Your reproductive health is more important than you might realize. Did you know that menstrual cramps are not “normal”? Neither are night sweats, digestion changes, or migraines. Did you know that these may all effect fertility or menopause? While common, they are not normal. In fact – each symptom is a tangible sign that something is off in the body. Why? It is a direct reflection of how things are working internally. It will show imbalance and disharmony of the body’s qi, hormones, and how one ages. By taking care of your reproductive health, infertility challenges can be lessened or avoided and hormonal changes such as menopause can be greatly eased.
Why Chinese Medicine?
One of the reasons that acupuncture and Chinese medicine is being recognized as a notable treatment for reproductive health is because it not only treats the symptoms, but addresses the root of the problem. When the diagnostic and treatment options of Western medicine become limited, Chinese medicine can effectively step in. Unlike going on the pill to regulate cycles, lessen menstrual bleeding and cramps – which most women do not want to do, Chinese medicine uses acupuncture and herbs with the goal of correcting the originating problem. The added benefit to correcting the originating problem is that in turn, you are also becoming the healthiest version of you. Why? Chinese medicine is multi-functional and impacts the entire body.
Chinese medicine is a powerful yet gentle medicine. The ability for it to work with and improve current health challenges is so effective that acupuncture is being offered in hospitals and is even covered by some health insurance plans. Of course what is covered is limited, but most issues pertaining to PMS, menstrual irregularities, and menopause are. I think that speaks true to its effectiveness.
Commonly seen symptoms in the clinic that affect fertility and reproductive health are:
- Amennorhea – absence of period
- Anovulation – absence of ovulation
- Mittlesmirtz – painful ovulation
- Dysmenorrohea – painful periods
- Irregular cycles – long, short, or infrequent cycles
- Clotting with periods
- PMS symptoms = mood changes, digestive changes, fatigue, cramps, breast tenderness, headaches and migraines
- Spotting or abnormal bleeding
- Frequent or chronic yeast infections, discharge
- Frequent or chronic UTI's
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis or Adenomyosis
- PCOS - Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Vulvovaginitis
- Infertility
- Uterine or anal prolapse
- Chronic miscarriage
- Hemorrhoids
- Postpartum depression
- Morning sickness
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Low sex drive
- Pain with intercourse
- Low sperm count
- Erectile disfunction
- Premature ejaculation
- Prostate health
If you are experiencing any of these and would like to see if Chinese medicine could work for you, call me for a free 15 minute telephone consultation. Remember, spring is all about revival, renewal, and new life. Take care of yourself so that you may take care of another. Happy spring!
Christine
