Acupuncture & Amenorrhea
How holistic treatments with acupuncture and Chinese medicine can get your period back and regulate your menstrual cycle
Amenorrhea is defined as the absence of monthly menstruation, which is categorized as either primary or secondary amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea occurs when there has been no period by age 16, and secondary amenorrhea is diagnosed when a woman is missing a period for more than 3 months after having regular periods.
While some may not seek treatment for amenorrhea until they are trying to conceive, a lack of period is a sign that your body isn’t functioning properly — a monthly cycle is an indicator of general health and vitality. Establishing a health routine prior to trying to conceive in order to address the imbalances in your body is important given the process can take some time to imprint long lasting changes.
What are the potential causes of not menstruating regularly?
Post hormonal birth control usage
Stress & anxiety
Certain medications such as antidepressants and corticosteroids
Premature ovarian failure
Thyroid disorders
Pituitary disorders
Eating disorders
Weight loss and malnutrition
Extreme exercise
How can acupuncture & Chinese medicine help regulate menstrual cycles?
Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and appropriate nutritional changes, we can influence hormone activity, promote better blood circulation, treat ovulatory function, support healthy cervical fluids, reduce inflammation, down regulate the nervous system and ensure qi is moving freely in the body for optimal functionality of each system.
Herbs and acupuncture protocols are individually tailored to support each person’s unique makeup and root cause of dysfunction in their body.
The length of this process varies from person to person, but typically results can be achieved with weekly treatments over the span of 3-6 months.
Regulating the relationship between yin and yang to promote a normal cycle
The delicate dance between hormones and the relationship between yin and yang is what determines if ovulation and menstruation will occur and if it will happen in the cyclical fashion in which it’s meant to.
Treating the body with acupuncture to promote the activity of the meridians responsible for each phase of the menstrual cycle overtime will strengthen these areas to promote a normal cycle.
Kidney yin and kidney yang are at the foundation of this cycle, and the body’s ability to transform from one to the other is what will allow proper ovulation and menstruation.
How to best support your body at home when experiencing amenorrhea
Eat a nutrient dense diet, with plenty of protein and healthy fats
Choose a balance exercise routine — a mix of strength training, walking, and low impact options such as pilates and yoga
Implement your favorite stress reducing activities — breath work, journaling, walking, mental health support, reading
Establish healthy sleep hygiene and get enough rest
Supplementation with omega3, b vitamins and vitamin d may be helpful for hormonal health
Skip the salads and raw veggies — eat more warming foods, such as soups and stews
Weekly acupuncture and customized herbal medicine tailored to your constitution
Questions about holistic treatments with traditional Chinese medicine? Call or text us, we’re happy to chat 310-817-0052