Chinese medicine has a long history of treating menopausal symptoms with herbal formulas and acupuncture. Chinese medicine views menopause as a natural transition in a woman's life and aims to ease the associated symptoms to allow for a smooth transition. Some key things to know:
- Common menopausal symptoms that Chinese medicine treats effectively include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, insomnia, fatigue, vaginal dryness, low libido, and joint pain.
- Acupuncture has been shown in studies to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats. It works by balancing hormones and energy flow throughout the body.
- Chinese herbal formulas containing herbs like dong quai, peony, chaste tree berry, and rehmannia can ease multiple menopausal symptoms. The customized herbal formulas balance hormones and target specific symptoms.
- Lifestyle adjustments like drinking cooling teas, eating hormone-balancing foods, meditating, and trying acupressure are also important components of treating menopause in Chinese medicine.
- Treatment plans are customized to each woman's unique pattern of symptoms and energy imbalance. No two treatment plans look exactly the same.
Some key studies on Chinese medicine for menopause:
- Randomized trials found acupuncture significantly reduced hot flash frequency and severity versus sham acupuncture or no treatment. The effects lasted up to 3 months after finishing treatment.
- Multiple studies found herbal medicine provided symptom relief on par with low-dose hormone therapy for hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, etc. Herbs had few side effects and lowered blood pressure.
- Both acupuncture and herbal medicine showed positive effects on quality of life measurements related to menopause in several studies.
In conclusion, yes - Chinese medicine including
acupuncture,
custom herbal formulas, and
lifestyle adjustments can effectively help ease
menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life during this transition. The natural therapies promote hormonal balance without risky side effects.
For those interested in exploring Chinese medicine options for menopause,
Horizon Hormone Therapy specializes in customized treatment plans. Mention this post for 10% off your first acupuncture or herbal consultation!
