Menopause
Acupuncture – an alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms
Menopause is a transformative stage in a woman’s life; a gateway to new harmony and well- being. Menopause is the transition from The Maiden who represents youth, vitality and fertility, to ‘The Crone’ or ‘Wise Woman’ representing wisdom, intuition and inner knowing. Menopause is a time for women to step back into their power! Be seen and valued.
Once a woman stops “wasting blood” – this blood can now nourish her Heart and prepare her for her role in society as a “wise woman” – a leader of her community.
What is the Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process, a natural part of ageing. It is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after your last period. This process can take many years and symptoms may appear gradually. This gradual change is called the peri menopause. Menopause usually occurs around the ages of 45 and 55. The average age is 51.
Signs and Symptoms
Some women pass easily through the menopause, but most will experience some symptoms to a greater or lesser degree. Some signs and symptoms include:
- Changes to your menstrual cycle
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia and sleep disruption
- Vaginal dryness
- Low mood
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Loss of energy
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
How we prepare for this stage is really important. If our lifestyle has been poor with high levels of stress, high alcohol consumption, poor diet, and sedentary, then it is more likely to be a challenging or chaotic time.
When the body is in balance and in good health, you can experience menopause positively. Bothersome symptoms often associated with menopause are minimised.
Menopause should not be seen as a loss of youth but rather as the potential gaining of wisdom and spiritual power. Flaws B (2005)
Conventional Treatment
The most common treatment for menopausal symptoms is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This can take the form of tablets, cream or gel, a skin patch or an implant. It works by replacing oestrogen and so relieves the symptoms that are caused by decreasing levels of oestrogen.
However, the side effects of HRT include weight gain, breast tenderness, nausea, headaches and mood changes. It is not recommended for women with a history of stroke or deep vein thrombosis, breast or endometrial cancer, or severe liver disease.
There is conflicting evidence as to the long-term safety of HRT. Some studies suggest an increase in the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Other studies show that it is safe and that these negative results are over-estimated.
How can I support you in this transition?
Acupuncture and good lifestyle choices help bring the body back into balance. This means that the body works more efficiently, lessening the physical and emotional symptoms. Find out more about acupuncture here
Research shows that “acupuncture is at least as effective, and sometimes superior to, hormonal drug treatment”.
Alongside acupuncture, I can support you in following a healthy lifestyle. This is based on ancient Chinese wisdom, maximising your chance of going through menopause with minimum amount of distress. This will set you up for good health for decades to come.
What can you do to help yourself?
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Avoid sugary processed foods that causes your blood sugar to spike. Keeping insulin levels stable can prevent or alleviate some of the symptoms.
- Exercise: or simply move more! A sedentary lifestyle can have a very negative impact on your health and well-being. There are many apps and devises, such as step counters, that can track your movement throughout the day.
- Rest and relaxation: Our modern lifestyle can be very stressful. We are constantly available. Giving time, even 10 minutes a day, to some sort of resting activity such as mediation, mindfulness exercises, reading or simply enjoying a cup of tea can have a really positive effect on health and well-being. You might find yourself in a better place to deal with the stresses in your life. Again, there are many apps available to help you with this.
Please contact me if you would like any further information or if you would like to book an appointment.
