Whilst I don’t just treat women, I’m not shy about saying my particular area of interest is women’s health. In fact, anyone who’s been to my South Yarra clinic or followed me on my socials for more than 2 minutes will know the topic comes up a lot. The female body regularly goes through huge hormonal shifts which can through the body out of balance, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments such as acupuncture for women’s health, herbal medicine and cupping can go a long way to supporting with a range of conditions and symptoms unique to the female body. But what exactly is ‘women’s health’ and how can TCM help support it?
What Is Women’s Health?
There are many definitions of what women’s health is. It can cover absolutely everything to do with women, including periods, headaches, osteoporosis, and arthritis or be strictly gynaecological. For me, women’s health refers to a collection of conditions that relate to the unique biochemical structure of a woman’s body. Some of the common conditions that come up with women in our clinic include:
- Menstrual Conditions: This can include everything from irregular periods, to painful periods and what’s healthy for your body (as opposed to what’s common)
- Menopause: Menopause is the time in your life 12 months after your last period, and usually happens when you’re around 50 years old. TCM treatments, such as acupuncture, can help support the various symptoms of menopause and perimenopause (the years in the lead up to your last period). These symptoms can include trouble sleeping, hot flushes, change in mood, depression, and a slowed metabolism
- Endometriosis: This is a condition in which tissue similar to the womb lining grows in other places such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: PCOS is where a woman’s body produces an abnormal amount of androgens (male sex hormones). Women usually only have a small amount and abnormalities can cause various small cysts on the ovaries
- Hormone Imbalances: There are a number of possible hormone imbalances with different symptoms. TCM can identify these and, through various treatments, help support your body to regain balance
Whilst this isn’t an exhaustive list, they’re some of the most common things clients usually come to me for, and as you can see, they’re a range of conditions that are unique to us as women. It will probably come as no surprise, that one of the first things either you or I might bring up is your period.
What Is a Healthy Period?
It’s not uncommon for me to ask about your cycle in order to identify any of the above conditions and to get a better overall view of your health. But there’s a lot of confusion around what’s a healthy period, what’s common for women to go through and how your health can be affecting your period.
Based on a natural cycle (so not one influenced by contraception such as the pill or IUD) your menstrual cycle can be anywhere between 26 and 35 days long. Not just the common 28 days you always hear about. It’s important your cycle is regular and isn’t 26 days one month and 35 the next.
Your period should also be bright red and painless. That’s right, painless. It’s very common for women to suffer from cramps and discomfort during their period but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. Pain can be a sign of imbalances, inflammation and possible hormonal disorders such as endometriosis. Similarly, darker-coloured blood can be an indication of low progesterone or iron and is a sign of stagnation.
Every woman is unique and her menstrual cycle can say a lot about her general health – so don’t be surprised (or embarrassed) when your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner delves into your body’s monthly workings.
Acupuncture for Women’s Health and Other Treatments
According to TCM, some women’s health issues are caused by Qi and blood stagnation. Qi is the body’s energy which runs along meridians (energy lines) that correspond to organs and control the flow of energy. When this flow is stagnant or blocked you may feel pain or discomfort.
In TCM endometriosis, for example, is caused by stagnant Qi and blood. Acupuncture and gentle exercise can help move stagnant liver Qi which removes tension and pain. This can help boost the body’s natural healing process.
When coming to the Which Doctor, many women also ask whether there are Chinese medicine herbs for PCOS or Chinese herbs for menopause night sweats. From a TCM perspective, we believe that your body (and actually everything in the world) is split into yin and yang, so that there’s perfect balance. As touched on above, believe that many women’s health conditions or symptoms are caused by imbalances. TCM treatments such as herbal medicine are therefore uniquely formulated for your body and health, to restore balance and support healing. By carrying out a thorough initial consultation, I’ll be able to suggest the best treatment for your body – whether that’s herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, lifestyle changes or a mixture of all of them.
Ready to Visit a TCM Practitioner?
Whether your menstrual cycle has recently changed, you have a question about acupuncture for irregular periods, or you’re starting menopause, get in touch today. I’ll answer any of your questions and do an assessment of your overall health. I’ll then be able to talk you through the best treatment for your unique body to support your well-being, happiness and general health.