Is it hot in here or is it me? Hot flashes can be one of the most difficult and annoying symptoms of Menopause. Along with night sweats, fatigue, irregular periods, headaches, dry skin, and forgetfulness, there's no surprise women are seeking out effective treatment for this time of transition. Acupuncture can be a great primary or adjunctive therapy to help get you rebalanced and symptom free.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a transition from a reproductive to a non-reproductive stage in a woman's life. Although it is marked by the cessation of menses it is actually a gradual decline in ovarian hormones (progesterone and estrogen) over many years. This natural process occurs in all women. For some it is wrought with disruptive and uncomfortable symptoms while for others the transition is smooth.

From a Chinese Medicine perspective menopausal symptoms are primarily caused by a decline in Kidney qi (or energy) which like the decline in hormones occurs over time. Emotional strain, overwork, stress, anxiety, and overindulgence can all wreak havoc on the Kidneys causing earlier menopause or increased symptoms.

Imbalance in other organ systems can also have an effect on your symptoms. For example the Liver is in charge of the smooth flowing of qi and blood, when liver qi and blood are stagnant depression and irregular cycles can occur.

What can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine do?

By taking a thorough history, checking your pulse and observing the tongue a Chinese medicine practitioner such as Dr. Mackler can assess what is out of balance and treat it appropriately. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs work in conjunction to restore the body's natural flow of energy and correct imbalances.

Chinese medicine is a safe, natural and effective way to decrease the frequency and severity of hot flashes, help you get more sleep, and enhance your general sense of well being.

Other symptoms of menopause that Chinese medicine can address are:

• weight gain
• anxiety
• depression
• vaginal dryness
• forgetfulness
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• heart palpitations
• urinary frequency
• joint pain
• menstrual cycle irregularities

Can Chinese medicine and acupuncture work with other therapies?

Yes! Whether you are taking hormones, or not Chinese medicine can still be beneficial. In fact there are many other things you can do at home to prevent or cure your menopausal symptoms. Here are some basics:

1. Eat a well balanced whole foods diet.
   • Get 3-5 servings of vegetables per day.
   • Get essential fatty acids. Eat fish such as salmon and/or take ground flaxseeds.
   • Choose whole grains over processed grains (e.g. brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa, amaranth).
   • Cut out sugar and caffeine.
   • Eat organic.

2. Exercise
   Take a 30 minute walk 5 days per week - weight bearing exercise such as walking will help keep bones strong while potentially decreasing vasomotor symptoms, and decrease cardiovascular risk.
   • Other great ways to move are biking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, or qi gong
   • If motivation is difficult include a friend or take a class.

3. Get some rest and relaxation
   • Allow yourself to sleep for 8 hours per night.
   • Meditate or do a deep breathing exercise for at least a few minutes each day.
   • Try lying on your back and placing your hands around your belly button, focus on breathing into your hands. Try three breaths...see if you feel different.

4. Stop smoking and decrease alcohol consumption

5. Look forward to the end of your child bearing years and into the beginning of your wise woman stage of life.

6. Come in for treatment!

If symptoms persist or you are not sure what the cause of your symptoms are come in for a visit! Getting a detailed history, physical exam, and/or some lab work can help us find the treatments that work best for you!