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Denver Acupuncture for PCOS

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Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

            1 in every 10 women will be diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) making it the most commonly diagnoses female reproductive disorder recorded. Symptoms often appear as irregular menstrual periods, such as absent periods—typically secondary amenorrhea—more or less frequent cycles, and irregular range of very light to very heavy menses; the development of male sex characteristics may occur including decreased breast size, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, increased body hair, thinning of the hair on the head. Lastly skin changes are often reported, such as worsening acne, dark, thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts due to insulin sensitivity.

PCOS is a disease brought on by an imbalance of hormones. Females have two primary hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which are major players in the menstrual cycle. Females also have male hormones called androgens. PCOS is a result of too much Androgen in their system. This imbalance becomes chronic in women in the 20’s and 30’s resulting in the symptoms mentioned above. If not treated, infertility is a possibility.

Chinese Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can help manage PCOS by taking a drug free holistic perspective, which aims to bringing balance to the hormones.  A licensed acupuncturists views PCOS as either a deficiency in Kidney Yin, Yang or both. The first and most likely the most common condition seen by practitioners is the deficiency in Kidney Yang. This results in failure of the transformation of dampness and phlegm. Symptoms of the deficiency in Kidney Yang include excess phlegm and dampness contributing to the formation of cysts. Other common symptoms are liver qi and blood stasis. Kidney yin deficiency is less common and is the result of chronic qi and blood stasis, resulting in failure of transformation of dampness and phlegm, causing the formation of cysts.

A common Chinese herbs used by practitioners to treat the most common case of PCOS, the Kidney Yang deficiency, is gui zhi fu ling wan. Gui zhi fu ling wan translates into cinnamon twig and poria pill. This formula combines gui zhi, fu ling, shao yao, mu dan pi, and tao ren. Gui zhi is warming, unblocking vessels, promoting circulation, and reducing blood stasis. Fu ling promotes downward circulation, nourishes the heart and spleen, and transforms phlegm into heat. Shao yao, depending on which type, will reduces abdominal pain, relax spasms, and increase circulation. Lastly mu dan pi and tao ren will cool and invigorate the blood, break up stasis, and reduce the accumulated ovarian cysts.

Each case of PCOS will present itself differently. It is important to seek the professional advise and service of certified Chinese herbalist.  For more information visit our  Denver Acupuncture Clinic and download our free Easy Guide to Living Healthy with Chinese Medicine.

Denver Acupuncture for pms

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Acupuncture and PMS

Chinese acupuncture has been around for over 4000 years.  This time-tested tradition has successfully treated countless ailments, including PMS and other womens’ health issues.  Premenstrual syndrome is frequently characterized by chronic symptoms preceding the menstrual cycle.  These symptoms include pain and discomfort, cramping, changes in the skin and the emotional state, and food cravings.

Is there anything I can do about it?

Common ways to remedy these symptoms are to remove stressors, exercise, eat a nutrient-rich diet, take vitamins, and cut back on caffeine intake.  Unfortunately, these simple lifestyle changes are frequently not enough to relieve the discomforts experienced by those who suffer from chronic PMS.

Is there a real solution?

Amidst all of this bad news, there is a ray of hope for PMS sufferers.   Premenstrual syndrome has been treated with Chinese acupuncture for thousands of years, quelling these monthly ailments by removing energy blockages and restoring vitality in the body.  Working closely with a trained acupuncturist or herbalist can offer an effective and permanent cure for the imbalances associated with this affliction.

Natural Remedies for PMS Symptoms

Acupuncture

An acupuncturist is trained to know which points on the body to stimulate in order to open up the meridians through which Qi flows.  They may focus on the removal of blockages or the relief of other maladies such as Qi stagnation.  After just a few months of treatment, a woman may be completely relieved of the stagnation that causes her PMS.

Chinese Herbs

In addition to acupuncture, a prescription of Chinese herbs can work to harmonize the system and restore balance.  The most common herbal remedy for premenstrual syndrome is Xiao Yao Wan, (pronounced shao yao wan).  It is translated as “Free and Easy Pill” and can be purchased at health food stores or your local TCM clinic.  It is a formula comprised of many herbs that function to relieve Qi stagnation, nourish the Blood, strengthen the Spleen, sedate the Liver and relieve pain.

Lifestyle Accommodations

Physical practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong are also very effective measures against illness, as they aid the continuous flow of energy in the body.  When the Qi is allowed to flow freely and easily, diseases and discomforts can be reduced drastically.

Improve Your Life!

It is all-too-often assumed that monthly PMS symptoms are a way of life, and that there is very little that we can do to change that.  Taking proactive measures against this monthly ill can vastly improve your sense of health and vitality.

Go to our website Denver Center for Acupuncture to more on how acupuncture can help you live healthier and experience your greatest potential.  Also download our free E- book: Easy Guide to Living Healthy with Chinese Medicine.

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