It comes with a long history of treating women’s health issues, but does acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (CM) really work? And what can it do?
Well, good news: it might just be the ticket for better health! From menstrual disorders and infertility to menopause and pregnancy-related issues (+ more!) - check out some common women's issues below and how CM approaches them:
Menstrual Disorders + Irregularities
In CM, menstrual disorders (any disorders, really!) reflect imbalances in the body's Qi and blood. Acupuncture may help regulate cycles and also relieve symptoms of PMS - you know, fun stuff like cramps, bloating, mood swings, and headaches. Numerous trials indicate positive results.
Infertility
Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulating hormone levels, and reducing stress and anxiety - these are all ways that acupuncture may help improve fertility in women. There’s a lot of impressive studies listed below - have a look! Acu is often used as an adjunct to Western fertility treatments, or as a standalone therapy to enhance fertility - both are great options.
Perimenopause + Menopause
CM approaches menopause (and the preceding years of perimenopause) as a natural transition in a woman's life. It’s a tricky time though, right? So CM focuses on supporting the body's energy and balance during this time, with various research suggesting success in regulating hormones, and promoting relaxation. Treatments can include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes (yang sheng). This can include things like dietary modifications and stress reduction, in order to help alleviate symptoms (think hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood swings).
Pregnancy Journey
Yes! We’re kept busy in the clinic here using CM to address various pregnancy-related issues, such as morning sickness, fatigue, and back pain, right through to labour induction.
Don’t forget that acupuncture is also super beneficial postpartum - helping to restore so much of the deficiency that occurs as a result of birth. Sound like a plan?
Sources:
1. Bensky, D., & Barolet, R. (1990). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies. Eastland Press.
2. Maciocia, G. (2011). Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.
3. Lyttleton, J. (2004). Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine. Churchill Livingstone.
4. Stener-Victorin, E., & Manheimer, E. (2011). Evidence-Based Acupuncture for Reproductive Medicine. Springer.
5. Betts, D. (2006). The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth. Hove, UK: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
6. Smith, C. A., Crowther, C. A., & Grant, S. J. (2013). Acupuncture for Induction of Labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8(8).
7. Huang, K. E. (2006). The Tao of Healthy Eating: Dietary Wisdom According to Chinese Medicine. Blue Poppy Press.
8. Jedel, E., Labrie, F., Oden, A., Holm, G., Nilsson, L., Janson, P. O., … Stener-Victorin, E. (2011). Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 300(1), E37–E45. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00301.2010
9. Chiu, H.-Y., Pan, C.-H., Shyu, Y.-K., Han, B.-C., & Tsai, P.-S. (2015). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause, 22(2), 234-244. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000270
10. Avis, N. E., Coeytaux, R. R., Isom, S., Prevette, K., & Morgan, T. (2016). Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM) study: A pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. Menopause, 23(6), 626-637. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000624
11. Chiu, H.-Y., Pan, C.-H., Shyu, Y.-K., Han, B.-C., & Tsai, P.-S. (2015). Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause, 22(2), 234-244. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000270
12. Smith, C. A., & Crowther, C. A. (2013). Acupuncture for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8). doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd002962.pub3