Acupuncture and the Menopause

Like all aspects of health in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the menopause is related to balance in the body and is viewed as a natural physiological process that happens to all women. It is seen as a new phase which marks the end of our reproductive life.

Whilst it is not a pathological process, for some women it can be a challenging period, where there may be a number of changes, both physical and emotional.

The menopause can give rise to physical symptoms such as:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• insomnia
• tiredness
• aches and pains
• headaches
• palpitations
• genital and urinary problems
• low libido
• weight gain

and emotional symptoms such as:

• anxiety
• depression
• sadness for the loss of fertility
• irritability
• mood swings

Some women find Hormone Replacement Therapy helpful at this time, but it may not suit everyone. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective in treating hot flushes and symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with the menopause, and one study by Grille et al suggests that acupuncture therapy has a similar effect on hormones circulating in the blood as hormone replacement therapy.

As Acupuncture treats every person as an individual, whilst taking into account individual symptoms, it can help bring the body back into balance, making this transition easier and allowing you to embrace and enjoy this new and exciting period of your life.