As women age, they expect to deal with a range of minor and serious health concerns, but menopause brings on many emotional and physical changes that can be annoying to unbearable. The fluctuation of hormones varies wildly during peri-menopause, and post-menopause, low levels of estrogen and progesterone create problems. Those issues include hot flashes, waning libido, weight gain, sleep disturbances, mental fog or lack of concentration, depression and anxiety. For some, HRT is the answer. While it can be a successful short-term solution, there are many other options that give the same relief without the side-effects or increased possibility of estrogen-fed cancerous tumors. Chinese herbs, massage, lifestyle and dietary changes, exercise, and acupuncture offer surprising benefits and relief. There is documented evidence that these methods have been used successfully in women’s health dating back to 3 A.D.
Women know menopause as the cessation of ovulation and signals the end of the women’s childbearing years. Yet, in Chinese medicine, menopause is the body shifting from the letting of monthly blood to the preservation of blood and energy to nourish the aging body. In menopause, the blood and energy circulates in a manner, via the kidneys, to maximize a woman’s vitality, spirit, and longevity. To allow this increase in well-being and endurance to occur, the energy must be free to create it. Through acupuncture, the Qi (energy) releases, creating favorable circulation.
Acupuncture simply works to open neurological pathways blocked by inflammation, injury, stress or other chronic problems. The specific points just below the skin, when stimulated by the hair-thin needles, allow the free flow of energy. When energy is no longer blocked, healing and optimum body functions return. Since menopause is a whole-body issue, there are points on a woman’s arms, legs, shoulders and sometimes her feet where acupuncture needles are used. Many women find the practice relaxing and fall asleep during treatment, waking refreshed with noticeable relief of their symptoms.
It is my mission to create wellness, freedom from pain, and feelings of well-being in my patients. Come in and start healing your menopause issues today!
Dr. Koh is one of a few select doctors of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (DAOM) in the U.S. Dr. Koh has extensive experience as an educator, currently being a Professor at Stanton University. For more information, please call 661-257-1233.