Menopause

Menopause refers to the time in a woman’s life where her body undergoes changes that mark the end of her reproductive period.
Ovarian function declines around the age of 50, which causes hormonal imbalance most women to experience menopause for 2-5 years. About 85% of menopausal women suffer from hot flashes, with some experiencing them for 5-10 years. Hot flashes are due to the yin (blood and fluids) drying up and not holding the yang (the heat). This dynamic causes heat to leak out by way of sweating. This imbalance also leaves the spirit heated up and restless, causing anxiety, anger and irritability.

Signs and symptoms of Menopause:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Anxiety, palpitations
• Mood swings & irritability
• Depression
• lethargy
• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Inability to concentrate
• Pain of the joints, back, breasts
• Hair Loss
• Skin dryness, itching
• Bloating
• Weight Gain
• Urinary incontinence, urgency
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness/ Painful intercourse
• Aging/Age spots and wrinkles
• More

Traditional Chinese Medicine & Menopause

According to Chinese Medical theory, Menopause is considered a decline in Kidney energy. It is believed that we are given a certain amount of energy in life when we are born. This energy is stored in the Kidneys and is the basis of our sexual reproduction and fertility. As we live our lives, we tap into this stored Kidney energy. Unless we have learned to replenish the energy by way of a healthy lifestyle and techniques of replacing our qi, it will eventually be used up. Menopause is the time when the Kidney yin (blood, fluid, and estrogen) is dried up. This causes an imbalance of yin and yang.

Acupuncture and China herbs are a safe natural therapy that works by balancing hormone levels in the body and affecting endocrine function. By using acupuncture to target the endocrine system and China herbs help to restore the Kidney yin and yang, patients can see impressive results: balances hormone, brain chemistries, Yin and Yang levels to significant decline in hot flushes and vaginal dryness; increases energy; improves sleep and memory; regulates heart beat and releases stress and calms the mood; and may help weight loss. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatment not only work for the symptoms that menopause causes but also slows down the aging process.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural, drug-free and effective way to address menopause. Treatment supports the healing energies of Yin and Yang, providing the body with the building blocks it needs in order to nourish, heal, and regain balance. <

Recent studies have shown extremely positive results that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are effective treatments for hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, vaginal dryness and many other symptoms associated with menopause. Low levels of estrogen and high LH and FSH levels are characteristic of menopause and indicate a decrease in function of the ovaries. Chinese Herbal formulas and acupuncture can re-balance these levels thus addressing the symptoms of menopause naturally. Diet, nutrition and lifestyle also play an important role when treating hormonal imbalances.

Benefit of acupuncture and Chinese herbs for Menopause:

• Hormonal balance
• Reduces hot flashes/night sweats
• Improves sleep
• Regulate adrenal function and balance cortisol levels
• Reduces stress, anxiety, depression
• Reduces Headaches
• Improves Hair Loss
• Improves Skin dryness, itching
• Strengthens cardiovascular system, muscles and bones
• Reduces Mood swings
• Increase Energy reduce Fatigue
• Improves memory/ concentrate
• Improve digestion/reduce bloating, constipation
• Increase sexual desire
• Improves Vaginal dryness
• Reduces Pain of the joints, back, breasts
• Weight loss
• Anti-Aging/ Reduce Age spots and wrinkles
• More

Lifestyle and Diet

• Eliminate process food and refined sugars
• Eliminate trans and artificial fats to incorporate healthy natural fats (for example increasing the consumption of nuts and avocado)
• Nutritious diet (such as soybeans, chickpeas, and flaxseed, Chia seeds...), vegetable (kale, Cabbage, Spinach, Broccoli, Lentils, Asparagus…), Yogurt
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Regular exercise
• Enough sleep

Course of treatment

There are 10-16 acupuncture sessions in one course of treatment. Treatment frequency depends on individual condition. Twice weekly acupuncture visits are recommended for two or three weeks until the symptoms are under control and then monthly visits are recommended. Chinese herbs work synergistically with acupuncture.

Testimonial:

I've replaced my hormone medication with acupuncture and herb formulas for my menopause symptoms. Not only does it work wonders on my hot flashes and night sweats, it makes me feel more energetic and relaxed. I can just sense my body turning for the better. Thanks Dr. Yang.
---------Wendy B.

Dr. Yang was treating my husband for chronic lower back pain and he was responding so well that I asked him to inquire if he could help me with the pesky hot flashes I've been having. Now I go weekly, and not only has the intensity of the hot flashes lessened, but I have less migraines, and my sore back muscles feel much better. Dr. Yang’s kind and gentle demeanor makes me feel comfortable and at ease. I'm always impressed. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Yang.
---------Barbara W.

I heard about Dr. Yang from a friend. I was looking for relief from symptoms of menopause, primarily hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. I have found Dr. Yang to be extremely knowledgeable, professional and so caring and compassionate. My symptoms have improved and I have gained so much more from the treatments. He has addressed other symptoms in my body as they arise and is extremely flexible in discussing whatever might be going on with me during a particular session. I honestly have never experienced such a sense of relaxation and peace during my sessions; I call it ‘going to a place of Zen’. It is definitely a worthwhile investment for me and I put it on my schedule just like I would any appointment to keep my body healthy, strong and balanced. I have recommended Dr. Yang to several friends and have even recently got my husband hooked.
---------Vanessa J.