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How can Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture help with menopausal and pre-menopausal symptoms
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not see or treat the menopause as a “disease”.
Menopause is unique for each woman and TCM sees each person's symptoms not as part of a universal disease, but as a condition distinctive to the individual.
It is a normal physiological change in a woman’s life.
Many women see the menopause as the onset of old age and loss of their womanhood.
The menopause is a natural life transition and for some women passes with very few outward signs. However, for others the outer signs are more severe and can cause significant discomfort.
These include hot flushes, irregular periods, mood swings and night sweats but the menopause can also bring on bouts of depression, anxiety, emotional stress, irritability, fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, vaginal dryness and itching, headaches, poor concentration and so on.
TCM has a long history in successfully treating menopausal symptoms these are documented in “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” (Huang Di Nei Jing).
The TCM practitioner uses acupuncture and herbs to Nourish and Moisten the areas in the body that are directly connected with the menopause. To increase the Qì (energy), Moisten the tissues, Strengthen and Regulate the organs, and Nurture Shén (the Spirit).
These are the areas often found to be at the root of menopausal imbalances, from where the symptoms originate. The person is also given advise on diet, lifestyle and exercise. TCM treats the whole person, restoring the balance in every aspect of the woman’s life.
While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has its place in western medicine, few areas of women's health stir up as much confusion and debate as this Hormone Replacement Therapy, which is normally started when the first symptoms of menopause appear and offers quick results in treating many of the symptoms.
While HRT may alleviate hot flushes and prevent osteoporosis, it will also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side effects.
Taking all the above factors into account, Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its gentle approach without side effects, can offer a safe, effective alternative and/or complement to HRT.