The Benefits of Acupuncture: 4 Reasons Why Women Should Consider It

Acupuncture has been growing in popularity because of its holistic and natural approach to health and wellness. Originating over 2,500 years ago in ancient China, acupuncture involves the use of thin needles to prick the skin at  strategic locations to treat a variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions. The goal of acupuncture is to balance the flow of energy or qi (chee) through the body to heal and alleviate symptoms. For women especially, there are significant benefits to receiving regular acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture Helps Regulate the Menstrual Cycle

Contrary to popular belief, our periods don’t have to be painful, annoying or simply “dealt with” each month. Acupuncture is excellent in regulating the menstrual cycle! With regular treatment, many women experience easing of symptoms that commonly occur like moodiness, heavy bleeding, clotting, and low back pain. It’s truly possible to have a happier period with a healthy flow that ends as quietly as it began. Acupuncture is also effective in helping those with short, sporadic menstrual cycles. There are many treatment options that increase blood flow and regularity. In extreme cases, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in alleviating pains associated with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and severe emotional disturbances associated with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder).    

Acupuncture Offers Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Support

For women who want to start a family, acupuncture is extremely helpful. Acupuncture is so effective in facilitating healthy and regular menstrual cycles that it lends itself to creating the ideal environment for conception. By improving blood flow and addressing underlying conditions, the chances of conception increase. We have all heard the advice “you have to be relaxed to get pregnant.” In many ways, this is true. Acupuncture not only supports the body, it supports our minds and our emotional well-being. One of my favorite acupuncture points for women is called Happy Calm. Not only does this point facilitate the smooth flow of blood, it also creates ease in the emotional state of the patient. A win/win for ladies hoping to become mothers!

Because acupuncture is drug free, it is also safe and effective to receive treatments during pregnancy. Just a few needles can alleviate symptoms like morning sickness, back pain, swelling and fatigue. There are also treatments that support the baby as well, increasing the fluids and transformation of vital nutrients.

As a woman’s due date approaches, acupuncture is an option to help turn breech babies and induce labor naturally and safely. Once the baby arrives earth-side, acupuncture is helpful in boosting milk production, as well as replenishing fluids and energy lost during delivery. There’s a lovely treatment that I offer to postpartum moms that warms the abdomen and lower back. It’s like hitting the reset button on our energy, which is exactly what every new mother needs.

Acupuncture Treatments Relieve Symptoms of Menopause

Many symptoms show up during menopause, such as irregular spotting, hot flashes, and mood swings. Did you know that there is a specific system in acupuncture that regulates our internal temperature? Treatment of this system with acupuncture greatly reduces the drastic temperature changes ladies experience during menopause. Similarly, with the effectiveness of acupuncture for the menstrual cycle, spotting and emotional changes can also be shifted and eased with regular treatment.

Acupuncture Is An Effective Way to Treat Stress Management

Women tend to take on a lot of responsibility. We work, keep homes, have families. We do it all.  And with all of those responsibilities, stress can become overwhelming.  And “stress” is such a broad term.  Some may experience headaches, muscle tension, stomach upset, gastrointestinal upset, jaw pain, disturbed sleep and a whole host of other symptoms. One of the main benefits of acupuncture is that treatments address more than physical symptoms. Women will also experience supportive listening and tools to help navigate their emotions.

A version of this article was included in the Winter 2016 print issue of Sass Magazine.