Gynecology & Menstruation

Menstruation is experienced by all healthy women, every month, and for the majority of their lives. Yet, why is such an innate part of being a woman seen with such secrecy, denial, and negativity?
Yinyang_Menses

Commercials for “sport-tampons” express you can and should still do all the normal activities you do. Birth control pills are often used merely to prevent bleeding, because it’s such a hassle and inconvenience. “Sanitary” products are used to stay “clean, ” and are quietly purchased, stealthily stored, and properly disposed of.

Menstruation is a topic plagued by taboo. Without proper resources and education, how is one to know otherwise?

Chinese medicine views the menstrual cycle as a clear indicator or a direct sign into the body’s physiology. Through being in tune with the cycle, one can learn so much about her body. A healthy cycle is regular, the flow is bright red, of a moderate volume, without clots, and without discomfort.

Common imbalances expressed through menstruation include irregular cycle, minimal or excessive bleeding, clotting, cramps, pain, irritability, and depression.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work well for menstrual irregularities, especially when treated before deeper pathologies develop such as endometriosis, fibroids, or infertility. Biomedically, acupuncture and Chinese herbs have shown to affect neuroendocrine activities, relax the smooth muscles of the uterus (thereby reducing pain), reduce inflammation, and more.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can still play a huge role in the treatment of such gynecological disorders. However, as we know, preventative medicine is much more effective – physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially. Maintaining a healthy flow will not only create ease in the moment, but prevent such disorders from arising in the future.