Since 1949, the integration of Western and Chinese
gynecology has taken place globally and innovative treatments
have been devised.  Identification of the Chinese medical
disorder and pattern is sufficient to treat the gynecological
condition, while taking into account the Western diagnosis.  
Many gynecological disorders can be alleviated utilizing
acupuncture such as: menstrual cramps, early, late or absent
periods, bleeding between periods, premenstrual syndrome,
breast distention, gynecological infections, urinary bladder
infections and ovarian cysts.

Chinese medicine can help minimize a woman's symptoms
during the transition towards menopause.  According to
Chinese Medicine, menopausal symptoms are due to a decline
of kidney essence.  The severity of the symptoms depend on
the pre-existing condition of the kidneys, lifestyle and diet.  
Menopause is considered to be a “yin deficiency” condition in
the body, characterized by “night sweats and mental
agitation”.  It is explained that it is the extra heat caused by a
deficient condition that creates emotional changes.  

If a woman is using hormone replacement therapy (HRT),
Chinese herbs can still be used in conjunction with it.  
Symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety,depression,
frequent urination and loss of memory can all be alleviated
with Chinese Medicine.  

A 2003 study by Yale University’s school of Nursing and
published in Holistic Nursing Practice, examines the use of
acupuncture for hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood
changes.  Researchers found that needling specific
acupuncture points once a week for nine weeks lead to relief
from hot flashes, sleep disturbances and increased the
women's quality of life.  

The November 2002 issue of Family Practice News published a
study on acupuncture for menopause by Dr. Sager, board
certified in medical acupuncture and president of the American
Academy of Medical Acupuncture.  Sager’s study found that
acupuncture decreased menopausal symptoms in just six to
ten sessions and that it corrects hormonal imbalances with no
side effects.  

A May 1995 issue of Menopause News studied twenty -one
menopausal women ages 47-62.   They found that after eight
weeks of thirty minute acupuncture sessions at one time per
week, hot flashes were reduced by 50% Western studies
propose that acupuncture decreases hot flashes by regulating
temperature control through increasing beta-endorphin levels
and inhibition of gonadotropic- releasing hormone.  

Gynecology and Menopause