Luna Acupuncture Clinic

Women's Health

As a woman, it’s especially important to actively care for your health through all phases of life. Not only is nurturing your well-being a part of living in harmony with nature, but it can also improve your quality of life. Most women face a wide variety of health concerns as they age, from premenstrual syndrome, infertility and childbirth issues, to menopause and beyond. Whatever your concerns may be, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a safe, natural and effective way to support your physical and emotional health.

A Whole-body Approach to Healing
Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic and nurturing approach to getting you healthy. Acupuncture meridian points activate the body’s innate healing abilities acupuncturists call Qi (chee). According to TCM Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. Qi flows through pathways called meridians and provide nourishment to the body’s cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, health symptoms may appear. Remember, acupuncture is just one aspect of TCM, there are many modalities within TCM that may effectively contribute to restoring the body’s natural healing ability.

From a modern scientific perspective, stimulation of acupuncture meridian points causes the release of a multitude of nervous system chemicals in our brain, spinal cord, and muscles that help restore the body’s ability to heal naturally. These chemicals provide tremendous health benefits, whether it is influencing your body to heal more quickly, or simply altering how you may be experiencing your pain.

Gynecological Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory tells us specific meridians and organ systems are related to gynecological health. Specifically, the kidney, spleen, liver and extraordinary vessels Ren Mai (conception vessel) and Chong Mai (sea of blood) are mostly involved. When one or more of these systems are affected, women may experience uncomfortable symptoms before and/or during their menstrual cycle. Fertility issues can also be related to these organs. I will work to find the underlying imbalances and devise a treatment plan that will help your body regain its natural balance.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome, known as PMS, can cause cramps, bloating, fatigue, breast pain, mood swings and changes in appetite during the onset of menstruation. Unfortunately, many women suffer from a wide variety of these symptoms every month to varying degrees. Your menstrual cycle can provide a great deal of information about your overall health. Acupuncture, along with herbal medicine, dietary changes, and exercise can help you regain hormonal balance and aid in the relief of symptoms before and during menstruation.

Fibroids and Endometriosis
Changes to your period can have several causes, some of which may be serious. If you start experiencing intense pain or heavy bleeding, talk to your health care provider right away to be safe.Uterine fibroids are one of the more common causes of menstrual problems for women in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids are non-cancerous lumps that can grow in the uterus. In some cases, fibroids may cause long, heavy periods, pain during intimacy, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen area.

Endometriosis also affects many women in their 30s and 40s. It occurs when uterine cells start to grow outside of the uterus. Uterine cells can cause lower back pain and pelvic pain during menstruation, pain during intimacy, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Western treatments for both conditions often include medications or surgery. While more research is needed, several studies have shown acupuncture may significantly reduce menstrual pain associated with fibroids and endometriosis.

Fertility, Pregnancy, and Childbirth
If you are facing fertility issues, it can be very stressful for the mind, body, and spirit. There is hope. Incorporating acupuncture and TCM into your overall fertility treatment plan can help. Acupuncture has been shown to increase the chance of conceiving when used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization, and TCM can be very effective in addressing the underlying emotional causes of infertility.

Because much is demanded of your body during this time, your pregnancy may come with its own unique challenges. Remember, caring for your health is key for the well-being of both you and your baby. Acupuncture and TCM have been shown to be safe and effective for many of the symptoms that often accompany pregnancy, including:

Anxiety and stress
Fatigue
Back pain and sciatica
Heartburn
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Edema
Morning Sickness

Recent studies have shown the use of acupuncture during labor may reduce the need for pain medication and help the mother stay more relaxed. After childbirth, acupuncture and TCM can help new mothers recover, rebalance and rejuvenate.

Menopause
Hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, memory problems, vaginal dryness and changes in libido are all signs and symptoms of menopause, a natural transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive period. While menopause is a time of change for women, it shouldn’t be a burden. Many of the signs and symptoms of menopause can be relieved through acupuncture and TCM. I can develop a plan that works together with Western therapies to help you feel more comfortable and be more active during this time of change in your life.

Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, “nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases than from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer.” Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Some factors like increasing age, family health history, race and gender cannot be controlled. But other factors such as tobacco use, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity and diabetes can be controlled.

Finding Balance Naturally
Acupuncture and TCM offer a powerful way to maintain and improve your health. But it’s important to remember acupuncture and TCM are not a “quick fix” and it may take some time before you begin to see results. I will work with you to develop a specific plan as you begin the journey to rebalance your body’s cycle and feel better. In addition to acupuncture, I may provide nutritional guidelines, an exercise program, or stress relief suggestions. I may also recommend herbal medicines specifically tailored to your needs.

By working together and making positive lifestyle changes, you soon will be enjoying the many benefits a well-balanced and healthy life can give every woman.