Experiencing menopause at the age of 38 was not something I anticipated. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer and discovering that I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, I underwent a preventive oophorectomy, which plunged me into menopause.
I couldn't obtain hormone therapy or multiple of the standard treatments for menopause due to the risk of fueling my cancer. This led me to explore alternative medicine, such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a viable option for people who cannot or do not want to receive hormone therapy treatments for menopause symptoms. Acupuncture helped alleviate some of my menopause symptoms and improved my overall mood. As my symptoms intensified, a co-worker recommended her acupuncturist, who helped me identify my concerns and tailor a treatment plan.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Menopause
Studies show that acupuncture can reduce night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruptions in women dealing with menopause symptoms. Acupuncture affects the body's connective tissue, and the insertion of the acupuncture needle transitions which parts of the brain light up, changing how our brain reacts.
Acupuncture can help with several menopause symptoms, including night sweats, hot flashes, pain, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and vaginal dryness.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Acupuncture can aid in treating the hormonal imbalance causing heat to rise in the body. Traditional Chinese medicine assesses the yin and yang relationship in the kidneys to support their nourishment. Acupuncture, a healthy diet, and hydration can alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.
Pain
Acupuncture needles at pressure points in the body boost the central nervous system, causing it to release pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins. This can help alleviate aches associated with menopause.
Mood Swings and Anxiety
Acupuncture can transform neurotransmitters in the brain to alleviate anxiety and nervousness, improving overall mood.
Insomnia
Acupuncture can help improve sleep. Needles inserted at the three-yin intersection, a pressure point just above the inner ankle, and soaking feet in hot water with Epsom salt can help relax muscles, lower blood pressure, and increase blood flow.
Vaginal Dryness
Acupuncture can help stimulate the release of neurochemicals that can counteract hormonal imbalances and bring balance into the system. Needles inserted in acupuncture points can help alleviate vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
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Finding an Acupuncturist
It is important to find a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist. Ask questions about their experience treating menopause-related concerns and their results. Build trust and support with a practitioner who resonates with you.
Acupuncture isn't a magic bullet for menopause relief, but it gave me another tool to address the changes in my body. Finding a practitioner who tailored the session to my needs and made me feel seen and respected helped me navigate a challenging life transition.
Takeaway
Acupuncture is a safe and cost-effective alternative therapy for menopause relief. It can help alleviate several symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, pain, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and vaginal dryness.
Finding a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist who resonates with you is necessary to build a relationship of trust together with support that can last as long as you need treatment. My positive experience with acupuncture helped me navigate an otherwise difficult life transition.
While it wasn't a magic bullet to relieve all my menopause symptoms, it offered me another tool to handle the changes in my body. Acupuncture relieved my physical symptoms, improved my overall mood, and helped me find peace and relaxation.
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