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Women’s Health: Menopause and Acupuncture

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman life when she stops menstruating. Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone slowly decline during the peri-menopausal stage (which can start in a woman’s 40’s) and continue until menstruation ceases completely, typically around age 50. For a lot of women, this transition period significantly impacts their lives. Hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido are the common symptoms women experience during this phase of life. This is also when women start to notice signs of aging. Some symptoms level off post-menopausal, but others remain, and therefore still need to be addressed.

"I've lived with anxiety and depression for many years. It's difficult to feel motivated, even to do the things I love. I also have Fibromyalgia which exacerbates the problem causing aches, foggy head and fatigue. There are times when I can't get out of bed. I've tried many anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, but still didn’t feel as good as I know I could. I was skeptical that acupuncture would help. After my first treatment, I felt relaxed and less anxious. After several weeks of treatment, I am sleeping better, have more energy and I'm now working. Acupuncture has made a big difference in my life. Linda has been a great help to me, making me feel relaxed and comfortable to receive treatment. I look forward to continued treatments and starting herbs." -F.E.

Standard Treatment

The standard Western medical approach is to replenish diminished hormones via Hormone Replace Therapy (HRT), thereby alleviating symptoms. However, not all women can or should use HRT because of health risks and side effects. In addition, there are no standards for administering these hormones. Some of my Scottsdale and Paradise Valley patients are being prescribed excess hormones to keep them “young” and “sexually active” at the risk of potentially causing serious health issues or unwanted side effects.

I emphasize natural ways of alleviating symptoms while maintaining youth and sexual vitality. I help people on HRT minimize or eliminate the need to take excessive hormones by establishing hormone balance and restored energy with acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle changes.

Alternative Holistic Treatment for Menopause

In Chinese medicine, diminished Kidney qi and Jing (life force) are the root cause of menopausal symptoms, which subsequently impacts the organ systems of the Heart (emotions and mental clarity), Liver (stress and anxiety), Spleen (how the body processes and utilizes nutrition) and the balance of yin and yang (most notably related to energy and temperature regulation). A person’s qi and Jing (stored in the Kidneys) are responsible for overall health and energy, sexual vitality, longevity, immunity, and mental stability and clarity. In essence, the health aspects that are most impacted by menopause and aging.

By supporting and strengthening qi and Jing of the Kidneys, we are slowing down the body’s aging process and restoring health and balance to the hormones and other organ systems. This means you not only age more slowly, but healthier. No one wants to live longer unless they feel good. Acupuncture does both.

If you are interested in a more natural approach to transitioning to menopause and aging, call for a free consultation today.