Acupuncture Treatment for Menopause

You might have heard of the wonderful benefits of acupuncture to our health. But do you know that acupuncture treatment can also help in menopause?

We all want to feel good during menopause. We want to carry on with tasks and live freely without the nuisance of menopause symptoms. In today’s time, we have plenty of choices to improve life and minimize, or totally eliminate the symptoms of menopause. We can use herbal supplements, medications and go through hormone therapy.

If you’re curious about acupuncture, this article will dish on everything about this ancient healing practice!

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, from the Latin word ‘acus’ (needle) and ‘punctura’ (to puncture), is an alternative cure that was created more than 2,500 years ago. It’s the stimulation of specific acupuncture points or anatomical points beneath the skin by using needles. Clinical practice of acupuncture differs around the world, which is sometimes accompanied by the use of heat, pressure or laser on the acupuncture points.

There is no record showing when this technique was first used. However, it is believed to have originated in ancient China. Theories claim that it was created even before the Stone Age. Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and which according to them is the correction of the imbalanced flow of Qi by the acupuncture of the body points known as meridians.

The use of acupuncture treatment can ease a range of conditions but is commonly considered to relief pain. Only in seldom cases acupuncture is used alone, most of the time it is accompanied by other forms of treatment.

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Acupuncture Treatment for Menopause Symptom Relief

The goal of acupuncture treatment in menopausal women is to minimize or eliminate physical and emotional symptoms. Several studies have shown significant results that acupuncture helps women alleviate the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia and depression. Compared to artificial medications or taking hormonal replacement therapies, acupuncture shows the least adverse effects.

In one study, experts proved that women who considered the use of acupuncture experienced a radical decrease in hot flashes in just 3 months. In addition, the positive results are regardless of the dosage taken, the number of sessions acquired or the length of medication.

Another early study conducted in the early ’70s also showed extremely affirmative results. The research is one of the earliest studies conducted in the United States around 1997 to 1999. It was a study conducted by Dr. Susan Cohen, D.S.N., APRN, associate professor of the University of Pittsburgh, which tried to prove the effects of acupuncture in hot flashes, nervousness and insomnia. It showed that during acupuncture treatment, episodes of hot flashes reduced by 35%, while 50% to those experiencing insomnia.

Experts have not yet provided facts on how acupuncture helps alleviate the symptoms of menopause. However, they concluded that it was due to the reduction of the beta-endorphin concentration (a neuropeptide in the central peripheral nervous system). These neuropeptides are included in the hypothalamus, the part of our brain that regulates body temperature. If the levels of beta-endorphin are lowered, it would consequence in the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) that results in the regulation of the body temperature.

Watch this interesting video by Mayo Clinic as Polly Gilgenbach relates how she opted to take acupuncture treatment for her hot flashes [2:01].

How Acupuncture Treatment is Done

The procedure involves the insertion of needles in the meridians or acupuncture points along the arms, legs, back, shoulder even toes. The initial feeling would be sensitivity as insertions of the needles begin. There will be a little discomfort but will turn to relaxation when the needles are finally placed. The needles are too thin that they can go as deep as the inserted part of the needle will reach up to its middle length.

The span of every acupuncture treatment varies depending on the illness or severity. The usual length ranges from 5-30 minutes every session for once to twice a week. Other women already feel the change and relief on the very first day of treatment, while in cases that are more severe, a longer span of treatment is required.

Menopause Taylor, together with acupuncturist, Dr. Sadhna Singh explains how acupuncture treatment can help relieve menopause symptoms. Dr. Singh will also demonstrate how it’s done! [21:24]

Find a Qualified Acupuncturist

Clinical practice of acupuncture requires professional and intricate training. License and certification are required to legally practice acupuncture. Modern acupuncture also involves consultation, which will be followed by inspection of pulse, breathing and tongue. The first session usually lasts to 60 minutes that will be followed by several more sessions about 6-12 treatments that may take a few months. Most acupuncturists think that one session is not enough.

In most countries and states, the practice of acupuncture is regulated to assure the safety and legitimacy of procedures. Acupuncture is a medicinal art that is enhanced for thousand of years, and its professional skills are acquired through years of practice. Find a certified acupuncturist to help you ease the symptoms of menopause.
You can go to this site for further information Acufinder.

Afraid of needles but want to try acupuncture? According to people who’ve tried it, you’ll only feel a little sting, but it doesn’t really hurt. What are your thoughts on this? Share in the comment box below!