Optimal Health for Women

Women’s health is greatly enhanced by Chinese Medicine. Women have a unique set of health issues, most of which are not treated effectively by western medicine. This is because the TCM approach to hormonal balancing is much more delicate than adding or subtracting synthetic hormones to a woman’s system.

PMS and other menstrual cycle issues are addressed in TCM by regulating the Liver’s ability to move Qi smoothly through the body before and during menstruation. In Chinese Medicine, the Liver channel is linked to ovulation and menses. Acupuncture treatment can help alleviate pain that occurs mid-cycle (ovulation) as well as menstrual cramps. Acupuncture and herbs also help other PMS symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, anxiety, digestive upset, and nausea. One of my favorite aspects of the treatments for menstrual cycle problems is that 3-6 months of treatment (once or twice a month) can effect a lasting change in the way a woman experiences her cycle. The treatments rebalance the hormonal chemistry of the body, I believe, in a way that the woman’s own body can sustain the changes long-term.

Women’s health goes beyond the monthly menstrual cycle. Life cycles of menarche, pregnancy and childbirth, and menopause are all areas where Chinese medicine shines. Much press has been given recently to TCM treatments for menopause, since the discovery of dangerous side effects of hormone replacement therapy. I have seen many women happy with the effects of herbal supplements and acupuncture to smooth the transition of menopause. Treatments for fertility have also received some well-deserved good press; these treatments are remarkably effective at treating fertility that western approaches cannot solve. There is so much excitement when a woman trying to conceive does so with herbal treatment!

Finally, because of our unique hormone makeup, we women have different issues with all of our body chemistry. Women have a higher tendency for chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and thyroid problems. These problems are also managed with TCM treatments designed to smooth the flow of Qi through body and brain, resolve dampness created by sluggish digestion, and build up the Qi energy that we are born with. With chronic diseases, nutritional support, exercise, and herbal medicine also potentiate Acupuncture treatments.

Call or email Marian with any questions or comments.

Wishing you the best of health,

Marian