Acupuncture for Women’s Health at Metro Acupuncture
The contrast between Western medicine’s mechanistic approach and East Asian medicine’s holistic perspective is notable. Western practices often compartmentalize the body into distinct parts, while East Asian traditions view it as an integrated whole, with the body, mind, and spirit deeply interconnected.
At Metro Acupuncture, our approach to women’s health is comprehensive. We assess a woman’s overall health, considering her lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress levels, and emotional and trauma history to address both physical and mental wellbeing.
For millennia, acupuncture and herbal remedies have played a central role in addressing a broad spectrum of women’s health issues, including fibroids, pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, fertility challenges, and menopausal symptoms.
The efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in women’s health is supported by a growing body of scientific research. Studies have highlighted their roles in enhancing fertility, managing pain, and improving emotional health.
Acupuncture and Menstrual Health
Acupuncture affects several body systems, including the sympathetic nervous system, the endocrine system, and the neuroendocrine system. Research has demonstrated its effectiveness in addressing menstrual frequency, enhancing ovulation rates, and balancing hormone levels. Specifically, acupuncture has proven beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), helping to regulate menstrual cycles, promote ovulation, and decrease insulin resistance. This effect is partly achieved through its impact on β-endorphin production, which influences gonadotropin-releasing hormone, ovulation, and fertility.
Fertility Enhancement
As a complementary therapy for fertility, acupuncture has shown promising results. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis in the journal Medicine concluded that acupuncture and its associated therapies could enhance female fertility. When combined with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), acupuncture improves pregnancy rates by balancing hormones, increasing uterine blood flow, and reducing stress. See our page on infertility for more information.
Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause often brings uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes. Acupuncture has been validated in randomized controlled trials, including a 2016 study published in Menopause, to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes through hormonal regulation. Chinese herbs also provide significant relief from various menopausal symptoms.
Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain
Conditions like endometriosis, often associated with significant pelvic pain, can be effectively managed through acupuncture. Research published in Fertility and Sterility indicates that acupuncture not only alleviates dysmenorrhea but also improves the overall well-being and quality of life for women experiencing endometriosis-related pain, although these benefits may diminish after treatment ends. Chinese herbal formulas also contribute to pain management due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Acupuncture for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Both PMS and PMDD, which significantly impact daily life with a range of physical and emotional symptoms, are effectively managed by acupuncture. It enhances blood circulation, reduces inflammation, regulates hormones, and stimulates neurotransmitter release, thus alleviating symptoms related to PMS and PMDD.
In Conclusion
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs provide holistic and symptomatic relief across various stages of a woman’s life.
Our Location
Our practice, conveniently located near Northside Hospital (Perimeter), Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, and numerous OB/GYN offices, offers easy access from GA State Route 400 and Interstate 285. Schedule your initial treatment with us today. We look forward to meeting you in person and helping you feel better.
FAQs
Does acupuncture help with hot flashes? Acupuncture effectively reduces hot flashes by modulating neurotransmitters, regulating hormones, and influencing the hypothalamus, offering relief from vasomotor symptoms based on research findings.
How long does it take for acupuncture to help with my hot flashes? The timeframe for acupuncture’s impact on hot flashes varies. Some patients report relief after a few sessions, while others may require several weeks. Acupuncture’s effectiveness may depend on factors like individual response, the frequency of treatments, and the underlying cause of hot flashes.