{"id":16792,"date":"2020-02-17T12:44:04","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T11:44:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=16792"},"modified":"2020-02-17T12:44:04","modified_gmt":"2020-02-17T11:44:04","slug":"acupuncture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/acupuncture\/","title":{"rendered":"Chi-Rific: Acupuncture for Hormonal Imbalances"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reproductive health issues are an all too common occurrence. They range from frustrating, too painful, to downright heartbreaking. PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, difficulty conceiving, and painful menopausal symptoms are all prevalent in the world of reproductive healthcare. <\/span><\/p>\n

With such commanility, you would think there would be a reliable course of treatment. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not the case, leaving many people looking for alternative care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is TCM?<\/b><\/p>\n

Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest systems of medicine out there. With the growing intrigue in holistic healthcare, more and more people are turning to Acupuncture and other modalities. With good reason. It\u2019s incredibly effective.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For someone who is new or unfamiliar to acupuncture, it can seem a little hard to believe that sticking a bunch of tiny needles in you could make that much of a difference. This intelligent system has been used in China for at least 2500 years. So how does it work?<\/span><\/p>\n

Chinese medicine treats the body as a whole. If you\u2019re used to conventional doctors, you may be shocked at the thoroughness of your acupuncturist when it comes to new client intake. Expect them to ask about your sleep, digestion, bowel movements, menstruation, and many other areas that are often overlooked. <\/span><\/p>\n

They use assessment techniques like examining the film on your tongue, and their highly developed form of pulse diagnosis. Asking about menstruation is used as a diagnostic measure, and gives the practitioner a window into what\u2019s going on with their client\u2019s reproductive health.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Energetic Pathways<\/b><\/p>\n

The <\/span>Meridian network<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>are pathways that run through the body, allowing Chi, or Qi to run through them. <\/span>Qi<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>is the life force energy that runs through these channels. Along these meridian lines are acupuncture points. By inserting small needles into these points, stagnant Qi is able to be stimulated, and provide relief for everything from depression to sciatica. <\/span><\/p>\n

Through the use of acupuncture and other tools used by TCM practitioners, they are able to get to the root of the issue, instead of just masking problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chinese medicine is inextricably tied to nature. When observing the phases of the moon, as it waxes it grows larger to fullness and wanes back into the new moon. This cycle reflects the inner patterns of the female body, as Chi moves blood throughout the body, regulating the menstrual cycle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Menstrual Flow<\/b><\/p>\n

Although it may not seem obvious to the untrained eye, Chinese medicine works on the belief that these meridian lines link organs and different systems of the body, that are regulated through stimulating acupuncture points. PMS and other menstrual problems, is often a result of <\/span>liver Qi congestion<\/span>, <\/span>and is treated by addressing the source.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beta endorphins<\/a> <\/span>are a naturally occurring hormone produced in the central and parasympathetic nervous system that bind to opioid receptors, providing pain relief and relaxation. Research shows that <\/span>Acupuncture affects b-endorphin levels<\/a> <\/span>as well as promoting an anti-inflammatory response in the body-<\/span> positively impacting hormone levels to promote menstruation and fertility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Acupuncture makes you feel amazing. If you\u2019ve ever experienced an \u201cacu-coma\u201d the deep state of relaxation induced by treatment, you know the incredible stress-relieving effects it has. It promotes healthy levels of the stress hormones <\/span>cortisol<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and <\/span>prolactin<\/a><\/span>. <\/span>Common sense and research show that the less stressed someone is, the better their overall health. Stress is one of the main culprits in many issues related to reproductive health, which is why acupuncture is often used in conjunction with or in lieu of IVF.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A common belief in TCM, is that true \u201cinfertility\u201d is rare. Instead, fertility ranges on a spectrum, that oscillates through someone\u2019s life, and directly reflects their internal health. TCM practitioner Yu Jin found that chronic <\/span>anovulation<\/a><\/span>, <\/span>a possible reason for infertility, could be reversed in about 50% of cases through the use of acupuncture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acupuncture is only one component of Chinese medicine, some other modalities your practitioner may use include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n