Explorations of Fitness and Health

In non-Western medicine, body functions are tied to organs. For example, the job of the spleen is to process. It processes food and separates out the water. In Chinese medicine it is also responsible for making blood. The blood producing aspect of its function makes it critically important in the health of menstruating women.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been shown in many studies to be effective in the treatment of menstrual problems. While the actual mechanism by which these treatments work has not yet been concretely identified, there is a significant benefit with acupuncture treatment.

Here are some of the menstrual problems that acupuncture can help.

Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is an abnormally heavy and prolonged menstrual period at regular intervals. Several causes can contribute to this condition: abnormal blood clotting, hormonal disruption, or a disorder of the lining of the uterus. It may also be associated with painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Acupuncture or herbal medicine is effective in treating this condition.

Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia is uterine bleeding at irregular intervals. This condition typically responds well to treatment with Chinese medicine, acupuncture or herbal medicine.

Menometrorrhagia

This condition describes prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding that occurs irregularly and more frequently than normal. It is particularly important that this type of bleeding is investigated before starting treatment to rule out uterine fibroids or cancer. Herbal medicine is typically used in the treatment of this condition, with acupuncture to supplement the treatment.

Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are benign growths in the muscle of the uterus. They generally cause no severe medical problems, but they can cause heavy or painful periods, backache, and other symptoms. Depending on the type of fibroid, uterine fibroids smaller than 5cm in size and can respond to treatment with Chinese medicine. Fibroids that are on the inner wall of the uterus are most responsive to treatment, fibroids on the outer wall of the uterus are least responsive to treatment. Treatment is usually with Chinese herbal medicine, rather than acupuncture.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. Primary amenorrhea is when periods have never started, and can be due to congenital conditions such as the absence of the uterus. Secondary amenorrhea is the end of the menstrual cycle and most often is due to hormonal causes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be effective in many cases of amenorrhea.

Menstrual Cramps

Traditional treatments for lessening menstrual cramps include over the counter pain killers and even prescription birth control pills. For those who prefer a more holistic approach, acupuncture may be an alternative. Acupuncturists believe that the release of excess hormones and stress on the body during menstruation disrupts the flow of your energy or chi. This can cause menstrual cramps.

Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Women who suffer from PMS know that it is a real drag. During this phase of a woman's cycle, bloating, irritability and food cravings may make life uncomfortable. This time of imbalance wreaks havoc and disorder on the body and mind. However, alternative methods of treatment exist for PMS. Chinese medicine embraces the idea of shifting energy to manage many PMS symptoms. A combination of acupuncture and herbal treatments can make a big difference for millions of women between feeling lousy and feeling well during certain times of the month.

To conclude, there are so many choices out there other than traditional Western medicine to make you feel better. Explore them.

About the Author:

Stephen Kelly is a entrepreneur and freelance writer. Be sure to check out this Kendall Square Physical Therapy website for more great articles like this one.

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