In a recent scientific study, the success rate of acupuncture in treating PMS symptoms was 77.8%, versus 5.9% in a placebo group.

Acupuncture rebalances and increases the body’s flow of energy, which becomes disrupted over time by stress, overwork and poor dietary habits. Restoring the body’s balance can stabilize hormonal fluctuations, reducing anxiety, mastalgia (breast pain), insomnia, headaches and other PMS symptoms.

A normal part of the aging process, menopause is determined by the permanent cessation of the menstrual cycle and the end of a woman’s ability to conceive. Though it can happen sooner, it usually occurs in women between the ages of 45-60. Hormonally, menopause is indicated when estrogen levels decline. 

Menopausal symptoms may include joint pain, hot flashes, night sweats, restlessness, memory loss, bone loss, headaches, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, moodiness and depression.

Acupuncture can alter various biochemical conditions to re-balance the body and alleviate menopausal symptoms. Acupuncture for menopause is often administered in combination with herbal medicine. We also recommend dietary and lifestyle modifications. 

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors comprised of smooth uterine muscle and connective tissue. The uterus is the most common site for muscle tumors to occur. Conventional Western medicine believes estrogen can trigger fibroids and cause them grow more quickly. 

At least 25% of women are affected by uterine fibroids. They may be asymptomatic or suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), bleeding between periods (spotting), pelvic pain or fullness, pain during intercourse or frequent urination. 

Fibroids can also hinder fertility and are the leading cause of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in the United States.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been used for centuries to treat uterine fibroids, which can significantly shrink or disappear. When the underlying cause of fibroids is treated, they are less likely to keep growing back. For many women, they disappear naturally after menopause when estrogen levels naturally decline. 

An endocrine disorder that impacts both fertility and general health, PCOS causes the ovaries to develop multiple small cysts and is triggered by elevated insulin levels that stimulate excess androgen production. It is said to affect up to 10% percent of women of reproductive age, and up to 90% percent of women with irregular menstrual cycles.

Common symptoms include irregular periods, lack of ovulation, infertility, hirsutism, insulin resistance and unusual weight gain. 

As a holistic solution to PCOS, acupuncture and herbal medicine improve the body’s own natural healing potential and can potentially:

• restore reproductive energy
• remove obstruction or constriction of blood circulation in the pelvic organs
• build an adequate supply of blood to sustain a normal menstrual cycle
• enhance egg quality with the use of Chinese herbal medicine
• soothe the sympathetic nervous system to calm the body
• reduce stress and influence healthy ovulation

A balanced diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle are also recommended for the treatment of PCOS. By embracing these steps, the body will host the most optimal environment for the acupuncture.  

Endometriosis is defined as the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the endometrium, causing lesions. The presence of endometrial cells, which make up the inner lining of the uterus, are found in areas outside of the uterus in the pelvic cavity. 

Endometriosis symptoms range and are classified as mild, moderate or severe. They may include:

• dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
• pathological uterine bleeding
• severe ovulation cramping
• lower back pain
• painful intercourse
• bleeding at sites other than the endometrium during menstruation

*Some women even bleed in places as distant as the nasopharynx during menstruation (i.e., nosebleeds).

Treatment with acupuncture, herbal remedies and moxibustion is highly effective for those who endure continuous pain and hormonal fluctuations due to this condition.

Many conditions can lead to candidiasis, the term that describes overgrowth of yeast in the intestinal tract: steroid drugs (such as cortisone), birth control pills and the long-term use of antibiotics. Antibiotics, while effective in fighting infection, can deplete the immune system and over time may reduce the number of beneficial bacteria that normally help to keep the yeast under control.

Poor nutrition or a sluggish immune system weaken the body’s ability to fight off yeast. Restricting sugar and eliminating refined carbohydrates and gluten grains in your diet will help the body to restore its intestinal flora and normalize PH levels.

When yeast is in overabundance, symptoms may include:

• chronic fatigue
• decreased libido
• thrush
• bloating/gas/intestinal cramping
• rectal itching/altered bowel function
• bladder infections
• menstrual complaints
• depression/irritability/inability to concentrate/mood disorders
• allergies or food intolerances/chemical sensitivities/low immune function

Enhancing the immune system is crucial, as well as effective, with acupuncture. Along with dietary guidelines and appropriate anti-fungal herbal remedies, acupuncture can lead to a successful treatment for eradicating this condition in the short- and long-term.