AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2001

A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO BETTER HEATLTH THROUGH ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Many women suffer from menstrual difficulties for which Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine) can help provide a solution. The information below could prove useful for you or someone you know.

ACUPUNCTURE AND MENSTRUATION

One of the most common complaints is period pain (dysmenorrhoea). Other symptoms can include sore breasts, irritability and mood swings, headaches, water retention and weight gain at certain times during the cycle. Whilst diet and lifestyle can be contributory factors, treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help alleviate and even banish these symptoms by resolving the underlying cause.

Many women find that period pain can be accompanied by either scanty or absent periods, or excessive blood flow, possibly with clots. TCM has been demonstrated to regulate blood flow in many cases.

A hysterectomy is often the only conventional solution offered for heavy periods (menorrhagia). Such invasive treatment can be avoided if menstruation can be regulated more effectively. As mentioned above, TCM has been shown to regulate blood flow, thus giving a welcome alternative to surgery.

ACUPUNCTURE AND FERTILITY

When a woman of childbearing age has difficulties with conception, even if her partner is fertile, it can place a great strain on the couple’s relationship. Conventional treatment may involve hormone treatment or expensive therapy with limited success. TCM is a cost-effective way to treat infertility and can often bear fruit. Not only that, other apparently unrelated symptoms can often disappear.

ACUPUNCTURE AND PREGNANCY

TCM has proved to be effective in managing pregnancy and helping with such symptoms as morning sickness, back pain and even threatened miscarriage. TCM can also support the health of the mother and child in the final stages of labour and childbirth.

ACUPUNCTURE AND THE MENOPAUSE

The menopause can sometimes be accompanied by distressing symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, headaches, tiredness and vaginal dryness. TCM provides a natural, and often successful, alternative to HRT, but without the worrying side effects.

In addition to addressing unpleasant menopausal symptoms, the holistic approach of TCM, using acupuncture and herbal therapy can lead to an overall sense of well being and an improvement in general health.

TCM DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

The initial examination includes the gathering of information on:

Your symptoms, medical and family history and lifestyle, including sleeping patterns, appetite, digestion and lifestyle

Diagnosis involves taking the wrist pulse at 12 different locations, which helps detect any energetic imbalance. An examination of the tongue also gives a good guide to your physical health.

Acupuncture treatment involves the use of fine, stainless steel disposable needles at acupuncture points. Sometimes the application of gentle heat with a smokeless herbal stick (moxibustion) or a heat lamp may be used. Herbal treatment includes medically safe and proven Chinese herbal prescriptions of tablets or loose herbs known for their curative effect.

The role of diet, exercise and lifestyle may be discussed to support the goal of an ongoing cure or symptom management in daily life.

If you would like my advice on any health issues before deciding to come for treatment, please do not hesitate to give me a call on 020 7487 4568. Alternatively you can reach me on my mobile 07870 188 926.