Acupuncture for Women's Health
Acupuncture has long been used to support all women’s health issues, not only those related to menstruation. Acupuncture can help from the teenage years onwards, through to peri-menopause (which can last for several years) and into, through and beyond menopause.
This support is not only with the physical symptoms but also the mental & emotional impact of women’s experiences, navigating through the different cycles of life.
East Asian medicine (EAM) describes in detail the cycles of life and how these can be supported, not only with treatment but also with lifestyle choices and diet.
EAM has a sophisticated understanding of the rhythms of these systems using the language of Yin and Yang and how this impacts on the circulation of qi (energy) and blood in the body. For example, hot flushes are seen as counter-flow qi – in which the energy is not moving in the correct direction, with too much energy going to the top of the body – excess above, deficiency below.
Treatment is directed at helping to correct imbalances – tonifying where necessary and clearing excess or blockages in other parts.
Acupuncture can offer support with the following:
Dysmenorrhoea: period pain
Menorrhagia: abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding.
Metrorrhagia: irregular bleeding particularly between menstrual periods.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
PCO (Polycystic ovaries) & PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
Peri-menopausal symptoms – also known as the menopause transition – which can start in one’s 40s or even earlier.
Menopause related symptoms – 12 consecutive months without a period is the official definition of menopause.
Vulvodynia – is a condition where there is pain, burning and discomfort in the vulva that cannot be linked to a specific cause.
Women related cancers – breast cancer, uterine/cervical cancer – in particular support with the side effects of allopathic treatment & emotional support & supporting the energy system.
