling you something is not in balance.
Abnormal bleeding
Menopausal Symptoms (night sweats, vaginal dryness)
Endometriosis
Infertility
Irregular periods (short, long, flooding, scanty)
PMS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Morning sickness
Breeched Baby (Moxibustion is applied – known as ‘Mugwort’, it is a warming herb that also invigorates the flow of Qi in the body)
May help induce labour & has been known to effectively support mother during birthing
Postpartum
Emotional changes, along with hormonal imbalances (acne)
Mastitis / Insufficient milk production
Low libido / as well as high libido
(The list goes on)***
It is normal for your practitioner to ask you several gynecological questions – some being, what is the colour of your period? Do you experience clotting? Do you have any attributed pain? All of these answers will help your practitioner come up with a diagnosis and be able to best treat the areas of concern. Many of my patients will notice a change in their cycles. I like to suggest that as the body begins to balance itself out you may experience the following:
Cycle comes a bit earlier or later (depending on the individual and their irregularities)
Less pain
More energy
More balanced emotions, as well as a release of emotions.
More consistent cycle all around
(Depending on the individual, depends what is needed for their body and the length of time it will take to regulate)***
Studies have shown that acupuncture helps stimulate the pituitary (also known as the master gland), which regulates hormonal levels. Stimulating the pituitary gland, helps commence coordination to the hypothalamus and to the ovaries to better regulate sex hormones. Hormones and neurotransmitters can have a large impact on one’s mood, energy levels, and even influence a person’s level of perception, thinking and emotional state. Having said that, major changes or losses in hormones like estrogen and progesterone, can increase cortisol levels (an example being, giving birth), which can make transition periods even more strenuous.
Acupuncture can provide a safe and effective treatment.