Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be able to relieve varying menopausal symptoms. At Balanced Life Health Care in Ferntree Gully, we believe that menopause should be a natural and gradual process and not send you on a roller coaster of symptoms! Most importantly it should not be impacting on your life! Our treatments are aimed at making this process easy and symptom free.
You may be experiencing a wide variety of symptoms not just hot flushes, some of the symptoms include:
In menopause your oestrogen production gradually declines, and this decline in oestrogen disturbs the function of the hypothalamus; The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body heat and metabolism. This is where the characteristic hot flashes and the increase in weight frequently accompanying menopause come from. For some lucky women it is an easy process, but for most it is a roller coaster of varying symptoms of varying intensity. From our perspective it is not a matter of stopping the gradual decline of oestrogen but easing it so that the body can adjust and transition.
The Royal Women’s Hospital suggests that up to 80% of women experience hot flushes and night sweats (1)! Some research suggests that Acupuncture can decrease hot flushes by 35% and insomnia by 50% (2). It has been suggested that Acupuncture along with Chinese Herbal Medicine can have an effect on oestrogen levels which are rapidly declining in menopause, thus slowing the decline so reducing the symptoms you feel (3). Results are cumulative, and will continue to improve with consecutive regular treatments over time.
To enhance your results we often prescribe Chinese Herbal Medicine alongside consecutive regular Acupuncture treatments. Chinese herbs are individually prescribed so that your individual symptoms can be address while treating the underlying hormonal imbalance. Chinese herbal treatment is a great treatment option for you cannot attend regular Acupuncture treatments.
It is possible to take HRT with Chinese Herbal Medicine because they are working differently. Typically HRT is either synthetic oestrogen or synthetic oestrogen / progesterone combination (4). Occasionally a combination of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone is given. HRT replaces the hormones being lost and in many women is very effective at treating the symptoms. However like all medications there are side effects, and in some women it is not advised that HRT be used at all.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine however work differently, by gently balancing your body’s own hormonal production, and regulating the symptoms. Generally these do not interact and can even enhance the effectiveness. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine tend to be a slower process, with gradual reduction in severity and duration of hot flushes, thus easing the process. With all Herbal treatments we advise that you seek advice from your doctor especially if you are taking HRT.
In Chinese Medicine it is important to not add anymore fuel to the fire, so during treatment we encourage you to avoid things that will over heat your body. We advise women to avoid excess amounts of the following as often a hot flush will follow;
A diet rich in whole grains – rice, spelt, oats, and so on, but not bread or flour products have a calming effect and stimulates adrenal function in order to produce hormones. For some women phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) can help replace some natural oestrogens lost during menopause, and may reduce menopausal symptoms – good sources of phytoestrogens include organic soy products such as tofu, linseeds, whole grains and legumes. You can also eat lots of leafy green vegetables and seaweed. And of course choose foods that are high in vitamin and mineral content.
Stress reduction is also beneficial for many women. Menopause Australia recommends yoga, massage, exercise meditation and positive affirmations. One study even suggests that Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, may be a clinically significant resource in reducing the degree of bother and distress women experience from hot flashes and night sweats (10). Good news is that Acupuncture can also reduce Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression.
Recently the evidence gathered through research as upgraded Acupuncture in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes from promising to potential positive (5). Here are some of the studies sited;
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