Because Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can regulate and balance hormones so effectively, it is widely used for a variety complaints associated with the menstrual cycle and for women in transition. Acupuncture can help relieve the symptoms of PMS, menstrual irregularities and menopause, either on its own, or in conjunction with Chinese herbs and nutrition.
The Menstrual Cycle
In the female reproductive system, the menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle of physiologic changes that occurs in reproductive-age females. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each system of the body is interrelated and interdependent. From this holistic vantage point, the female reproductive system is defined not only by its internal processes but also by the intimate relationship between blood and qi in a woman’s body. One engenders the other, and their actions depend greatly on the other’s patency.
This is the essence of Eastern philosophy and how it relates to balance and harmony in the body. Each phase of a woman’s life is cyclical: robust blood and smooth flowing qi allows for the orderly flow of hormones in the body. This is why TCM is so beneficial in all areas of Women’s Health.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Symptoms of PMS may include:
- acne
- bloating
- breast distention
- cramps
- mood swings
- irritability
- headaches
Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat pre-menstrual syndrome and painful periods both safely and effectively. The menstrual cycle can be comfortable and regular so that it won’t interfere with normal activities. PMS symptoms can begin to disappear quickly with treatment. TCM can also helps with other problems at period time such as headaches and acne.
Menstrual Irregularities
There is a saying with regard to Chinese herbal medicine, “Different treatments for the same disease; same treatments for different diseases.” Whether defined in traditional Chinese medical terms or as a biomedical entity, the same disease will be treated in different ways depending on the particular pathogenic mechanisms involved. The medicine recognizes that one disease can manifest in a variety of ways in people. Regulating a period is the first step of any fertility treatment.
Menstrual problems or irregularities may include:
- acne
- amenorrhea
- bloating
- breast distention
- cramps
- mood swings
- heavy periods
- irregular period
- irritability
- skipped periods
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can treat both premenstrual syndrome and painful periods both safely and effectively. The menstrual cycle can be comfortable and regular so that it won’t interfere with normal activities. PMS symptoms can begin to disappear quickly with treatment. TCM can also helps with other problems at period time such as headaches and acne.
Menopause
This is a time when estrogen levels decline and the body’s response in trying to maintain homeostasis may lead to negative side effects. For women in their Second Spring, hot flushes and night sweats can be greatly reduced to make this time of transition much more comfortable.
Examples of commonly treated ailments include:
- dryness
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- irritability
- depression
- insomnia
- migraines.
- mental fogginess
- tender breasts/nipples
Acupuncture can help facilitate a woman’s resiliency to such changes by encouraging free flow of qi (the body’s life force energy) throughout the body. Herbs can help strengthen and balance organ systems that have a tendency to weaken or become reactive during perimenopause and menopause.
