Acupuncture and Women’s Health
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be used to treat a variety of ailments and to support overall health and wellness for everybody. Still, women often have unique health concerns that may benefit from acupuncture.How can acupuncture help support women’s health?
Menstruation
An irregular or painful period, excessive bleeding, or unexplained lack of a period are all signs that a woman’s body is out of balance. Acupuncture helps bring the body back into balance and can also help alleviate PMS symptoms, such as cramps and headaches – without the medication's unwanted side effects.If you’re interested in using acupuncture in this way, we’ll take a thorough history of your menstrual health. Depending on your situation, it can take several months to see an improvement, although it’s possible you may see a change in your next cycle.
Pregnancy and Post-Partum Support
Acupuncture can be a great alternative during pregnancy or in the post-partum period, when a woman may not wish to take (or may be advised against taking) certain medications or treatments.* Acupuncture can help ease many of the uncomfortable aspects of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, swelling, and back pain. After delivery, it can support breast milk production, aid in the physical recovery process, and help regulate mood and energy.For information on how acupuncture may help support fertility, see our post on Acupuncture and Fertility.* Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication or treatment plan.
Perimenopause and Menopause
The transitional period leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause. This is when hormonal changes are taking place, but menstruation has not entirely ceased and may begin as many as ten years before the onset of menopause. A wide range of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood changes, can accompany both perimenopause and menopause. Acupuncture can help address these symptoms.Many people turn to acupuncture after other methods have failed to relieve a particular symptom or simply because they desire a more holistic approach to managing their health and well-being. To learn more about how acupuncture can help support a woman’s health, no matter her stage of life, reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.