In what ways can acupuncture support a woman’s health?
Acupuncture has been proven effective in treating a variety of conditions from helping to relieve nausea during pregnancy, to supporting fertility, to relieving pain associated with periods, and even reducing menopause symptoms. More on each of these below.
- Pregnancy: Nausea during pregnancy, or hyperemesis, is a common condition. Studies show that acupuncture can be helpful, in addition to other medications, in relieving nausea. There is a pressure point, Pericardium 6 (P6), found on the inside of the wrist, that connects the meridian along the arm, up into the chest and upper abdomen. By applying specific pressure to the point, it can help to relieve nausea.
- Fertility: According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, acupuncture may help relieve some of the side effects associated with fertility drugs (such as bloating and nausea) and promote relaxation. Research also shows that for patients undergoing In Vitro Fertilization, utilizing acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer can aid in increasing pregnancy rates.
- Pain Conditions: Acupuncture has been proven in studies to help with conditions like dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), adenomyosis, and endometriosis. Pain is regulated through our nervous system, and our nervous system is made up of energy. When that energy becomes blocked, we can experience pain. Acupuncture has been shown to help unblock the energy and trigger the release of endorphins to help with pain management.
- Menopause: During menopause, women experience a drop in estrogen levels and a spike in cortisol levels. Acupuncture can target the adrenal gland and help reduce cortisol levels, which in turn can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances.
Acupuncture Services at West End Women’s Health
Overall, acupuncture is a safe treatment that can be effective for many women. Acupuncture is best when used in combination with other therapies to help alleviate symptoms. At West End Women’s Health, we offer support for women’s health and hormones. Our registered acupuncturists take the tiime to understand your health and wellness needs to customize a treatment specific to you.
