As many women approach menopause, they start to experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. While Western medicine typically relies on hormone therapy to address these issues, Chinese medicines offer a more holistic approach.
Chinese medicines have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and massage are just some of the tools that practitioners may use to help ease their patients' symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Menopause
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is seen as a natural transition that every woman will experience. During this time, a woman's body is going through many changes, and TCM can help to ease some of the symptoms that may occur. There are a number of herbs and acupuncture points that are used to help manage menopause. The most commonly used herbs include:
- Dong quai (angelica sinensis): Used to tonify the blood and help with any associated symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or headaches.
- Chai hu (bupleurum): Used to calm the liver and help with any associated symptoms such as irritability, anxiety or insomnia.
- Bai shao (white peony): Used to nourish the blood and help with any associated symptoms such as hot flushes or night sweats.
Acupuncture points that are commonly used include:
- SP6 (san yin jiao): For balancing hormones and helping with hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbances.
Acupuncture for Menopause
Acupuncture is a popular form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat a variety of health conditions for centuries. More recently, acupuncture has been gaining popularity as a treatment for menopause.
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for menopause symptom relief. A 2012 study found that acupuncture was effective in reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances in perimenopausal women.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles. This stimulation helps to release chemicals in the brain that can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce menopausal symptoms.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture for menopause symptom relief, be sure to consult with a licensed acupuncturist in Sydney who has experience treating menopausal women.
Conclusion
Chinese medicines have been used for centuries to manage menopause. The most common herbs used are ginseng, ginger, and licorice. These herbs are believed to help with hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. Chinese medicine is a holistic approach that looks at the whole person rather than just the symptoms. For more information, contact us on info@joyfultcm.com
