Women’s Health and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of the practice of Chinese Medicine and is the most respected of the traditional health systems. Acupuncture has achieved widespread acceptance as an effective form of health care across the globe, including formal recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (‘Acu-points’) along the body’s meridians. For women, Acupuncture not only stimulates the body’s ‘happy hormones’ (Endorphins), providing natural pain relief and easing anxiety, it also stimulates the normal flow of energy through the body, providing a safe, drug-free and highly effective method for restoring mental, physical and emotional balance.  

Many physical conditions respond extremely well to acupuncture treatment, such as headaches, migraines, menopausal symptoms or painful periods. In cases such as infertility, Endometriosis, miscarriage, PCOS, irregular periods, abnormal uterine bleeding and IVF support, a course of treatment is usually necessary.

In addition to providing effective for a wide range of common health disorders, Acupuncture can be used to maintain the body’s normal functions, to regulate the immune system and assist with disease prevention.

Women’s Health and Chinese Herbal Medicine

The practice of Chinese Medicine can be traced back at least five thousand years, making it one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world. Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding disease processes, focusing as much on the prevention of an illness as on the treatment of its symptoms. Today, Chinese Medicine is used by people all around the world, as both an alternative and supplement to western medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of substances from nature to regulate and normalize the function of the body’s internal organs. Most Chinese herbs are made of plant origin (leaves, seeds, twigs, stems, roots, flowers and fruit).

Chinese herbs can be taken singly or in combination. Traditionally, the herbs are slowly simmered in a ceramic pot and the resulting liquid (decoction) is taken as prescribed. These days, Chinese herbs are available as pills, granules, powder, tablets, capsules, tinctures, ointments and plasters.

For women, Chinese herbal medicine, in combination with Acupuncture, can be effective in the treatment or prevention of Infertility, Miscarriage, Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Urinary Tract Infection and low libido. Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture can also ease problems such as painful periods, pre-menstrual syndrome and the symptoms associated with menopause.

Endometriosis 

Endometriosis is a condition where Endometrium – the tissue that normally lines the uterus – is found outside the uterus on the surface of other organs of the pelvis. It irritates the nerve endings of these organs and interferes with their functions, causing (often severe) pelvic pain, irregular menstrual bleeding, infertility and, sometimes, bowel and bladder symptoms.

In the theory of Chinese medicine, Endometriosis involves a stagnation of the blood in conjunction with other pathologies. Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture treat the menstrual cycle, moving the blood, clearing any stasis and breaking up masses during a woman’s period. Both methods will also facilitate the free flow of energy through the body, alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with Endometriosis.

Miscarriage

A recurrence of miscarriage is often connected to the well being of the woman and the health of the egg. It can also be related to the quality of the sperm.

Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture can assist women in their recovery from a miscarriage and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future. A combination of Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture can increase circulation to the uterus, support healthy egg maturation, and ensure a healthy uterine lining, improving the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture is also a recognized method for managing stress and reducing anxiety, making pregnancy a healthier and happier time for both mother and baby.  

PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS is characterised by higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens) in the bloodstream, and by the development of fluid-filled cysts inside the ovaries. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can interrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods or absent periods and, in many cases, infertility. 

Acupuncture is particularly effective in less severe cases of PCOS, where there are no additional chronic health issues. Acupuncture can also alleviate some of the other symptoms of PCOS, such as weight gain, bloating and headaches.

Women with PCOS have needles placed along the Acupuncture meridians that are related to the reproductive system. This helps to stimulate the organs and improve blood flow to the area, normalizing hormone levels and promoting the proper functioning of the reproductive system. It has been clinically shown that Acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbal medicine can significantly improve the chances of conception in women who suffer from PCOS.  

Uterine Bleeding

There are many causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding and you should always consult your doctor if experiencing irregular or excessive bleeding. Once a diagnosis is made, Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture can be used as a supplement to treatment, increasing the overall health of the uterine system and the well being of the individual.

Chinese herbal medicine and Acupuncture can regulate the menstrual cycle, addressing hormonal imbalances through restoring the flow of energy and blood, and at the same time can alleviate the symptoms associated with dysfunctional uterine bleeding, such as insufficient iron levels,low mood, anxiety and stress.

Others

Other women’s health issues that can be successfully treated and/or eradicated with Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

1. Painful/irregular periods
2. Urinary tract infection
3. Pelvic inflammatory disease
4. Vaginal discharge/itching (Thrush)
5. Weight Loss & Weight Gain
6. Low Libido