From PMS to Menopause – Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Women’s Health Melbourne
As a woman it’s especially important to actively care for your health through all the phases of life. By actively nurturing your well-being, you not only align yourself with the natural cycles of life but also enhance your overall quality of life.
Most women face a wide variety of health concerns as they age, from PMS, fertility Pregnancy and childbirth issues, to menopause and beyond. Regardless of your specific concern, at Almond Wellness Centre Melbourne, we provide acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as natural non-invasive ways to support your health, physically and emotionally.
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine – A Whole-Body Approach
Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic or whole-body approach to health. According to these theories, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body’s organs. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, the cells, tissues, muscles and organs will receive an inadequate amount of your bodies vital energies. When this occurs physical symptoms relating to various medical concerns may result.
By adopting a whole-body approach, acupuncture and TCM acknowledge the interconnectedness of various bodily systems and seek to restore balance on multiple levels. By addressing the root causes of imbalances rather than merely treating symptoms, these therapies strive to promote long-term health and wellness.
How Acupuncture Chinese Medicine Improve Women’s Health
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), specific meridian and organ systems, such as the kidney, spleen, and liver, are interconnected with gynaecological health. When there are imbalances or disruptions in one or more of these systems, you may encounter uncomfortable symptoms prior to or during your menstrual cycle.
During your TCM consultation, your practitioner will carefully assess your condition to identify the underlying imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms. By understanding the root cause of the disharmony, they can devise a personalised care plan to restore your body’s natural balance.
Through TCM treatments, which may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations, your practitioner aims to address the imbalances and promote optimal gynaecological health. By supporting the kidney, spleen, and liver systems, your body can regain equilibrium, leading to a reduction in uncomfortable symptoms and an overall improvement in well-being.
PMS /PMDD
The menstrual cycle can provide valuable insights into overall health. Unfortunately, many women experience a range of symptoms each month. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can lead to cramps, bloating, fatigue, breast pain, mood swings, and changes in appetite before menstruation. However, it’s important to know that you don’t have to dread your period every month.
In a 2018 review by Cochrane authors, the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture or acupressure in women with PMS or premenstrual dysphoric disorder were examined. The review found that the limited available evidence suggests that acupuncture and acupressure may improve both the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS compared to sham control treatments. This means that these traditional therapies could potentially provide relief for women experiencing PMS symptoms.
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and benefits of acupuncture and acupressure for PMS, the existing evidence indicates their potential effectiveness in managing the symptoms. It is important to consult with a qualified acupuncturist or practitioner experienced in acupressure to develop an individualised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and symptoms.
By exploring alternative approaches like acupuncture and acupressure, you may find relief from the discomfort and distress associated with PMS, enhancing your overall well-being and quality of life
(https://www.cochrane.org/CD005290/MENSTR_acupuncture-and-acupressure-premenstrual-syndrome-pms)
Endometriosis pain
Endometriosis is a common condition that affects women in their 30s and 40s. It involves the growth of uterine cells outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as low back pain during menstruation, pain during intercourse, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Western treatments for endometriosis typically involve medications or surgical interventions. However, emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture may offer significant relief for the painful periods associated with this condition, although further research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Acupuncture, as an alternative therapy, has shown promise in alleviating the symptoms of endometriosis. Several studies have indicated that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with endometriosis. A few small studies also showed Chinese herbal medicine may be beneficial for endometriosis pain. While the exact mechanisms of how acupuncture Chinese medicine achieves these effects are not yet fully understood, it is believed that acupuncture may help regulate hormonal imbalances, reduce inflammation, and promote blood circulation in the pelvic area.
Fertility, Pregnancy, and Childbirth
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have utilised to support fertility, pregnancy and childbirth. Dealing with fertility issues can be challenging, but incorporating acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into your treatment plan may provide additional benefits. Studies have indicated that acupuncture used alongside in vitro fertilisation (IVF), can increase the chances of successful conception. TCM can also address the emotional aspects of infertility and target underlying causes.
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes, and it’s important to prioritise your health for the well-being of both you and your child. Acupuncture and TCM have been found to improve symptoms commonly associated with pregnancy, such as stress, lower back pain, pelvic pain, and fatigue.
Recent research suggests that acupuncture, when compared to sham acupuncture, may enhance satisfaction with pain management and reduce the need for pharmacological analgesia during childbirth. Additionally acupressure, when compared to a combined control and usual care, has shown potential in reducing pain intensity. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32032444/)
By incorporating acupuncture and TCM into your fertility journey, pregnancy and childbirth, you may potentially enhance your overall well-being and improve specific symptoms associated with these stages.
Menopause
Menopause /peri-menopause signify essential phases in a woman’s life, involving physical and emotional changes. While these shifts are natural, menopausal symptoms can be challenging. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer a personalised and comprehensive strategy for managing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety/depression, insomnia and fatigue. This holistic approach balance Yin and Yang, addresses energy flow, and enhances overall well-being. As women seek holistic solutions for health and vitality during menopause, the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture emerge as natural and reliable forms of support.
Almond Wellness Centre Clinics
At Almond Wellness Centre Coburg clinic and Ringwood clinic we provide Chinese medicine acupuncture for women’s health in community around Melbourne Eastern and Northern suburbs.
Chinese medicine treatment is individualised to each patient and offers an individualised treatment protocol because there are different disease patterns and syndromes differentiation, even for the same clinical condition.
Not all patients have the same result from a treatment. If you are suffering any of the above condition or discomfort, and want to know whether acupuncture Chinese medicine can be beneficial to you, please feel free to contact us. Our senior practitioner Dr. Richard Zeng and other fully qualified registered acupuncture Chinese medicine practitioners are here to provide information and assistance. We will assess your specific condition, take into account your medical history, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.