May is the month we celebrate Mother’s Day. But did you know it is also Women’s Health Care Month? It is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. The goal is to empower women to prioritize their health and understand the necessary steps to improve their well-being.
More Americans are looking for complementary and alternative treatments like acupuncture. In 2007, a health survey looked at acupuncture in the United States. They found that 14.01 million Americans were turning to acupuncture, and 65% were women. The numbers continue to rise as patients seek symptom relief, long-term healing, and prevention. Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, recently said that Traditional Chinese medicine can “help reduce the burden on health services and give patients “more control over what is done to their bodies.”
Let us look at how this increasingly popular treatment can benefit women’s daily lives.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
The menstrual cycle can supply information about a woman’s overall health. Every woman is different, and some symptoms associated with a monthly cycle can be mild to severe or none. Acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle by encouraging blood to flow freely while balancing hormones. It can alleviate headaches, cramping, and pain associated with a period.
Infertility/Pregnancy/Postpartum
Acupuncture for fertility issues is becoming more common (for men & women). It increases blood flow to the reproductive organs and balances hormones. It effectively treats stress and anxiety in couples trying to conceive.
Acupuncture is a safe, gentle natural treatment for pregnant women and is helpful in each trimester. It is a comprehensive approach that treats nausea, sleep issues, headaches, and back pain and prepares the mother for labor.
Continuing treatment after the baby is born helps restore energy and nourish the mother.
Studies have shown that acupuncture increases the chance of conceiving alone or in conjunction with IVF treatment. Other studies have shown acupuncture to be adequate to prepare for labor.
Perimenopause/Menopause
Perimenopause can start as early as the thirties and last several years.
Acupuncture aids women in a smooth transition from perimenopause to menopause. It helps balance hormones and treat symptoms like insomnia, night sweats, brain fog, irritability, hot flashes, anxiety, and heart palpitations.
Heart and bone health are priorities as women go through menopause and beyond. Staying active, managing stress and weight management keep blood pressure controlled and our hearts healthy.
Beauty Enhancement
Natural beauty and healthy aging options are available to women of all ages. Cosmetic facial acupuncture, gua sha, micro-needling, and LED light therapy can rejuvenate the skin, improve muscle tone, and increase blood flow and circulation while decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments also involve body acupuncture which treats underlying conditions and improves overall well-being—a natural option to surgery and toxic injections.
A Holistic Approach to Health, Beauty, and Well-being.
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can be used with standard medical care. The focus is to restore balance in the mind and body. Herbal formulas may be added to treat root causes. One must understand that acupuncture is not a quick fix, and a patient may need several treatments before achieving the best results. In addition to acupuncture, exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction are part of a holistic outlook in reaching optimal wellness at any age.
If you are ready to start, contact the office to schedule a consultation at 1-727-871-0928
Deborah Rinehart is a board-certified acupuncturist with a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Her practice is located in Seminole, Fl.
Questions please email acupuncture.willow@gmail.com
References:
https://www.nccc-online.org/womenshealthmonth/
WHAT A GOOD DECISION. I was hesitant to try acupuncture but I stepped out of my comfort zone and I’m very THANKFUL that I did. I have neuropathy in my feet and Dr. Deb through acupuncture has significantly improved my feet and lessened the burning in my toes. I’ve also had her focus on my hot flashes and I won’t say they are gone but they are fewer and farther between and less severe. I can not urge you enough, try it. What do you have to lose except maybe some pain or stress.
Jean Johnston
Hi Jean,
I am so glad you made the decision to try acupuncture and that you have good results. You are a joy, and I appreciate your kind and informative words.