Women's Health is a process that is transformative over her lifetime.  The Chinese measure it in increments of 7, with 14 being the onset of Puberty, 21 - 35 being a woman's most fertile and reproductive time and starting at the age of 49 her transition into peri-menopause.   It is the cyclical nature of a woman's period that makes her both predictable and unpredictable.

Acupuncture has been used for the preservation of women's health in time honoured tradition for centuries. 

Conditions treated by Acupuncture are:  painful period, Irregular period, PCOS, menopause, pregnancy related issues, hormonal issues such as migraines, thyroid issues, hair loss.

Gynecology and Hormonal Health

Traditional Chinese medicine can treat menstrual disorders such as PMS, irregular menstrual cycles and painful periods safely and effectively with no side effects.  For conditions such as heavy bleeding and/or pain associated with fibroids, endometriosis. Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness and low libido can be effectively relieved with TCM.

Pre menstrual tension, period pains, gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts, fertility, pregnancy and menopause are all manifestations of the female experience and a system of medicine such as acupuncture can treat symptoms at root level rather than masking the symptoms with medication thus re-establishing balance and prevention of further progression of the condition. It can be life changing for some women to be able to eradicate PMS symptoms from their life, enabling them to feel much more at ease throughout their monthly cycle. 

Painful periods are addressed with the stimulation of acupuncture points which strongly move the uterine blood flow, this can help to relax the uterus reducing the contractions which cause painful cramps as well as clearing away old blood. Overtime, many women report that their menstrual blood changes from a darker red to a brighter colour....cleaner blood, like water runs a lot more smoothly. 

Acupuncture is used to enhance a woman's natural fertility used in fertility treatment and its effect on the endocrine and reproductive system can greatly boost natural fertility as well as enhancing the chances of assisted reproduction techniques such as IVF and IUI

Emotional support is a major factor during any fertility journey and the relaxation benefits of acupuncture as well as a practitioner you can talk openly with about how you feel can be an invaluable support. Once conception has been achieved, pregnancy is seen as key transitional time and an opportunity when a woman's health can really be boosted with Acupuncture. 

The post natal period in particular is considered to be a very important time to nourish a new mother. Treatment at this time would involve the use of points aimed at relaxation, aiding sleep and boosting energy levels as well as points which balance the reproductive area. Other post natal symptoms such as low energy, emotional changes, mastitis and post caesarean healing can also be treated successfully. Acupuncture points are like gateway's which open up the flow of Qi and blood, clearing away stagnation to allow room for the new, nourishing the body and calming the mind. 

Our bodies are like diagnostic maps, an external mirror of what is happening inside the body, physically, mentally and emotionally. Careful observation of the tongue, pulse, complexion and other physical symptoms allows the practitioner to form a treatment plan specific to the individual. 

Acupuncture is an energetic medicine and treatment is so much more than the insertion of the needles into the points, additional healing tools can include:

Moxibustion - a warming, smouldering herb used to warm and nourish the body at different points, encouraging blood circulation and boosting immunity;

Lifestyle advice - diet and incorporation of Chinese dietary principles to help balance a person's presenting condition, Qi gong exercises to help strengthen Qi and meditation or visualization to calm the mind.