Acupuncture for menopause

 Menopause is a natural phenomenon in a woman’s life between 45-55 and signifies the end of her periods and fertile years. Changing hormone levels bring about changes in the body like feeling hotter, increased dryness and thinning of hair, due to decreasing oestrogen levels.

For one woman it may be a smooth transition where for another it can cause an array of symptoms that interferes with daily life or can even be quite disruptive and debilitating. Hot flushes, night sweats to the point of drenching the bedlinen several times a night, mood swings, irritability, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, fatigue and poor memory or ‘brain fog’ can all result from going through the menopause.

There is a difference in menopausal symptoms between the West and the East. Women in countries like Japan and China suffer less then women in Europe and USA. Diet and lifestyle play an important role in preventing and managing menopausal symptoms.

In Chinese medicine menstruation is related to the Kidney function. The Kidney is the organ that nourishes all other systems in the body. As we age, Kidney Qi decreases and in menopause its essence diminishes. There is less fluid to nourish the rest of the body, leading to more heat and dryness.

Acupuncture focuses on regulating Kidney function so it can nourish other organs in return. The Liver plays a central role in regulating emotions and when it is too string it has an impact on other organ functions. Acupuncture can smooth the Liver Qi and restore the balance.