Traditional Chinese Medicine for
Women's Health
Acupuncture, TCM herbal medicine, or both?
Acupuncture is wonderful for treating mild to moderate menstrual irregularities, pain, premenstrual syndrome, and hot flashes. If your symptoms are more severe or long term, you will need TCM herbal medicine in order to resolve them effectively. In most cases, the best course of action is to utilize both acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine for comprehensive and lasting results. For acupuncture, see Mara or Sean. For TCM herbal medicine, see Sean.
Fibroids, Cysts, PCOS, Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis are all distinct disease diagnoses, so it may not seem right to group them together. However, in Chinese Medicine they are all understood as different branches of the same root pathology. TCM herbal medicine is highly effective at addressing these conditions, and we have seen significant reduction of pain, fibroid size, cyst size and frequency, and cycle irregularity in women treated with TCM herbal medicine at our clinic. Duration of treatment varies by the severity of cases, but most women see noticeable reduction in pain in 2-4 weeks and reduction of fibroid and cyst size in 12 weeks.
As a result of our experience with these conditions, office visits do not need to be as frequent as some other health conditions we see. Generally we will have you see Sean for an initial visit, follow up at week 2 and week 4, and then week 8 and 12. Some cases will resolve faster, some can take more time. Weekly acupuncture visits with Sean or Mara are a great way to speed up the healing process even more.
Premenstrual Syndrome, PMS & PMDD, Menstrual Irregularity and Pain
Altered moods throughout the menstrual cycle, menstrual cramps and pain, menstrual irregularity, and feelings of anxiety and depression related to menses can all be treated effectively with acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine. For mild to moderate cases, weekly acupuncture for 6 to 12 weeks is often effective to regain balance. TCM herbal medicine can bring about a swifter change in mild to moderate cases, and is necessary in severe and protracted cases. Office visits are every 1-2 weeks for the first 6 to 8 weeks depending on the response to treatment.
Low Libido, Vaginal Dryness, Painful Intercourse
Yeast infections/Candida and UTIs
Chronic yeast infections can be treated effectively with TCM herbal medicine--if prescribed correctly. We have found that for successful and lasting treatment, the body's innate immune defenses need to be strengthened at the same time as using gentle anti-fungal and anti-parasitic herbs to push the yeast out and weaken its stronghold in the body ecosystem. Most treatments for candida overgrowth make use of either harsh herbs or medications to "kill" the pathogen. However, this type of treatment weakens the innate immune function and healthy biome at the same time, making it easier for the yeast to come back. For long term success, it is best to avoid dependence on anti-fungal medications as well as herbs like black walnut, Pau d'Arco, neem, oregano oil, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, etc, and pursue a solution that bolsters the body against further infection.
Our approach to chronic UTI is similar to the approach described above. Overuse of antibiotics and even antibiotic herbs (Ba Zheng San, goldenrod, berberine, etc) can lead to a cycle of recurrence.
Using TCM herbal medicine, acute symptoms of a UTI or yeast infection may be resolved in the few days to a week. Treatment of chronic or recurrent infections can take up to six months, typically with office visits for reassessment every two to four weeks.
Women can experience low libido, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, diminished enjoyment of sex and difficulty achieving orgasm at any age and for a variety of reasons. Acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine are effective tools for improving sexual health. Acupuncture treatment can improve blood flow, nerve function and sensitivity, and relieve pelvic floor tension, and strengthen and tone pelvic floor muscles. TCM herbal medicine works to strongly stimulate blood flow, fluid metabolism and production, relieve pain, and nourishes hormonal vitality and metabolic energy to provide the necessary energy for sexual activity.
These symptoms vary widely in their severity and are often concurrent with other concerns, so a timetable for treatment differs case by case. Expect to be coming in for a minimum of 6-12 weeks.
Loss of desire for and enjoyment of sex can also be part of a larger emotional, physcological, or spiritual hurt.
Acupuncture and TCM herbal medicine address the somatic manifestions of trauma and emotional injury, which is often pivotal in the healing process.