book nowWhat makes Acupuncture so effective for Women’s Health, Fertility, PMS & Menopause?
While acupuncture can be beneficial at any stage of a woman’s life, there are two stages where it can have a dramatic impact. Let’s explore a little further and find out more.
Menstruation
Many women are affected in one way or another by period-related issues. These could be painful cramps, headaches, poor skin, digestive problems and mood swings. Some may turn to more traditional medicine choosing pills to help to relieve these unwelcome symptoms. Acupuncture can also play a part in alleviating some (if not all) of these conditions which can affect women on a monthly basis.
Acupuncture has a three-fold effect in relation to menstruation. Firstly, it can help hormones to function more efficiently within the body. This can decrease common menstrual symptoms such as headaches, cramps and breast tenderness. Secondly, acupuncture can help to adjust the brain’s mood chemistry which will help with pre-menstrual syndrome and lift mood. Thirdly, as you may know acupuncture has a key role in the release of endorphins which relieve pain, so are crucial for those dreaded period cramps.
Acupuncture has also been used successfully to address the issue of irregular periods, a problem that can have an impact on the next phase in a woman’s life; the child-bearing years.
The Child-Bearing Years; Fertility & Pregnancy
Most women assume that they will be able to conceive when the time is right, and while many go on to have successful pregnancies there is a percentage of the population who will struggle to conceive. Infertility is a complicated issue and can be due to a range of factors. Some women use acupuncture to help to address these issues and there are numerous success stories of women who have gone on to conceive following a course of acupuncture.
One crucial outcome of acupuncture sessions is the relief of stress and promotion of a calmer state of mind. This is key to the conception process as stress and anxiety have a negative effect on the conception process, making it more difficult for women to get pregnant. Acupuncture is a good way to introduce some calming hormones and some serious hormone balancing into your fertility routine.
As already mentioned irregular periods can be a major factor in infertility, it’s almost impossible to monitor ovulation if periods are erratic or disappear altogether. Acupuncture works to align and balance hormones which improve ovulation and promote a more regular cycle. Acupuncture has also had some good results when used alongside assisted conception techniques such as IVF, the fact that it helps to reduce stress is a key factor. Also, it helps to relax the uterus which is crucial at the time of implantation.
If you are struggling to conceive, it is definitely worth exploring how acupuncture can help you become pregnant naturally.
Menopause:
The final stage in the fertile life of a woman is heralded by the onset of the menopause. This can be a lengthy process with some well-documented symptoms that are uncomfortable and disruptive. Menopausal women have reported issues with hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, anxiety and low mood, weight gain, headaches and poor skin. Needless to say, this is a time when women are looking for a smart solution to these issues. Some may choose to use hormone therapy to alleviate their symptoms, but acupuncture can be just as beneficial. Areas in which acupuncture proves particularly valuable are in the relief of hot flashes and sweats and the improvement of mood.
Although there isn’t one concrete cause of hot flashes, many medical experts believe it is caused by a reduction in estrogen. As you know acupuncture has a very positive effect on hormone production. A course of acupuncture will stimulate hormone production in your body and these hormones reduce the effects of hot flashes, and in some cases eradicate them completely.
It is not uncommon for menopausal women to be prescribed with anti-depressants to help combat low mood and anxiety during this time of life. However, as we have already discussed acupuncture is really good at lifting mood. The altering of brain chemistry that we mentioned earlier also works for women during the menopause, by stimulating the production of Serotonin which is our happy hormone (this is the same function performed by anti-depressants).
Why choose acupuncture for support with women’s health issues?
Aside from all the information about the effectiveness of acupuncture when dealing with women’s health issues there are some additional factors to consider.
Acupuncture:
- Is an affordable treatment and often covered by PPO insurance
- Unlike more traditional medication, doesn’t rely on hormone therapy
- Has no side effects.
So whatever stage you are at in your life, acupuncture can help you feel better, happier and enjoy your life to its fullest!
Schedule an appointment by calling 310.923.1314 or e-mail us at chandrascofield@gmail.com