Most women will go through perimenopause and menopause. In China and other eastern countries menopause is seen as a natural life transition with many women taking herbs and acupuncture as part of their daily life.
In my recent article written for leading peri menopause and menopause magazine Emme, we open up a conversation about the use of acupuncture for menopause. I also look at research and discuss the differences between the way women experience menopause across the globe. A study by Westminster University shows UK women are more affected by menopause due to stress or other influences.
The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, although it can occur earlier. Conventional treatments include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Many women experience debilitating symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, low mood and sleep disturbance.
Some women are unable to take HRT for medical reasons, and many women prefer to seek natural management of their symptoms.
In my blog I discuss research that states acupuncture offers a ‘realistic’ treatment option for women who cannot or don’t want to use hormone replacement therapy. (HRT) Source: The British Medical Journal, 2019
The research study states that acupuncture is linked to a reduction in hot flushes, sweating, mood swings, sleep disturbance, skin and hair problems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views menopause as a natural part of the aging process. It is generally seen as a decline in Kidney Yin[1], which may also be influenced by poor diet and high stress levels. The Chinese diagnostic system assesses many aspects of a person’s overall health rather than just treating symptoms. The practitioner will then develop a unique treatment plan for each patient.
Acupuncture, when performed by a qualified and registered professional, is an extremely safe and low risk treatment for a wide range of health conditions.
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the UK’s leading self-regulatory body providing the gold standard of traditional acupuncture in the UK.
All members are degree level trained and adhere to strict codes of practice and professional conduct. The British Acupuncture Council is a member of the Accredited Register scheme run by the Professional Standards Authority and backed by government.
To find your local acupuncturist click here
Colette Assor has been a member of the British Acupuncture Council over 22 years. To read Colette’s article on menopause click here:
[1] Kidney Yin is a specialist term in Chinese medicine. It does not mean there is anything wrong with your kidneys from a biomedicial point of view.
