As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine with a focus on women’s health—I see a lot of women who feel hormonally out of whack after having children. For most women, this hormonal imbalance came on right after giving birth, but it seems to remain sometimes for years. Often women complain of symptoms such as: low libido (and, not just because there’s no time for sex), terrible pre-menstrual symptoms, thinning hair, vaginal dryness and irregular menstruation.
Acupuncture is one tool I use to help bring their hormones back into balance. From a theoretical standpoint, acupuncture is used to regulate and balances ones energy. The way I often describe it is: acupuncture needles stimulate the body to function better. Basically, acupuncture encourages the body to heal itself.
Even from a western medical research standpoint, acupuncture has been shown to regulate the endocrine system (aka your hormonal system) by way of influencing the production and circulation of hormones in your body.
However, what I find the most therapeutic for my patients, is that acupuncture not only helps regulate hormones, but it does so in a healing environment that takes the entire aspect of the person—mind, body and spirit—into account. During acupuncture sessions, my patients and I talk about their mental and emotional state as I feel that is such a tremendous aspect of their health. Often times it is these conversations that I feel allow the acupuncture to work more effectively. And, it’s a great place for my patients to vent a bit and feel heard and understood. Some women say that’s the best part of the treatment for them. But, of course I know that it’s the environment and the magical power of those acupuncture needles that makes it all feel so good.
Of course, acupuncture is just one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM practitioners also work with their patients using Chinese herbs, dietary and lifestyle modifications. This combined approach can make all the difference in a patients recovery of optimal health.
If you are dealing with some hormonal issues and just don’t feel like yourself, I would really encourage you to give acupuncture a try. It’s an amazing therapy that has countless benefits.
When looking for an acupuncturist, be sure they have a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese (aka oriental) medicine and are certified by the NCCAOM I also recommend working with acupuncturists who are also Chinese herbalist as they can offer their patients more in terms of healing. Check out NCCAOM’s website to find a practitioner in your area.
Licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and book author Aimee E. Raupp is a women’s health and fertility expert. Her growing practice focuses on improving health and beauty, preventing disease and increasing fertility among women whose health and wellness are challenged by the demands, stressors and imbalances of Western culture. Find her on Facebook and Twitter @aimeeraupp.