Balance Life with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe natural therapy that works by balancing hormone levels in the body and affecting endocrine function. By using acupuncture to target the endocrine system patients can see impressive results when addressing issues such as painful periods, fertility issues, and menopause. We also recognize the importance of diet, nutrition and lifestyle when working toward a goal of optimal health and vitality.
Acupuncture is known for being effective at treating the following:
- Pre-Menopause
- Menopause
- Post-Menopause
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Heavy or Light Periods
- Endometriosis
- Painful Periods
- PMS
- PMDD
- PCOS
- Fertility Issues
- Miscarriage
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Menopause
According to Chinese Medical theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her vitality and allow for the maximum available nourishment for her body, especially her kidneys. The kidney is the organ Chinese Medicine sees as the root of life and longevity. Therefore, the body, in its wisdom, reserves the flow of a channel in the center of the body which sends blood and energy down to the uterus. Instead, blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity. Thus, in the Chinese Medicine, menopause is seen as true change in life from mother to enlightened and wise being.
Recent studies have shown extremely positive results that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective treatments for hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness and many other symptoms associated with menopause. Low levels of estrogen and high LH and FSH levels are characteristic of menopause and indicate a decrease in function of the ovaries. Chinese Herbal formulas and acupuncture can re-balance these levels thus addressing the symptoms of menopause naturally. Diet, nutrition and lifestyle also play an important role when treating hormonal imbalances.
Fertility
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs help to direct blood flow and nourish reproductive organs when working with fertility issues. Research has shown an increase in success rates when acupuncture is combined with reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovulation induction medications.
Acupuncture Research
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Hormone Levels and Acupuncture
The influence of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH,progesterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women.
Abstract
This is the first attempt to elucidate the direct effect of acupuncture stimulation on plasma levels of LH, FSH, progesterone and esterone and estradiol in normally ovulating women. Four loci, which are known from experience to relate closely to female reproductive organs, were needled with electric stimulation and the responses to synthetic LH-RH with and without acupuncture stimulation were also analyzed in the same cases. Plasma hormone levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. All cases showed normal responses to LH-RH corresponding to the day of the menstrual cycle. During the initial part of stimulation, both progesterone and estradiol levels rose in follicular cases and declined in luteal cases. Plasma LH levels declined and FSH showed no change at this time. The analysis of plasma LH responses to LH-RH under acupuncture stimulation revealed extraordinary re-elevation in some cases. It is suggested that properly performed acupuncture stimulation might affect the female endocrine function.
Menopause and Acupuncture
From 1997 to 1999, one of the first studies in the United States to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating hot flashes, insomnia and nervousness, conducted by Dr. Susan Cohen, D.S.N., APRN, associate professor of the University of Pittsburgh, it was found that during the course of acupuncture treatments, hot flashes decreased by 35% and insomnia decreased by 50%. A follow-up study revealed hot flashes significantly decreased in those receiving acupuncture, compared to those receiving routine care.