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Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Treatments for Gynaecological Conditions
Gynaecology Clinic
Gynaecology is a large field of specialisation in Chinese medicine.
Gynaecological conditions treated with Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine include:
- Endometriosis
- Dysmenorrhea (painful period)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Menopausal syndrome
- Uterine fibroids
- Chronic pelvic inflammation
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Cervicitis and Vaginitis
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is among the most common gynaecological disorders affecting women in their reproductive time. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been shown to be a helpful option for managing pain associated with Endometriosis and reducing post-operative relapse/recurrence rate.. Studies indicate it can reduce pain levels, improve quality of life, and even potentially improve IVF success rates. Acupuncture stimulates endorphins, which can help with pain relief and inflammation reduction.
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine is a very safe treatment that allows women who want to continue trying to conceive to stay off-cycle suppressing medication whilst managing the common symptoms of endometriosis.
Case example;
M, 38, suffers from severe endometriosis. Her pain levels are severe throughout her menstrual cycle, often so severe that she is unable to sleep or function properly or do her job well. She also feels extremely hot and steamy inside. After diagnosing her and prescribing her her own individual formula, she responds well showing a good improvement, limiting her pain to her period only. Soon her period pain is also reduced. She has been receiving treatment for over six months, during which time her prescription changes as her body changes. She continues on a low dose prescription now to keep her endometriosis from flaring up, whilst she is trying to conceive naturally.
A summary of the latest research studies supporting the use of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for these Gynecology conditions is available here on the research page.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea or painful periods is one of the most common menstrual disorders. It refers to lower abdominal pain or discomfort before, during and after menstruation. If it begins at the time of a woman’s menarche, it is called primary dysmenorrhea. If is starts some time after menarche, it is called secondary dysmenorrhea, which can be caused by a variety of other gynaecological disorders, for example by Endometriosis or PCOS.
Acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and improving overall wellbeing. It can help relax muscles, decrease tension, and improve blood flow, potentially easing menstrual cramps and other associated symptoms.
Muscle Relaxation:
Acupuncture can help relax the uterine muscles, which are often contracted during menstruation, leading to cramping and pain.
Improved Blood Flow:
By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, potentially reducing pain and improving the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture can also help reduce overall tension in the body, which can contribute to or worsen menstrual pain.
Studies suggest that acupuncture may be just as effective as over-the-counter pain relievers in reducing period pain, and in some cases, more effective.
Improved Overall Health:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a complex clinical picture with menstrual irregularities or no periods at all, sub-fertility, weight gain, excessive hair growth, acne and/or hair loss. It can lead to type 2 diabetes. It is often a challenging disorder to correct and treat.
Acupuncture with Chinese medicine with diet and lifestyle advice can address the menstrual disorder without causing side effects. When underlying imbalances in the body are corrected properly acupuncture and Chinese medicine can produce long-term health benefits for the person and help regulate and normalise their menstrual cycle.
Case example:
P, 38, has PCOS and comes to the clinic with the aim of conceiving. She has been rejected for NHS funded fertility treatment due to her weight. Her periods are very irregular. We later find out that she often does not even ovulate. She is put on several different formulae after an extensive Chinese medicine diagnosis is carried out. This case is complicated, as herbs have to be used that regulate her cycle as well as herbs have to be chosen that work with her digestive metabolism. Diet changes have to be made, sugar and white flours reduced as much as possible. Her cycle slowly becomes more regular. After nine months she starts to ovulate well. She is also loosing weight. After 13 months she conceives, and has a gorgeous little girl now.
A summary of the latest research studies supporting the use of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for these Gynecology conditions is available here on the research page.
Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors which can be found in a variety of places within the uterus. They can cause heavy and painful periods, abdominal bloating and backache. Larger fibroids benefit from surgery and removal.
Acupuncture can help manage fibroid symptoms by improving blood flow, reducing pain, and potentially shrinking fibroids. It’s often used in conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine to control the symptoms associated with a fibroid such as heavy menstrual bleeding. It can also slow the growth of the fibroid/s, if treated in time (before the fibroids grow too large), some fibroids can also disappear.
A summary of the latest research studies supporting the use of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for these Gynecology conditions is available here on the research page.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome refers to a collection of cyclical physical and psychological symptoms during the second part of the menstrual cycle, such as headaches, mood swings, frustrations, anxiety, insomnia, breast soreness, and/or bowel and skin changes. Some women suffer severely with many of these symptoms, so much so that their normal behaviour or health is severely affected.
Acupuncture can offer relief for some PMS symptoms by regulating the nervous system and potentially influencing hormonal balance, which can impact physical and psychological symptoms like pain, mood swings, and bloating.
How Acupuncture Might Help with PMS:
Acupuncture points may be chosen to influence the hormonal system, potentially helping to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which are known to fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and contribute to PMS symptoms.
By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may enhance circulation and blood flow, which could help alleviate stagnation-related symptoms like cramps and breast tenderness.
Acupuncture can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can worsen PMS symptoms, by stimulating the release of endorphins and potentially lowering cortisol levels.
Acupuncture may help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps and period pain by stimulating endorphin production, which acts as a natural pain reliever.
Menopausal syndrome
Menopausal complaints are frequently seen in clinic. Symptoms range from hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression or anxiety, sleep disturbances, palpitation, dizziness, lack of energy. Many women chose not to have HRT.
Studies show that both Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be as effective as HRT at treating the variety of menopausal symptoms.
Let’s work together towards better health
If you’re interested in exploring how Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support your health, get in touch to book a consultation at our London or Bath clinics. I’ll take time to understand your individual needs and help you move towards lasting wellbeing.
07985 918237
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