THA's Practice Specialties:
- Classical Five Element Acupuncture
- Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (N.A.E.T.)
- Pain management
- Women's Health and Gynecological Difficulties: PMS, Infertility and Menopause
Relief from Menopause through Acupuncture
Menopause normally occurs in women between the ages of 45-56. The decline of hormone production and ovulation precedes and follows menopause. These changes may continue for an extended period of time. Together with such factors as general health, quality of diet, level of activity, and genetic makeup, they can produce a wide variety of symptoms. The most common complaints are hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, anxiety, depression, aches and pains, heart palpitations, headaches, genital and urinary problems. According to Maciocia (1998), Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Chinese Medicine and Marie Cargill (1994), Acupuncture A Viable Medical Alternaive, these symptoms can be treated effectively with acupuncture.
Conventional treatment is usually hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It can be effective in treating the symptoms and is often taken for years. Some women find HRT effective, but others may find distressing effects. Some are advised against HRT and others are unwilling to take it. Therefore, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be a good alternative.
One of the strengths of acupuncture is the tailoring of the treatment to fit each unique individual. For example, a 48 year old female came to our office with complaints associated with climacteric changes. Her menstrual cycle had been irregular the last four months. She had spotting in between periods, headaches, night sweats, and insomnia. After six visits in a month she began menstruating normally again. She continued to have weekly treatments for the next six weeks. The night sweats had disappeared, and she was able to sleep soundly. After a few more treatments she didn’t notice any more headaches or spotting. She now comes in to see us once a month for a balancing and preventative treatment.
Another woman, age 52, was having intense trouble with hot flashes, cold sweats, and her periods were irregular. After 2 visits her symptoms subsided. After 2 months of treatment she was happy to report that she was no longer menstruating. Chinese medicine can be regulating and can help you through the natural course of menopause. It should also be mentioned that if a women is using HRT, she may have concurrent treatment with acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.
Chinese Medicine is not in contradiction with HRT, Maciocia says (1998), Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Chinese Medicine. If a woman is using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs alone she should have positive results in a slow and gradual way. Generally, herbs take approximately two months to take effect. If you are wondering whether acupuncture is right for you, please give us a call at (858) 613-0792.
About the Practitioners
Michele and Traci both received their Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine (M.T.O.M.) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA. They are California Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.), and are National Board Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM).
If you are wondering whether acupuncture is right for you, please give Michele and Traci a call at (858) 613-0792. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
(858) 613-0792
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