Traditional Chinese Medicine Supporting Women's Health

A woman's body is powerful, resilient, and capable of transforming through different phases of her life. However, these changes often come with health challenges that are often overlooked. From menstrual discomfort to fertility difficulties, unwanted effects of pregnancy, and menopause symptoms, women from all walks of life face these struggles daily.

 

Did you know that the menstrual cycle is one of the key indicators of health in traditional Asian medicine? Imbalances in a woman's body can manifest as heavy flow, irregular periods, and cramps. Even pre-menstrual symptoms are also from imbalances. Almost every organ system (based on traditional Chinese medicine) affects the menstrual cycle. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and tuina are great modalities to alleviate pain and support a healthy cycle.

Fertility

One of the most stressful and frustrating health concerns for a lot of women is fertility. Traditional East Asian medicine offers treatments to boost a woman's overall health by addressing the root cause of difficulty in conceiving. Many fertility clinics refer their patients to East Asian medicine for additional help, particularly in getting acupuncture treatments. Previous NYC Acupuncture + Wellness blogs have in-depth information on what kind of support TCM can provide to those who plan on conceiving naturally or with the help of IUI and IVF. Fertility acupuncture takes time and consistency in attending appointments is highly necessary for success. The reason is that it takes time to regulate the menstrual cycle and the systems that produce the hormones associated with fertility.

During pregnancy, a strong support system is crucial for the mother. In East Asian medicine practice, this is heavily emphasized. Other than the support from family and friends, doctors and other medical professionals involved in the mother's and fetus's health can make or break a woman's pregnancy experience. Pregnancy brings a multitude of discomforts and drastic changes to a woman's life. Examples of these are morning sickness, aches, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and mood swings. Acupuncture is a drug-free option to address aches and other uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, something that a lot of mothers prefer to avoid side effects and complications that could affect the fetus's development. For those nearing labor and are planning vaginal birth but have their baby in a breech position, the moxibustion's warmth can provide stimulation that can help turn the baby. From conception to post-partum care, you can rely on traditional medicine.

Both in traditional East Asian medicine and conventional medicine, menopause is a natural biological aging. It becomes a woman's health concern when it starts to affect the things she loves to do, how she performs on her job, her relationships, and so on. Symptoms of menopause include but are not limited to irritability, mood swings, depression, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and weight loss/gain. With the help of acupuncture, dietary changes, and herbal remedies, the body will have an easier time adapting to this transition. East Asian medicine modalities can reduce the severity of symptoms by providing support and rebalancing the energies.

Women often face conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, endometriosis, or even breast cancer. Traditional East Asian medicine provides a holistic approach to managing these conditions. East Asian medicine modalities, together with lifestyle changes, can restore the balance and support the body to long-term wellness. Every person with a different set of concerns needs individualized care, something that NYC Acupuncture + Wellness proudly offers. Whether you consider traditional medicine as an alternative treatment or a complementary treatment to the conventional care you are already receiving, NYC Acupuncture + Wellness will provide a treatment plan aligned with your needs and goals to enhance your overall quality of life.

As we honor National Women's Health Month, let this serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing women’s well-being at every stage of life. Allow us to help you. Book an appointment today by clicking this link. If you know a woman in your life who would benefit from our expertise, share this blog with her because she deserves to feel her best, too.