Women’s Health
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a unique approach to healing by stimulating optimal function of targeted physiologic systems while supporting the balance of the mind-body by reducing the effects of stress. Especially valuable in the treatment of women’s health disorders, acupuncture and herbs treat both symptoms and the root imbalance. Blockages are removed by stimulating the movement of qi and blood, while deficiencies that have occurred from depletion over time, or due to constitution, are tonified and nourished. Each person is treated individually, taking into account the symptom patterns, Western medicine diagnosis, individualized assessment from an energetic perspective, and underlying constitution.
Balancing the Hormonal Cycle
Throughout the menstrual cycle, changes in reproductive physiology are matched by fluctuations of yin, yang, qi and blood reflected in the follicular, ovulatory, luteal, and menstrual phases. A detailed view this cycle allows for targeted treatment to optimize healthy menstrual and hormonal function.
Enhancing Fertility
Chinese medicine offers effective treatment for fertility support in both unexplained infertility and specifically diagnosed problems. Treatment has been shown to be helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing stress as well as improving ovarian reserve and function, and increasing uterine blood flow.
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are safely and effectively used during pregnancy for a variety of problems from the first trimester to labor and delivery. Women who receive acupuncture throughout their pregnancy often experience easier deliveries and a quicker recovery and the restoration of vitality postpartum.
Menarche and Menopause
Throughout a woman’s life, there are key times when dramatic hormonal changes occur, particularly at menarche, after pregnancy and childbirth, and at menopause. These times often mark major life transitions often with difficult mind/body shifts, but can also offer a “window” to influence health into the future.
Men’s Health
The two health issues most common to men are decreased fertility and prostate problems. Sperm issues are increasingly seen a major cause of infertility in the modern world. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine reports that male factor is responsible for about 1/3 of fertility problems in the U.S., female factor in another 1/3, and combined male and female issues are responsible for another 1/3. There is some very good research that has been done in support of the efficacy of Chinese medicine in the treatment of both fertility, prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer.
Male Fertility
Chinese herbs and acupuncture can be effectively used to enhance sperm quality in general, and especially useful when tests show issues with suboptimal sperm parameters such as motility and morphology. Treatment is best begun at least 3 months prior to trying to conceive, as it takes 75 to 90 days for sperm regeneration.
Prostate Health
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate gland enlargement is a common condition that may develop as men age, and according to Chinese medicine is often due to congestion of dampness and heat. Both BPH and prostate cancer have been shown to respond favorably to acupuncture and Chinese herbs.