Women's Health
Fertility & IVF Support
Women’s health is perhaps one of the most complicated areas of medicine both from a Western and Eastern perspective.
For women, the cycle of life is a complex cascade of monthly events in the body, that all need to be in synch, that results in the woman’s ability to have a regular pain free period until such time as she is ready to fall pregnant (and sustain that pregnancy). We understand from a Western medicine perspective the complex physiological processes of chemical and hormonal pathways that orchestrates this cycle of life and birth for a woman.
Unfortunately, for many women this is not their reality. Many women are plagued each month with a dysfunctional menstrual cycle from conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS. They live with monthly debilitating pain, irregular cycles, heavy uterine bleeding and a slew of monthly hormonal mood fluctuations that see them thinking an alien has invaded their body and taken control of them. And worst of all, for some women wishing to start a family these conditions make falling pregnant seem like an impossible dream.
Western medicine offers a range of treatments such as surgery, pain management and medication, and hormonal implants to stop the period, which does not treat the root cause of the problem and which then also precludes women from getting pregnant if that is their goal.
So what does Acupuncture and Chinese medicine do differently. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work hand in hand to assist the body to bring the imbalances back to balance and harmony. Chinese medicine seeks to address the symptoms of disease but also looks to address the root cause. This system has been in use for thousands of years, being one of the longest continuous medical systems in the world today.
In the last 50 years there has been an increase in research to the mechanism of TCM, particularly in regards to women’s health. In a review of the research on PCOS it was found that acupuncture can assist to balance out hormones,
such as lowering testosterone levels and regulating ovulation, thus increasing the chance of a successful pregnancy.
To get the best outcome, Caloundra Acupuncture has a special detailed Initial Assessment form. Besides traditional Chinese medical assessment, I pay attention to clients’ western medical data, such as hormone levels, function of ovary, and male sperm analysis. Incorporating this data, I am better able to understand your condition and develop a more effective treatment plan. Using Western medical data, I can also more objectively assess the results of each treatment cycle and allow you to better understand the progress. I always request clients to bring their BBT chart and other data to us as references.
Treatment is based on these combined findings, signs and symptoms through the lens of Chinese Medicine diagnosis to reflect your unique and individual needs. With fertility I work with your cycle, so weekly treatments are recommended. Herbs and supplements may be recommended if necessary. Diet, lifestyle and exercise is in integral part of treatment and will be discussed during treatment. Treatment is usually 4 to 6 months dependent on the severity of your condition.
I work with Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine (where applicable), diet, lifestyle and exercise recommendations.
Do you experience any of these signs and symptoms?
Make contact with Caloundra Acupuncture to see how we can work together.
Menopause
Women’s health is perhaps one of the most complicated areas of medicine both from a Western and Eastern perspective.
I’ve heard the story many times. You had been travelling along really well in your life, gotten to an age where you are comfortable in your own skin and then suddenly your body starts to go haywire.
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Hot flushes
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Night sweats
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Emotional vulnerability
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Sleep disturbances
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Fatigue
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Cognitive changes
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Joint pain
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Vaginal dryness and loss of sexual desire
Peri-menopause or menopause has reared its head in the worst way possible. Fortunately, menopause is not a disease.
It is a natural transition of the body that signals the end of reproductive life. Many women report that these side effects are debilitating on their quality of life.
If you are looking to reduce the side effects of menopause and get your life back on track, acupuncture has been shown to effective.
In a recent study, acupuncture was found to reduce the side effects of menopausal symptoms in 80% of the women after 6 weeks (1).
So if you are looking for a natural solution to the symptoms you are experiencing.
Call to find out how we can help you.
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Lund KS, Siersma V, Brodersen J, et al. Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms: a pragmatic randomised study in primary care (the ACOM study). BMJ Open 2019;9:e023637. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023637