Women's Health
The unique physiology of women implies a unique approach to health care. For women it is important to know that there are complementary and/or alternative choices to the options we are offered. Chinese medicine provides a safe, effective, and natural healthcare option.

The cycles in a woman's life provide the practitioner of Chinese medicine a window into the body's landscape. Whether you are being treated for painful periods, arthritis, or irritable bowel syndrome, the monthly cycle becomes a diagnostic tool that helps us focus treatment and monitor progress. This unique aspect of women's lives can be a great teacher. Even as our physiology changes and we no longer bleed, our cycles play a rich part of our lives.

Gynecology
Gynecology has been an important area of clinical observation and research in Classical Chinese Medicine since it’s inception over 3,000 years ago. From as early as 610 C.E, Chinese physicians specializing in gynecology have been writing on many aspects of reproductive health. These thousands of years of experience and research form the foundation on which rests the modern application of Chinese medicine to women’s health. This modern application integrates the pure diagnostic and treatment protocols of Classical Chinese medicine with the wealth of information that western science and research affords us.

Menstrual Issues
This includes issues such as amennorhea (no periods), painful periods, heavy periods, and spotting at inappropriate times of the month. According to Chinese Medicine, having your period should not interfere dramatically with your daily living. Periods should begin around the 26 to 30 day of your cycle without irritability or other PMS signs such as breast distention, cramping, food cravings, or acne. The flow should be moderate without clots and a good bright red color. Bleeding should end on the 5th to 6th day without much spotting.

Every woman’s body is different and there are many variations of normal. But many women live with terrible cramps the first few days of bleeding and because they believe it is ‘normal’ and just part of being a woman.

Fertility Enhancement
Chinese medicine offers women a unique approach to fertility through natural and non-invasive means. Acupuncture and herbs have been shown through studies and clinical experience to improve reproductive health. This occurs by:
• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Strengthening ovarian function to produce good quality eggs
• Bringing stronger circulation into the pelvic area
• Strengthening uterus for better physiological functioning to increase chance of implantation and prevent miscarriage
• Harmonizing the body and mind to reduce stress

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are helpful for women seeking fertility enhancement in many types of circumstances. Some of these circumstances include:
• Women planning a pregnancy, to create the most healthy environment to conceive and to hold a pregnancy in.
• Women who have been trying to get pregnant and want to try with acupuncture before assisted reproduction.
• Women participating in assisted reproduction and desire an adjunct therapy in order to increase effectiveness.
Due to the holistic nature of Chinese medicine, women around the world are experiencing better reproductive health.

Pregnancy
Acupuncture and herbs can bring relief from physical and emotional stress as well as prepare the body for birth and postpartum.

In Chinese medicine the uterus is known as "Zi gong", translated as "Seed Palace" or "Fetal Palace". These beautiful connotations reflect the grace and respect with which Chinese medicine approaches issues in pregnancy and postpartum through non-intrusive and natural ways. For thousands of years, pregnant women have been treated safely and efficaciously with acupuncture and herbs for a variety of conditions. Western scientific research has proven the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture. It has been shown that women who receive acupuncture during pregnancy experience smoother and quicker labor with faster recovery.

Like acupuncture, special herbal formulas have been prescribed to pregnant women for hundreds of years, such as Zi Chan Mi Yan Liang Fang, "Secret, Proven, Efficacious Prescription for Treating Birthing".
Please see the pregnancy section on our Links page.

Menopause
As more women transition into menopause than ever before in United States history, it is important to know there are viable alternatives in dealing with symptoms. In the past 50 years, menopause has been promoted as a disease. This perception of menopause as a pathology creates not only a difficult environment in which women can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare, but the comfort and ease with which women feel around aging.  Chinese medicine understands menopause as a natural waning process of reproductive energies that is accompanied by an increase of personal power and wisdom.  This process, however, can amplify imbalances that manifest as hotflashes, insomnia and other symptoms of menopause. Chinese medicine deals with these symptoms in an effective way without the use of medications such as HRT that have deleterious side effects. The use of acupuncture and herbs can be so helpful in supporting the body through its transition.