WOMEN’S HEALTH
Overview
Every stage of a woman’s life can benefit from Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. We work with patients to prevent and treat illness, to prepare for pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, to recondition the body and mind postpartum, to maintain your strength with age, and to meet menopause with power and grace. We take into consideration our patients’ lifestyle, nutrition, constitution, and environment as the foundation for our treatment. We want patients to feel in total control of every aspect of your health.
Acupuncture uses hair fine needles to stimulate acupuncture points along energetic meridians, accessing the body’s qi/energy to promote healing and balance. Acupuncture is gentle and relaxing, yet very powerful. Acupuncture connects with the body’s energy at a deep level rectifying proper blood flow—supporting healing and overall health and well-being. Acupuncture offers natural, effective treatment for many health conditions without unwanted side effects. Below are examples of medical conditions commonly treated with acupuncture.
Menstrual Issues
The rise and fall of yin and yang in the body is cyclical and constant like the tides. This ebb and flow of yin and yang is responsible for the menstrual period, with different physiological processes taking place at different points in the cycle. This is even acknowledged in Western history, with the term “period” in reference to menstruation appearing as early as 1822, and meaning an “interval of time” or a “repeated cycle of events.” Menstruation lends key insight to the overall health of the body and it is fortunate that our body gives us signals and feedback every month. Irregularities can direct us to where in the cycle and/or where in the body there is imbalance.
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and growth.
“”
Betty Friedan
Menstrual Issues
The rise and fall of yin and yang in the body is cyclical and constant like the tides. This ebb and flow of yin and yang is responsible for the menstrual period, with different physiological processes taking place at different points in the cycle. This is even acknowledged in Western history, with the term “period” in reference to menstruation appearing as early as 1822, and meaning an “interval of time” or a “repeated cycle of events.” Menstruation lends key insight to the overall health of the body and it is fortunate that our body gives us signals and feedback every month. Irregularities can direct us to where in the cycle and/or where in the body there is imbalance.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects between five and ten percent of women of reproductive age, making it the most common hormonal disorder of that age group. It occurs when the ovaries overproduce the hormone androgen. This overproduction usually occurs for one of three reasons: the overproduction of LH (luteinizing hormone), which is produced by the pituitary gland, high levels of insulin which can stimulate the ovaries to produce testosterone, or obesity which itself causes higher levels of insulin. However, in the case of insulin related causes, it is surmised that the body has to both produce high amounts of insulin and also be sensitive to insulin for this condition to occur. Women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly. They may also have excess body hair or hair loss, polycystic ovaries, acne, obesity, infertility, or reduced fertility.
Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical Dysplasia [CD] refers to abnormal changes in the cells on the surface of the cervix. Although these changes are not cancer, they can lead to cancer of the cervix if not treated. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes nearly all cases of CD. HPV is a very common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are many different types of HPV. Traditional Chinese Medicine can treat but not diagnose CD and HPV. It is crucial to get regular Pap smear exams. It is the only way to make sure you have a healthy cervix or get timely treatment if cells are abnormal. However, HPV and mild or moderate cases of CD can be completely resolved with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.
Endometriosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a soothing, non-invasive treatment for endometriosis that provides healing and relief on several fronts. In TCM, endometriosis is a condition of blood stasis. Custom herbal formulas using ingredients proven over centuries help to increase circulation and restore the flow of blood and Qi in the pelvic region. These formulas can also help to manage pain and to safely break up and disperse adhesions. Acupuncture also works to open pathways in the body to relieve stagnation. Acupuncture has proven to be an exceptional treatment for pain relief. Western medicine is starting to incorporate its use in dealing with chronic pain because patient satisfaction is so high and unlike prescription medicine, it is non-habit forming. The Wall Street Journal reports that “Neuroimaging studies show that [acupuncture] seems to calm areas of the brain that register pain and activate those involved in rest and recuperation.”
Menopause
Menopause is a time of amazing transformation and rebirth. The natural fluctuations that occur as your body makes its way to this new state of being may present as unpredictable and uncomfortable symptoms. Perimenopause and menopause most often occur in women between the ages of 40-55. These are years of empowerment! Many women report feeling their most self-confident, they are making achievements at work, and are more able to say no to what doesn’t serve them and yes what excites them. It can be a time to start new projects or businesses.