Treating Menopausal Syndrome With Acupuncture
Acupuncture has traditional been used to help women suffering from symptoms associated with the menopause and in recent medical trials has been found to be effective in this regard. Acupuncture is also free from the side effects associated with hormone based treatment.
How does Acupuncture treat menopausal syndrome?
While all women experience the same hormonal changes when going through the menopause the symptoms vary significantly according to an individual's underlying health condition and constitution.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary but the ones most commonly used in alleviation of menopausal syndrome are those on the forearm, lower leg and back.
In order to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis the acupuncturist will usually take a full case history as well as using information gained from taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.
In traditional Chinese medicine the radial pulse is taken on both wrists with the quality of the pulse being compared between the two wrists and at different distances from the wrist crease. The tongue displays significant variations in colour, shape, size and coating. TCM correlates these changes with disorders of different organs and body systems, these changes are then linked back to the individuals disorders and treatment is devised accordingly.
As each Diagnosis is based on the individual, the points selected for treatment may vary but the ones most commonly used in alleviation of menopausal syndrome are those on the forearm, lower leg and back.
What happens when I come for treatment?
Treatment will usually involve the insertion of 6-12 fine, sterile, surgical stainless steal needles and their retention for 20-30 minutes. After insertion, the practitioner will sometimes manipulate the needles at intervals to achieve a specific therapeutic effect. In most individuals withdrawal of the needles leaves no mark as the natural elasticity of the skin closes the point again without bleeding or bruising.
How long will the treatment last?
Answering this question is more difficult than for most other conditions as menopause is not an illness as such and treatment is designed to alleviate discomfort rather than have a definite curative endpoint. A standard course comprises 6 treatments and should be sufficient to assess the likely benefit but lasting results are likely to require a longer period of treatment. Initially treatments will usually be weekly, although as progress is made the interval between treatments can often be lengthened.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is widely regarded as a safe and reliable therapy and is increasingly used by medical doctors and physiotherapist, as well as traditional acupuncturists. Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are used and competence is ensured by membership of a professional body with rigorous standards of training and professional conduct.
Is there anything I can do?
Being treated with Chinese medicine is not just about being 'done to', it is also about actively managing ones own health and treatment Is a partnership between patient and practitioner.
The severity of menopausal symptoms varies dramatically between individuals and some evidence suggests there is a correlation with levels of body mass index, dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption. There is also a growing body of evidence that relaxation techniques, particularly yoga, can significantly alter levels of menopausal syndrome.
The severity of menopausal symptoms varies dramatically between individuals and some evidence suggests there is a correlation with levels of body mass index, dietary fat intake and alcohol consumption. There is also a growing body of evidence that relaxation techniques, particularly yoga, can significantly alter levels of menopausal syndrome.
