Women’s Health

Menopause Syndrome: Menopause itself is a natural process. The “menopause syndrome” of hot flashes, irritability, vaginal dryness, cravings, poor sleep, etc. are not. In America, we are not used to preparing ourselves for menopause and its changes like they do in Asian cultures. Luckily, we can use several months of herbal formulas as well as a couple months of acupuncture treatment plus food therapy to turn this around. You may be on a couple formulas at one time and they will be adjusted as your symptoms change and drop off.

PMS/PMDD- Did you know that you shouldn’t even feel your period? It’s unimaginable, right? But it’s the truth. PMS and PMDD are very distressing syndromes and seem to rob a woman of at least half of her month. Breast tenderness, cramps, clots, moodiness, emotional instability, tearfulness, irritability, rage, uncontrollable appetite, cravings are all symptoms of imbalance and they CAN be fixed! Plan on about 3 cycles’ worth of treatment using herbs and weekly acupuncture.

Vulvodynia - This is a complex condition and it may take some time to unravel. Getting to the root of it both physically and emotionally is critical. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help!

Low Libido/ Low Sex Drive - Another complex picture, but it can be treated! And no, it’s not just low testosterone. That one-dimensional approach is not appropriate. Desire has emotional and physiological components to it that acupuncture and herbal medicine can help.

Irregular Menses - Too frequent, too heavy, too scanty, not often enough, skipping months, etc. These can be sorted out with regular acupuncture and herbs. Depending on how severe the problem is, plan on at least 3-4 months of treatment.

Endometriosis/Fibroids/ Ovarian Cysts/Pelvic Congestion - Herbal medicine, acupuncture, castor oil packs, and even certain essential oils can be effective in treating this but it will take many months and some dedication on behalf of the patient. Herbal medicine is very strongly recommended and worth it! Pedunculated subserosal fibroids are not likely to be very responsive due to the stalk but other types of fibroids can be shrunk.

Osteopenia/Osteoporosis - Osteopenia and osteoporosis happen for a number of reasons such as dietary habits, family history, lifestyle, as well as medications such as thyroid supplements, corticosteroids, heparin, and higher intake of alcohol and tobacco. Many women with osteopenia or osteoporosis do not want to rely on the current available medications. Changing dietary and lifestyle can prevent osteopenia progressing to osteoporosis, and help reverse osteoporosis with time. Herbal formulas, acupuncture, and qigong plus food therapy will be recommended.

Fertility - I do not treat female infertility.