Harmony Point Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Menopause

Acupuncture is based on a 3000 year old system of Chinese medicine whose practice continues in modern China and has spread to many parts of the world. An acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very thin needles into key points on the body. These points lie on meridian pathways that direct the flow of energy or “qi.” Acupuncture has traditionally been used to address a wide variety of ailments, and Chinese medicine has placed particular emphasis on women’s health.

It has been hypothesized that effectiveness of acupuncture on a broad range of conditions is due to needle-induced neurotransmitter release and the subsequent effect on physiological function (Wu, Clin. Neurol. Neurosur. 1990, Vol. 92, 13-25). Further studies have suggested that acupuncture can affect the menstrual cycle through the release of neuropeptides such as Beta-endorphin (Petti, et al, J. Trad. Chin. Med. 1998, Vol. 18, pp. 55-63). Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce activity of the symapthetic nervous system thereby inducing a more relaxed physiological state that can alter the circulation of blood to the uterus (Chang, et al, Fertility and Sterility, 2002, Vol. 78, p. 1149).

Menopause

Potential risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), (JAMA 2002, Vol. 288) have led many women to seek alternative treatments for physical and emotional symptoms that arise from the transition into menopause. According to Chinese medical theory these symptoms are manifested from a depletion of kidney yin (the more cooling, fluid aspect of the body) vs. kidney yang (the more warming and active aspect of the body). This depletion leads to the development of the typical symptoms which include:

• restlessness and agitation
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• irritability
• heavy menstrual bleeding

Depletion of kidney yin can occur at any time of life in either men or women. However, women during their mid-life years are particularly prone to this imbalance. Acupuncture and herbal treatment designed to restore kidney yin can bring incredible relief to patients suffering from the discomforts of menopause. One study reports acupuncture to be comparable to oral estradiol treatment for the relief of hot flashes (Climacteric, 2004;7(2):153-64). Other research shows acupuncture to be effective for the relief of hot flashes as well as menopause-related sleep disturbances (Holist. Nurs. Pract. 2003; 17(6):295-9).

-- Bethany Bechtel