A primary goal for women’s health is to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. A healthy cycle translates into an ease with which one can conduct their lives whether it be in relation to work, fun activities, enjoyment of life, fertility or just simply being able to function. Many women have such difficult cycles that they become incapacitated frequently by PMS and dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
Acupuncture and herbs can be a terrific solution to these problems simply by regulating the cycle, building blood (in the case of a scanty flow), curtailing excessive bleeding and dispelling blood stasis (which is often the cause of pain).
Fertility
It can be difficult to get pregnant if your cycle is not regular. Acupuncture can regulate the Qi and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, increasing your chances for pregnancy. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with traditional medical fertility treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Stress can be greatly reduced by acupuncture, which often can be a contributing factor to infertility.
In addition to acupuncture and herbs, Annie works with basal body temperature charts. These charts reflect a woman’s hormone levels at specific times during her cycle, as well as her pattern of disharmony in Chinese medicine (i.e. blood deficiency, Qi stagnation, yin or yang deficiency, etc.)
To understand more on this subject she recommends reading, “The Infertility Cure” by Randine Lewis. Many of her patients refer to Randine’s text during treatment and are then able to gain a better understanding of just exactly what you are both trying to achieve with acupuncture.
Pregnancy
Acupuncture is often used with nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). Treatment results can range from completely alleviating it, to reducing its effects to a tolerable level. Treatment may be necessary two times per week at first and can then be reduced to once weekly and tapered off from there. Other common ailments such as constipation, fatigue, insomnia, stress, anxiety, headaches, and backaches can also be addressed.
In the case of frequent miscarriages, building up a weak reproductive system, regulating the cycle and addressing any underlying disharmonies will be focused on. Treatment of fetal malposition and labor induction are also widely used in acupuncture. With regard to fetal malposition there is a simple treatment that in most cases will encourage the baby to assume the proper position for delivery. Postpartum depression can also be treated. Many women experience this while they would rather be enjoying those early weeks after their child is born and seek relief through acupuncture.
Menopause
This stage of life can be much more pleasurable without the menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common complaints, however, insomnia can become absolutely debilitating, as many women work and have busy lives.
Both acupuncture and herbs are very helpful and healthier for you in the long term than hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many doctors are now suggesting a limited regimen of (HRT) due to the possibility of developing hormone related cancers. Your acupuncturist can gently guide you through a natural treatment program designed especially for you and your particular imbalances.
