The ancient Chinese paid close attention to women’s and birthing parent’s reproductive health, because they believed that a healthy body would deliver healthy, strong children. Today, we know that reproductive health related to the uterus, ovaries, and ovum is important, and that hormones affect so many other aspects of a person’s health. The endocrine system is tied to all bodily systems, and acupuncture’s effect on stress hormones may account largely for improvement in reproductive health. (PubMed, 2009)
The flow of blood and Qi in the body have an effect on many conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers menstrual abnormalities or disruptions a diagnostic sign. Practitioners look at duration, consistency, volume, and accompanying symptoms when diagnosing a woman’s condition. An improvement in a single aspect of menstruation will positively influence overall menstrual function.
The endocrine system’s job is to balance multiple hormones, which are constantly changing to keep your body functioning. An imbalance in one area can affect others. Hormone imbalances have a huge impact on a person’s overall health and can lead to serious health problems, such as PCOS, diabetes/insulin resistance, infertility, obesity, and even cancer. Restoring balance within a the body is critical. Contributors to imbalance can include diet, lifestyle, overwork, environmental toxins, and stress.
Every patient is unique, so treatment plans will vary. What is effective for one person may not be adequate for another. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a good alternative to conventional hormone therapies, particularly for those with a family history of hormonal cancers. A treatment course typically starts with frequent sessions to correct imbalances or irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Once balance within the menstrual cycle has been restored, regular, ongoing treatment is most effective in maintaining balance.