Chinese Medicine and Women's Health: How Can It Help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine, the oldest continuous medical science in the world, offers effective means to improve women’s health. Herbal medicine supports, balances and strengthens all of the body’s physiological systems, and its ability to treat the hormonal and immune systems presents a vital therapy for most menstrual problems and immuno-deficiencies such as acute and chronic viral, bacterial, and Candida yeast infections. By addressing the fundamental processes of disease, herbal medicine achieves impressive successes in treating a broad range of internal and metabolic illnesses.

Acupuncture treats many gynecological ailments, and is especially useful against menstrual cramps, headaches, and pain of any kind. It is the primary treatment, with acupressure massage, for musculoskeletal imbalances, neurological disorders and sports medicine.

While Western medicine excels in emergency and critical intervention, and provides technological diagnostics, Traditional Chinese Medicine can complement or replace drug therapies in the treatment of chronic illness and in long-term health maintenance.

What to Expect When Menopause Arrives and What You Can Do to Relieve the Symptoms

Menopause is defined as the time when a woman no longer has monthly menstrual periods for one whole year. Normally experienced after the age of 40, this stage is a natural part of every woman’s life. No two women experience menopause the same way—one woman may suffer from many symptoms, while another may not experience any at all. In the months or years that lead to menopause (perimenopause), many women experience the following symptoms:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Difficulty sleeping or sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• Loss of breast fullness
• Thinning hair
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased fertility

After a woman reaches full menopause, the ovaries cease releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen. Bladder control problems, headaches, joint pains, and irritability are common symptoms that can affect women in conjunction with the others during this stage.

If you are suffering from menopause symptoms, there are things that you can do to help find relief. Eating healthy foods will give you energy and keep you physically and emotionally balanced. Limiting your consumption of alcohol and caffeine can help you to sleep without disturbances. If you are overweight, consider working to shed those excess pounds—losing weight may help with hot flashes. Regular exercise may help you to manage your weight, sleep soundly, and improve your mood. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or acupuncture will also help you cope with your symptoms.