Acupuncture For Menopause

How Acupuncture Can Help Manage Menopause Symptoms: A Natural Path to Relief

​

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life marked by the end of menstrual cycles and a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. While conventional treatments often include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle modifications, many women are turning to acupuncture as a complementary therapy to manage menopause symptoms naturally.

​

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of "Qi," or vital energy. In TCM, menopause symptoms are seen as a result of imbalances in the body's energy pathways and hormonal fluctuations. By targeting these imbalances, acupuncture helps to regulate hormone levels, alleviate symptoms, and support overall health during this transition.

​

Unlike conventional treatments that may focus solely on symptom relief, acupuncture offers a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of menopause. This therapy promotes balance and harmony within the body, helping to manage symptoms more effectively and improve quality of life during this significant life stage.

​

Benefits of Acupuncture for Menopause

​

Reduction of Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Acupuncture can help alleviate the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats by balancing hormone levels and supporting the body's natural cooling mechanisms.

​

Mood Stabilization: By promoting emotional balance and reducing stress, acupuncture can help manage mood swings, irritability, and anxiety associated with menopause.

​

Improved Sleep Quality: Acupuncture can enhance sleep patterns and reduce insomnia, helping women achieve more restful and uninterrupted sleep during menopause.

​

Relief from Physical Discomfort: Acupuncture can address other menopause-related symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and digestive issues, providing comprehensive support for overall well-being.

​

Complementary to Conventional Treatments: Acupuncture can be safely used alongside conventional menopause treatments, such as HRT or dietary changes, to enhance their effectiveness and support a more holistic approach to managing menopause symptoms.

​

​

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

 

1. Please eat a moderate amount of food 1 to 1.5 hours before your appointment. Acupuncture moves a lot of energy in your body so eating something prior to your appointment will insure your body has energy to move. If you can’t have a meal, a nutritious snack is OK. A bag of chips and a can of soda do not count as a nutritious snack.

2. Arrive 5- 10 minutes early so you can fill out your Patient Condition Assessment and use the rest room prior to your treatment.

3. If you require a refill of your herbs, please notify the front desk at this time.

4. Take everything with you to the appropriate treatment room.

5. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and adjust your clothing as necessary. We ask that you wear loose clothing so there is easy access to your legs up to mid-thigh, arms including shoulders, abdomen and back. If you prefer, you can change clothes in the treatment room or change into a gown provided by Best Acupuncture. If you are uncertain, ask the acupuncture assistant how clothing should be moved, ie: moving pant legs above the knee, etc. You may be instructed to lie on your stomach for a face down treatment; the acupuncture assistant will assist you with a gown and provide you with instruction.

6. Whenever possible, arrange your schedule so you do not have to rush to, or away from your appointment.

7. If you must leave right away or earlier than the allotted time, please tell us at the beginning of your appointment.

8. Please do NOT brush or scrape the coating from your tongue on that day of your treatment. Tongue analysis is one of the unique aspects of Chinese medical diagnosis, and seeing the tongue in its natural state will greatly assist the acupuncturist in establishing a treatment strategy.

9. Cell phones should be turned off to ensure maximum relaxation for yourself and others once you have entered the treatment room.

 

To Make Your Treatment Most Effective, please remember the following:

​

1. Do not submerge in water (shower, bath, hot tub, etc) for at least 8 hours after.

2. No rigorous activities or exercise for at least 8 hours after.

3. Drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins released during you treatment. There are eight basic ways the body can eliminate toxins: through the skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, digestive system, urination, and the reproductive organs.

4. Reserve your energy and try to rest as much as possible This energy is for you; try not to give it away.

5. Please make us aware if you start or stop any of the following activities: exercise, diet, supplements and medications throughout your treatments with us.

6. Pay close attention to your body’s response over the next 24-48 hours. Your feedback is vital in identifying your body’s rate of response. Pay close attention to the frequency, intensity and duration of your top three primary complaints.

​​