Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States.
Menopause is a natural biological process. But the physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, and emotional symptoms of menopause may disrupt your sleep, lower your energy, or affect emotional health.
Symptoms
In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms:
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness
Hot flashes
Chills
Night sweats
Sleep problems
Mood changes
Weight gain and slowed metabolism
Thinning hair and dry skin
Loss of breast fullness
[courtesy of mayoclinic.org]
A recent study that was done in the UK has shown that acupuncture treatments produced a fast and clinically relevant reduction in moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms during the six-week intervention. No severe adverse effects were reported. (Read the full study here)
How can Acupuncture help menopause symptoms:
Energy balance
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) via acupuncture needles can restore balance to the body's energy flow, or chi, which can help with hot flashes if it becomes unbalanced.
Stimulating pathways
Acupuncture needles can stimulate pathways in the skin that travel to the spinal cord and brain, which can increase endorphins and other chemicals that help unblock trapped energy.
Opioid system
Acupuncture may affect the opioid system, which may be connected to the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a vasodilator and sweat gland activator that increases plasma during hot flashes.
Hormones
Acupuncture may also affect hormones related to menopause and sleep, such as estrogen and melatonin. For example, stimulating a point on the inner ankle with an acupuncture needle may stimulate the body to produce more estrogen.
Cooling processes
Acupuncture can target specific points on the body to encourage natural cooling processes and promote relaxation. For example, auricular acupuncture, which focuses on points on the ear, may help regulate internal temperature.
If you are struggling with menopause symptoms, call us today or request an appointment online to learn more about Jade Star and how we can help you.
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