New Life Acupuncture

Menopause itself is not a disease. It is a normal physiological change in life. It is nature's way of slowing down the aging process in women past child-bearing age. Unfortunately, many women do not traverse this cusp quickly and smoothly. Rather, they get stuck in the middle of this change. When they do, they may experience any of a number of signs and symptoms. These include hot flashes, night sweats, menstrual irregularity, uterine spotting and flooding, depression, anxiety, fatigue, palpitations, migraines, insomnia, vaginal dryness and atrophy, osteoporosis etc.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a 2,000 year old, professional medical system, and gynecology is one of it specialties. Within TCM gynecology, menopausal syndrome is a recognized and treatable condition. In fact, it is one of the conditions that are most easily and satisfactorily treated by TCM (as long as menopause is natural and not surgical).

TCM practitioners may use acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine or a combination of both to treat menopausal syndrome. Using herbs and acupuncture, the TCM practitioner seeks to nourish and supplement the liver and kidneys, boost the Qi (known as vital energy) and fortify the spleen, nourish the heart and quiet the spirit, clear pathogenic heat and downbear yang, thus restoring balance to the woman's entire organism.

According to Chinese medical theory, menopause occurs when, because of the natural aging process, a woman's body no longer produces sufficient blood to sustain a monthly period without this blood loss being draining on her body and particularly on her kidneys. This is the organ Chinese medicine sees as the root of life and longevity. Therefore, the body in its wisdom reverses the flow of a channel in the center of the body, which sends blood down to the uterus from the heart. Rather, blood and essence from the kidneys are shunted up to the heart in order to nourish the woman's spirit. Thus, in Chinese medicine, menopause is seen as a true change in life from mother of biological children to mother of the community. This is why, in traditional cultures, post-menopausal women are regarded as wise women, since their heart spirit is now nourished and enlightened in a way it was not before.

Western acupuncturists and TCM practitioners not only use acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat menopausal complaints but also typically advise patients on diet, exercise and lifestyle, thus treating the whole person and bringing balance to every aspect of the patient's life. These therapies are without side effects unlike hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other expensive, high-tech therapies with unknown risks.