Women’s Health
It’s no surprise that the main health conditions concerning women relate to menstruation, infertility, pregnancy/ childbirth, and menopause. Sustaining a state of equilibrium whilst the body undergoes significant changes, such as the beginning of menstruation, during the monthly menstrual cycle, or at the end of childbearing years, can be especially difficult. Traditional East Asian Medicine aims to help women by protecting their bodies from contracting illness and by sustaining good physical and emotional health.
“If a woman can maintain a proper lifestyle and not allow stress to overcome her, then health issues will be little to nonexistent. Diet and exercise is, above all, the most important way to maintain a healthy body. “
Menstruation
According to Traditional East Asian Medicine, menstruation is made possible by two main meridians in the body: the Spleen and the Liver. The Spleen creates blood through the consumption of food, and the liver, in turn, stores the blood in the body, preparing it for the monthly cycle. A ‘normal cycle’ is condisidered to be 28 days long without pain, bloating, or emotional swings prior to onset. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The most common issues encountered during the menstrual cycle are pain, bloating, mood swings, headaches, clots, breast distention and PMT (pre or post menstrual tension).
Symptoms of menstrual dysfunction include abnormal and inconsistent flows, a dark discharge color, painful cramps, and fevers. Amenorrhea, or absence of menses, is considered to be one of the worst disorders for women because it is more likely to cause infertility. If blood cannot flow freely through the uterus, then blood stagnation will result in infertility. If the uterus is too cold, it is virtually impossible for life to grow. Cold uterus disorder is one of the leading causes of reproductive problems and inability to conceive.
Menopause
Menopause plays a significant role in the latter part of a woman’s life, which signifies the end of her fertile, childbearing years. In TEAM, menopause is a natural ending to the childbearing years, involving a slow and gradual decline of Qi and Blood in the reproductive meridians and the exhausting of their resources.
The kidney is consiered to be the most important organ in regards to menstruation and menopause. Most menopausal women fit into the Kidney and Liver Yin deficiency pattern, which manifests as hot flashes and profuse sweating, emotional instability or moodiness, sleep disturbances, forgetfulness, and, at times, an inability to concentrate.
Acupuncture and the use of herbal remedies are a great way to treat menopausal symptoms.