Gynecological

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been used to treat gynecological conditions for thousands of years. At the Origin Natural Care Clinic we draw on this knowledge and combine it with up-to-date scientific information to treat our patients. All of our practitioners are trained to use Chinese herbs, and acupuncture to regulate menstrual cycles and treat common gynecological disorders. They’ll also give you diet and lifestyle advice tailored to your specific pattern of disharmony.

FIBROCYSTIC BREASTS

Studies estimate that fibrocystic breasts will be experienced by 30-60% of women and at least 50% of women that are of childbearing age. These women develop non-cancerous lumps in their breast tissue that are responsive to the fluctuating hormones of their menstrual cycle and can sometimes cause pain and swelling, especially in the days preceding their menses. We associate this symptom with stagnation in Chinese medicine and treat it with acupuncture and Chinese herbs to improve the circulation of qi and blood. Specific dietary changes can also help this condition.

LOW LIBIDO

It is estimated that 43% of women and 31% of me report issues with their libido. Anxiety, stress, hormonal imbalances and anatomical problems can all contribute and most are treatable with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help address low desire, dryness, inability to orgasm, painful intercourse, and problems with arousal.

IRREGULAR MENSES

Many women experience periods that come irregularly each month, which can make trying to conceive difficult. Irregular menses can be due to an imbalance in hormone fluctuations throughout the month. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are wonderful for balancing the hormones and encouraging a more predictable ovulation, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle.

MENOPAUSE

Chinese herbs are very effective in treating many of the symptoms that arise during menopause including hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, weight gain, and night sweats. Acupuncture is also beneficial for balancing hormones, which can really help to ease this transition.

PAINFUL MENSES

About 50% of women who are menstruating experience cramping and pain during their periods and about 10% of those women have debilitating pain. Our patients are often thrilled to experience relief from their menstrual cramps, even when that is not the focus of treatment. We often see changes in the severity of menstrual cramping within one to three months of regular acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and appropriate dietary changes.

PMS

Premenstrual symptoms are very responsive to treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Headaches, cramping, breast tenderness, bloating, moodiness, acne, insomnia, and changes in bowel movements can all be resolved with regular treatments. In combination with specific dietary changes, most women see an improvement in their PMS symptoms within one to three cycles.

STRESS RELATED HORMONE IMBALANCE

Diet, lack of sleep, and stress-filled lifestyles can very easily wreck havoc on our hormones in multiple ways. Stress can lead to chemical changes in our bodies, that in turn can divert blood away from organs like the digestive and reproductive systems. Since many hormones are dependent upon one another to remain balanced, over time, excess levels of stress can lead to imbalances in the reproductive hormones, potentially affecting fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and in conjunction with Chinese herbs can work to regain hormonal balance of the entire body.

UTERINE FIBROIDS

Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterus and are often associated with heavy periods, cramping, bleeding, or spotting between periods, abdominal swelling, and sometimes pain during intercourse. They can also interfere with the ability to conceive. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be effective as treatment for fibroids or as an adjunctive treatment with Western medical interventions when fibroids are advanced in size.