Acupuncture Treats the Root, Not the Branch

Gynecology and menopause are two of the most rewarding areas of medicine in our practice. The benefits of acupuncture, herbs and nutrition are truly extensive.

One of the main tenets of Chinese medicine and acupuncture is to treat the root, not the branch. Painful periods, lack of a period, mood swings before your period – these are all branches of a root condition. In many cases a woman is prescribed a birth control pill to manage symptoms. This is treating the branch, not the root. This one-size-fits-all approach to managing symptoms can be frustrating for women who want to heal and understand their bodies. Additionally, if a woman wants to conceive, taking the birth control pill is not a long-term solution.

The impact of three months  

Chinese medicine has long considered three months to be the minimum amount of time needed to regulate the menstrual cycle and balance hormones. Our packages reflect that the ideal treatment plan begins with a three-month period of time in which we can track many changes in the menstrual cycle from pain levels, to the length of the cycle, to spotting and blood flow. We will use tools such as your basal body temperature (BBT) and ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) to help guide us along the way.

PCOS & Endometriosis

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are two of the most common diagnoses seen in our clinic. Our approach to them represents the typical approach for many of our women’s health patients. Acupuncture is recommended according to where the patient is in her cycle (menses, before ovulation, ovulation and after ovulation). Herbs play a significant role in establishing normal hormone balance and resolving pain. In many cases, a patient will be asked to take her temperature in the morning (basal body temperature) in order to understand when ovulation occurs and the interplay of hormones.

Certain core practices of functional medicine are used alongside acupuncture and herbs to heal long-standing gynecological issues. These practices include healing the gut, stabilizing blood sugar and supporting liver detox. Western labs will be used along the way when necessary to track changes or guide the treatment. Our practice will communicate with a woman’s health care team such as nurse practitioner or gynecologist to ensure that the patient receives truly holistic care.

Menopause

Menopause comes with many changes, not just the absence of a period. Hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, slow metabolism and low energy are just some of the symptoms that can accompany menopause. Acupuncture and herbs can be used with great success to manage symptoms during this transition. Women with complex health issues such as thyroid, autoimmune and digestive conditions are encouraged to seek treatment before menopause. Chinese medicine and functional medicine can lay a strong foundation of health to support a graceful transition to menopause.

Common Conditions

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

• Irregular cycles

• Painful periods

• Absence of menstrual cycles

• PMS

• Fibroids

• Thyroid imbalance

• Hashimoto’s disease

• Unexplained infertility

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Yeast infections

• Hot flashes

• Hormone imbalance

• Menopause

• Stress and anxiety