Chinese Medicine is a complete system of health. In the West most are becoming familiar with acupuncture, which is just one part of Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine never treats just one symptom and it rarely ever uses just one part of the whole system to assist the body in achieving optimal health. Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Moxabustion, Nutrition and Exercise all work in conjunction together. The reason why Chinese Medicine is more affordable then Western Medicine is because the diagnostic tools are effective and inexpensive. Diagnosis is developed through observation of the tongue and radial pulses as well as asking questions and noting complexion.

Painful or Irregular Periods

Some acupuncturists believe that to see if a woman's body is balanced look at the menstrual cycle. A woman's body is meant to create life. If her cycle is not funcitonally optimally the rest of her body can't function as optimally either. Because of the fast paced lifestyles that most of us live many imbalances are now almost considered to be "normal." A painful, irregular, absent, or heavy period is the body's way of giving a signal that something is not quite right. Going on birth control will not necessarily correct the imbalance, it may just be a bandaid for the moment. Using Chinese Medicine to regulate the cycle can include postive side effects such as reduction in heavy flow, cramps, bloating, fatigue, insomnia, irritability or anxiety.

Labor Induction and Labor Pain Management

There are now many reasons doctors choose to induce labor or use medications to control labor. These practices include risks to the mother and baby. Chinese Medicine can be used to assist the body in inducing labor as well as be used during labor for pain management. What's important to know is that the body will use this medicine how it needs to. If the body is not ready to go into labor then no amount of acupuncture will start that process. The acupuncture points used to induce labor have functions to move energy downward and increase circulation while nourshing the blood which will assist the body when it is ready. If you choose to deliver your baby naturally Chinese Medicine is one way to manage the pain. It may not take the pain away completely but is a safer alternative to an epidural.

Postpartum Recovery

Chinese Medicine has many benefits to the mother postpartum in assisting the body to return to balance after the upheaval of hormonal changes of pregnancy and labor. Benefits might include aiding postpartum depression, healing from any tearing, tonifying blood, improving lactation, relieving fatigue, and releasing excess weight. 

Menopause

Many women complain of hot flashes when going through menopause. This is not something that women have to endure, it is simply another sign the body is giving that something is not functioning quite right. Acupuncture and herbal medicine excel in relieving hot flashes and many women start to get relief even after their first treatment. Because Chinese Medicine never treats just one symptom many women also report their quality of sleep improves, their skin is softer and less dry, less vaginal dryness, as well as maintaining healthy body weight. 

Chinese Medicine always treats an individual not a disease. This means that 5 women may report having painful periods and each woman will be treated according to their body, not a standard protocol. A proper consulation with an acupuncturist is necessary to find what is most beneficial to the needs of that individual. A typical course of treatment is between 5-10 visits depending on the severity of imbalances and how long these imbalances have been taking place. Bringing the body to optimal health takes time, if you are not commited to adhearing to the recommendations of your acupuncturist don't expect optimal results. Chinese Medicine is often times a slower medicine that is felt more subtly in the body then western medicine. This is so that the body can gently come into balance instead of becoming out of balance in the opposite direction. Just like you wouldn't take an antibiotic for one or two days to see if it worked you wouldn't want to dabble with Chinese Medicine. Patients who are consistent report results quicker with more lasting changes then those who are not. For more information on how acupuncture can help you please visit www.wholehealthprograms.com or call 847 357-3929 to schedule a consultation.
 
At Whole Health Acupuncture we invite you to discover your potential within!

Whole Health Acupuncture
60 Turner Ave
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
847 357-3929
visit us: www.wholehealthprograms.com