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Pinpointing the Problem: Acupuncture and Women's Health

From the Desk of Dr. Lisette Miller, DC

Using Acupuncture to Restore Hormonal Balance and Relieve Women’s Health Issues

acupuncture-shoulder

Acupuncture can help relieve the underlying causes of various women’s health issues.

Your body is capable of much more than you can imagine—so if you find yourself struggling with stubborn health issues, it’s important to ask why and seek the underlying cause of your symptoms. Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, can help.

Qi (chee) is the natural life-force energy that flows from our head to toes and between every nook and cranny. When this vital energy becomes blocked or stagnant, communication between the skin, internal organs and structures of the body breaks down, resulting in dysfunction, dis-ease and unwanted symptoms. Using strategically placed thin needles, a skilled acupuncturist is able to painlessly tap into your body’s life-force energy, unblocking restrictions to restore communication and optimize your innate healing capabilities.

A Chinese saying states, “When there is pain, there is no free flow. When there is free flow, there is no pain.” Therin lies the philosophy behind acupuncture. The easiest way to understand this concept is to compare it to a radio. Our bodies are composed of several easily identifiable systems, such as the circulatory system, lymphatic system and musculoskeletal system. The meridian system, used in acupuncture, is not as easily identified. However, just because we cannot physically touch it or see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.

Radio waves carry electromagnetic waves in the same way each meridian, or channel, carries electromagnetic energy—energy full of information your body can use to nurture, restore and protect itself. When you are selecting a radio station, you “tune” each station to a particular number so that the sound comes in loud and clear. If there is static, it doesn’t mean the radio is broken, only that the station needs tuning. Similarly, acupuncture points aim to “fine tune” the vital energy in our bodies. When there are areas that become stagnant or blocked, symptoms and dysfunction will arise. Fine tuning the energy that flows within the meridian system allows the optimal communication and balance within our bodies. Our bodies crave to be in balance and acupuncture does just that!

Menstrual IrregularitiesFrom pre-menstrual cramping, irregular and painful periods, to no periods and heavy bleeding, acupuncture can alleviate many menstrual symptoms, bringing welcome relief to women of any age. Success is also seen with infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, breast tenderness and pelvic inflammatory disease. In addition, acupuncture helps with post-menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia.”It is important to understand that women’s health issues may be influenced by multiple physiological factors,” says Dr. Miller. “Acupuncture serves as a holistic ‘whole-body’ approach, addressing underlying health, stress and quality of sleep issues which may be disrupting the complex physiological processes required for successful ovulation and menstruation.”

Fertility

Studies show that acupuncture can improve ovulation rates in women, as well as increase sperm count and mobility in men, accounting for its growing popularity in treating fertility issues. When combined with traditional western approaches such as IVF, acupuncture can increase the chance of pregnancy by 25%–simply because removing blockages and freeing up the energy channels enables your body to work the way it was meant to! Once pregnant, acupuncture can be used to ease prenatal discomforts such as nausea, digestive issues, water retention, hypertension, anxiety and tension. When used postpartum, it facilitates milk production, hormone balancing and eases depression.

Breast Cancer 

Common side effects associated with breast cancer treatment have been shown to respond well to acupuncture treatments. According to the American Society of Radiation Oncology, a study of 47 breast cancer patients who received either Tamoxifen or Arimidex and had at least 14 hot flashes per week, showed that acupuncture relieved hot flashes and sweating as effectively as medication but with no side effects and provided additional health benefits such as an increased sense of well-being, increased energy and in some cases, a higher sex drive.

Breast Pain

Mastaglia, breast pain or tenderness, is common in women at all stages of life. There are two types of breast pain. The first is cyclic—pain that accompanies a period and is usually caused by monthly hormonal changes. The pain is often described as a heaviness, fullness, aching and soreness, with or without swelling. It tends to start a few days prior to the menstrual period and ceases without treatment when a period ends. The second is non-cyclic—meaning the pain doesn’t seem to follow any pattern or schedule. It may be described as a sharp, burning pain that can be one-sided and in a specific area of the breast, possibly caused by cysts or fibroids within the breast tissue. After ruling out pathology, triggering acu-points may be used to support a healthy immune system, balance hormones, reduce pain and improve sleep, without the side effects of traditionally prescribed medications.

As with any treatment, learn more, experience it for yourself and begin forging your personal path to optimal health and wellness!

dr-lisette-miller-blog

Dr. Lisette Miller, DC, is a Chiropractic Physician and Acupuncture Practitioner at First State Health & Wellness-Brandywine and Newark.

First State Health & Wellness has been providing award-winning integrative healthcare and education for over 30 years. Services among six offices across Delaware include Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage, Functional Nutrition, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and Rehabilitation.

Schedule an appointment today.

 

2 Join the Conversation

  1. Shelley m mcintosh says
    Mar 23, 2016 at 1:01 PM

    ,do you know of an acupuncture Dr.in Naples

  2. Leanna Locksmith says
    Jul 07, 2016 at 11:40 AM

    This is great..

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