Acupuncture for Women's Health
Thriving in one's own body and being in ideal health are much more than the absence of illness or dis-ease, they are the mindful pursuit of the most optimal qualities of the physical, environmental, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of the human experience. This is especially true for women as their cycles represent regeneration and are the measure by which we can assess how the body is in alignment with nature.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to correct imbalances women experience through all stages of life. Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to address the following conditions:
- Menstrual Irregularities and Pain
- P.M.S.
- Endometriosis and Fibroids
- P.C.O.S
- Infertility
- Menopausal signs and symptoms such as hot flashes and Insomnia
- Anxiety and Depression
- Migraines
Acupuncture for Fertility
Acupuncture can guide and support a woman on her path to parenthood by optimizing fertility in order to help ensure a smooth and healthy pregnancy. Traditional diagnostic tools used in Chinese medicine will address any health issues or physical imbalances that may be interfering with a woman's ability to conceive.
Studies show that acupuncture for fertility:
Increases blood flow to the uterus to promote implantation
Improves ovarian function, which may help produce better quality eggs and a larger number of follicles
Reduces side effects of drugs used in ART procedures
Decrease uterine contractions, intended to encourage implantation, and prevent early miscarriage
Reduces stress hormones and anxiety
Strengthens the immune system and supports general health to promote a healthy pregnancy and baby
Acupuncture during Pregnancy
Pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal recovery are viewed in Chinese Medicine as a window of opportunity to enhance a woman's overall well-being. Conversely if adequate care is not taken the resulting problems may continue long after the birth. Value is therefore placed on promoting preventive care to strengthen the mother and baby as well as dealing with problems as they occur during pregnancy. Acupuncture can be used in a variety of ways to promote fetal and maternal health.
One trimester at a time, acupuncture works with the mother to provide the most nourishing environment for the growing baby. In trimester one, treatments generally focus on reducing tension and anxiousness and working to replace these feelings with a calm mind and relaxed nervous system. Morning sickness generally responds very well to gentle acupuncture and minor dietary modifications. Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to 'secure the fetus' or strengthen the mother's body as well as the fetus itself to prevent miscarriage during early pregnancy.
In the second trimester, women often notice headaches, leg cramps, back pain, abdominal pain, heartburn, sciatica, dietary intolerances and other discomforts. Pregnancy acupuncture is extremely effective for alleviating many of these aches and pains so that not only can the baby settle in to growing but so can the mother!
By Trimester three, most treatments are generated at providing comfort to the mom from the symptoms that arise when the baby begins to take up a large portion of their torso. The strain that a baby in the third trimester puts on the internal structure and organs may cause shortness of breath, swelling of hands and feet, varicose veins, achy hips, abdominal cramps, round ligament pain and difficulty sleeping. Aside from providing incredible symptom relief, pregnancy acupuncture during the third trimester helps prepare you and your baby for a natural and healthy birthing experience.
