Indications
Women’s problems
Menstrual disorders, difficulty in conceiving, infertility, postpartum depression, menopausal problems, vaginal mycosis, vaginal dryness, Uterus prolapse
Menstrual Disorders (Pain with breast tenderness, absence, lumps, etc.)
The menstrual disorders in conventional medicine are not regarded as disease, but rather as a symptom of possible diseases. In most cases, menstrual disorders are caused by hormonal changes and therefore do not pose as a danger. However, the symptoms may be so strong as to restrict everyday life.
Similar to Conventional Medicine, Chinese Medicine associates menstrual disorders with various causes. It could be caused by a deficient or excess health condition. In order to pinpoint the cause of the menstrual disorder, a detailed anamnesis is conducted. Depending on the cause, a combination of acupuncture and herbs is administered, with which fast and good results can be achieved. The aim of the therapy is to help the body rectify it’s internal state of balance.
Unfulfilled Desire for Children
Both Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine regard difficulty in conceiving as a very complex issue. It is advisable to contact your family doctor first in order to rule out possible infertility. Mostly, however, it is not the infertility of a partner that is the problem, but rather the “circumstances”. Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to therapy in which both partners can take part. Both are prepared physically and mentally for pregnancy. It is also recommended that the women support and strengthen her body and mind with the help of Chinese medicine during the pregnancy.
Postpartum Depression
During the postpartum period, a women should pay attention to the recovery of her body from the labors of the pregnancy and birth. After birth, the body must adapt both hormonally and physically. During this period, it is possible for a so-called postpartum depression to manifest. According to Conventional Medicine, there are several causes of postpartum depression, ranging from the physical stress of birth to psychological reasons.
Chinese Medicine explains the postpartum depression as a result of a strong yin and qi deficiency. Qi and blood are needed to nourish the body physically and mentally and maintain the body’s balance. During birth, a woman loses a lot of blood and energy. Treatment with acupuncture and herbs strengthens the Yin (Blood) and Qi (energy) and thus harmonize the imbalance in the body.
Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause (also called Climacterium) is the period during which women undergo hormonal changes. The most important hormonal change is the decline of estrogen, which is formed in the ovaries and regulates the menstrual cycle. It is a natural stage of life for every woman and should not be regarded as a disease! Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, sweating, dry hear / skin / mucous membranes, etc..
From the TCM perspective, all complaints that are associated with menopause, arise from the from a decline in kidney energy and kidney essence. The essence is our life energy and is located in the kidneys. The absence of menstruation assists the body in saving valuable yin energy, which can then be used exclusively for the spiritual development.
Vaginal Mycosis (Vaginal Thrush)
Vaginal thrush is still considered a taboo, although there are many women who are affected by it. In order for a fungus to grow, a warm moist environment is needed. Thus excessive vaginal secretion may assist the growth of the fungus. Conventional Medicine administers antifungals for relief.
Similar to Conventional Medicine, Chinese medicine attributes too much moisture as the cause. A herbal treatment combined with acupuncture can drain the moisture. The itching and discharge are thereby effectively treated.
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a symptom that manifests especially during menopause. During menopause the vaginal mucous membranes become thin and have a reduced ability to build fluids.
Chinese Medicine explains the dryness as the decrease of yin substances. Yin is in this context relates to the fluid substances which are produced by the vagina. The treatment is focused on building up the Yin substances. Chinese Medicine can help to regenerate the substances and eliminate the symptoms of dryness.
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse occurs due to the mismatch between the weight of the organ and the strength of the pelvic floor. Influencing factors include physical exertion, over-weight, labor, etc., in connection with connective tissue weakness. One of the main complaints related with uterine prolapse is urinary incontinence (the loss of the ability to control the bladder).
In Chinese medicine, the spleen has the task of supporting the connective tissue and reinforcing the organs and physical structures. If the spleen is weakened by excessive physical or mental exertion, malnutrition or other reasons, this may lead to the “sinking Spleen Qi,” which explains the prolapse. The treatment thus focuses on strengthening the spleen. To speed up treatment, it is recommended to strengthen the pelvis through pelvic floor exercises and simultaneously to alter one’s diet.