Ladies, let’s talk.
There’s really never a good time to strike up a conversation about your painful or irregular periods, or crazy-making menopausal symptoms… so let’s just do it now. Because there is something really important you should know: Acupuncture is incredible at treating these problems.
Menstrual and menopausal difficulties are extremely common complaints for American women. So much so, in fact, that they seem to be accepted as a normal part of womanhood. However, according to Chinese medicine, this is not the case. Women with balanced, vital health do not experience painful or irregular periods, and the transition through menopause is not problematic. It is only when our overall health is out of balance that we will experience these kinds of symptoms.
The good news is that acupuncture is able to help you in two ways at the same time. It will reduce your immediate discomforts, and over time will heal the deeper source of the problem. Acupuncture is the use of very fine sterile needles to stimulate points across the body. These points send various messages to the brain to accelerate healing and regulate function. It is painless and deeply relaxing. With regular acupuncture over time, a person’s health can transform.
At LightWorks Acupuncture, Amanda Johnson, L.Ac. is our specialist in women’s health. Amanda uses acupuncture, herbal therapy, and nutritional guidance to eliminate her patients’ discomfort and improve their liver and kidney function, as these are the major players in women’s reproductive health. Let’s look at how this shows up.
LIVER & KIDNEY: THE KEY TO A WOMAN’S VITALITY
The liver is extremely sensitive to stress, and works hard to detoxify us from the various contaminants we ingest. When the liver becomes overwhelmed, pain is soon to follow. Menstrual cramps, headaches, backaches, tight neck and shoulders, excessive bleeding and a wicked mood are all quite common. (Oh come on, who wouldn’t be in a wicked mood if they felt like this???)
Acupuncture and herbal therapy do more than just alleviate these symptoms. By initiating an ongoing detoxification process, they relax and rejuvenate the liver. When your liver feels clean and fresh, you feel amazing. You sleep deeply and wake up refreshed. Your mind is clear and alert, while still relaxed and calm. Your joints feel lubricated and flexible. Without pain, your body is energized.
The kidneys, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, control hormone function. Hormone function touches all areas of our health: energy, digestion, bone density, skin, hair and fertility. Acne, hair growth in the wrong places, or balding, irregular menstrual cycles, low back pain, anxiety, ringing ears and infertility are all associated with deficient kidney function. Kidney health wanes naturally over time, and this shows up as the aging process. Greying hair, wrinkling skin, brittle bones, and worsening hearing and memory are all signs of the kidneys weakening.
However, acupuncture and herbs, with their ability to strengthen and rejuvenate the kidneys, can boost vitality and delay the onset of these symptoms. Skin clears and freshens, hair becomes shiny and full, and the uterus functions smoothly and easily. Acupuncture is an ideal way to prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy, and keep the body healthy so that menopause is not a problem.
The magic age for menopause to hit is 51. However, the 10 years prior to this is a time of fluctuating hormones for women. If a woman’s periods have been difficult for a long time, she can expect the same underlying health problems to show up during this process as well. Rapidly changing hot flashes and chills, interrupted sleep patterns, and severe moodiness are all common symptoms of an overtaxed liver and kidneys. Acupuncture regulates hormones, temperature and moods all in the same treatment. Over time you will be amazed at how good you feel.
Ladies, if you are struggling with crazy menstrual problems, infertility, PCOS, or perimenopause problems, acupuncture is for you!
Call today to inquire if your healthcare plan covers acupuncture! (520) 318-5560.
Candice Thomas is a licensed acupuncturist in Tucson, specializing in chronic pain, stress relief, and men’s health. Visit her at www.LightWorksAcupuncture.com.
