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Acupuncture Alternative For Women With Menopause
2005: Volume
2, Number 1
John Paul Liang, M.S.O.M., L.Ac.
Menopause is a
natural stage in a woman’s life when the
production of hormones in the body decreases and
menstruation and egg production eventually
ceases. This process usually affects women
somewhere between the ages of 45 and 55 years.
During this life stage, many women experience
symptoms that include hot flashes, night
sweating, mood changes, insomnia, depression,
anxiety, irregular periods and sexual disorders.
For years, women have turned to hormone
replacement therapy (HRT), as an effective
treatment to help eliminate the symptoms of
menopause. However,
recent research has indicated that HRT
has potential risks that include an in-crease in
heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. With this
concerning information, many women are looking
for other alternatives therapies. Some of these
have included acupuncture, herbal medicine, and
natural dietary supplements.
Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been
the major form of medicine in China for over
3,000 years. Chinese hospitals today utilize a
combined approach of both Oriental and medicine.
This trend is spreading to the United States.
According to the National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, research
shows that acupuncture releases pain-killing
biochemical’s in the body —endorphins—that
stimulate the central nervous system, and help
regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow,
and brain chemical release. (1)
Acupuncture is
based on two major theories: yin/yang theory and
five element theory.
The yin/yang
theory is based on balance. Individuals become
sick when there is an imbalance between yin and
yang within the body. Yin is the less active,
darker, cold, and quiet component while yang is
the more active, lighter, hot, and aggressive
component. As shown in Figure 1, as long as
these two opposites support and control each
other, the individual stays healthy. Many
problems arise when one component overpowers the
other, resulting in various symptomatic
manifestations.
The second theory of five elements is based on
nature. Similar to the yin/ yang theory, the
five element theory is based on the balance of
the organs within the body. The body is treated
as a whole, and therefore many organs are
affected by the conditions of other parts of the
body.
Acupuncture Theory In
Relation
To
Menopause
In females who
experience menopause symptoms, one of the most
common conditions includes a low level of yin
within the kidney system. Because yin is related
to cold and inactivity, a relatively low level
of yin compared to yang will cause the
individual to feel hot or have hot flashes and
night sweats (Figure 2).
Treatment of
Menopause
The goal of acupuncture and herbal medicine
is to reestablish the balance between yin and
yang by raising the yin component of the body.
Once the yin or cold component is strengthened,
then the woman experiences fewer hot flashes and
less insomnia. Many other natural dietary
supplements also work to establish the same
balance. Nutritional and herbal supplements may
be used along with the acupuncture to re-store
balance.
In a recent review of 7 patients at the American
College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, (2)
women who received acupuncture treatments
received noticeable results. The women, whose
ranged in from 43 to 57, were given acupuncture
treatment one to two times per week along with
herbal supplements. The symptoms experienced
included irritability, low energy, hot flashes,
insomnia, dry mouth, depression, night sweats,
and anxiety. Some women just started with
treatment and received 4 total treatments, while
others have been more regular with more than 20
treatments. Of the 7 patients, one noticed a
slight improvement, 5 noticed an improvement,
and one patient does not have any more symptoms
and comes in for maintenance and prevention.
Conclusion
There are many factors that contribute to
the effectiveness of acupuncture in the
treatment of menopausal symptoms. The goal of
Oriental medicine is to re-establish the balance
between yin and yang that is lost when women
reach menopausal stage. Many new research and
clinical studies are underway to further search
for alternative treatments for women with
menopause. Women
should consult with their physicians before
trying any new modalities.
For more
information, please contact
the American College of Acupuncture &
Oriental Medicine.
References
1. What is Complementary and Alternative
Medicine? NCCAM Publication No D156, May 2002.
2. Unpublished Research Project, American
College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, 2004 |
