Gynecology

The Chinese have known for over 3000 years that at the root of a woman’s health is her menstrual cycle. Even if few other symptoms exist, when a woman’s cycle is irregular many other elements of her health may be disrupted. Specific herbs and precise acupuncture protocols have been developed to address her particular concerns. 

One of Chinese medicine’s greatest strengths is the understanding that as a woman grows and develops, her body continually undergoes new changes. Young teenagers often face challenges around the start of their menstrual cycle such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and PMS.

The next stage of life is one in which a woman is ready to begin a family and have children. In this time of life woman often need support around fertility as well as pre-natal and post-natal care. This is also a time when they are under tremendous stress from social responsibilities, and this stress can easily exacerbate challenges they are already facing.

As women move into peri- and post-menopause their needs once again shift. With a change in hormonal activity comes a whole new set of symptoms, such as dryness, night sweats, hot flashes and headaches.

All of these life phases can be addressed with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Chinese medicine works to generate sufficient amounts of Qi, the vital energy of the body, and blood to help nourish a woman and help her remain vital and vibrant. Acupuncture focuses on three organs in particular. The first is the Kidneys, a source of a woman’s essence which is bestowed to her by her parents. If this is insufficient to begin with, or taxed by high amounts of stress and low amounts of rest, it can disrupt a woman’s cycle. The second is the Liver, whose energetic qualities promote growth and development. This organ system is also extremely susceptible to the stresses of modern society, and when imbalanced leads to terrible PMS and irregular and painful menses. The last is the Spleen, the grounding foundation of her daily activities and her inspiration for motherhood. Like the previous two organs, it can be assaulted by poor diet and high levels of stress. By supporting these three organs and bringing them into harmony with each other, a woman is able to shift into a cycle of health and fertility.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the pharmacopeia from which we practice is all natural, with little to no side effects. We prescribe formulas that consist of 6-10 herbs, and which work in an elegant and gentle manner. Many women have found relief using Chinese herbs after abandoning HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and are finding it a natural alternative to western pain medications.

Fertility Enhancement

Using Acupuncture to Treat Infertility Problems

At our Portland acupuncture clinic, we treat infertility problems naturally through a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. This approach is cost-effective and may not require fertility drugs or invasive procedures.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can strengthen the uterine lining and increase blood flow to the uterus.

We often begin with regulation of the menstrual cycle.  Helping women achieve regular cycles allows us to understand which portion of the cycle may be problematic and involved in the difficulties with fertility.  Once the cycle is regulated helping manage problems such as endometriosis, poly cystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts is important for opening the way to healthy implantation into the uterine lining. 

We also combine traditional therapies with conventional infertility treatments for couples seeking improved results from IVF or IUI procedures. There is a weath of research demostrating the positive effects of acupuncture on IVF implantation.  It is best to begin treatment 3 months prior to the onset of the procedure. During this time, menstrual cycle imbalances can be corrected. After IVF or IUI treatment begins, acupuncture is used to stimulate follicular develop and minimize the side effects of the medications.

IVF and IUI Programs

Recent research indicates that acupuncture can improve IVF results by 40 – 60%.  To achieve great results treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine should be initiated as early as possible. Our acupuncturists are experienced in developing treatment schedules that work in combonation with conventional infertility procedures to maximize results.

Pregnancy and Post-Delivery

Acupuncture is a safe and beneficial treatment modality that can be used to address many common physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that take place during pregnancy.

First Trimester

During the first trimester we often treat women for conditions including morning sickness, heartburn, fatigue, stress, and migraines.  Many of these symptoms will be resolved during the second trimester when women tend to be more energetic and many of the first trimester symptoms have resolved. 

 

Third Trimester

During the thrid trimester women tend to experience more low back, neck and shoulder pain.  Even at this later stage of pregnancy acupuncture is a great option for relieving body pains. 

Breech Presentation

Breech fetus presentation can also be treated using a technique known as moxibustion.  An herb is burned over the pinky toe and has been shown to stimulate fetal movement.  It is important to begin using this technique at week 34-36 as there is still adequate room for the fetus to move. 

Below is a list of conditions that we treat at Inner Gate Acupuncture:

PMS,    Amenorrhea,     Dysmenorrhea,     Irregular Cycle,     Infertility,     Threatened Miscarriage,     History of Miscarriage,     Morning Sickness,     Breached Fetus,    Labor induction,     Endometriosis,     Frequent UTI,     Leukorrhea,     Menopause,     Night Sweats,     and Hot Flashes.

Links:

      What is Dysmenorrhea and how can it be treated?

Natural Ways to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy

American Doctors study Acupuncture Technique to induce labor

Acupuncture treats nausea during pregnancy

Acupuncture to reduce back pain during pregnancy

Acupuncture treats side effects of Major Breast Surgery

      Acupuncture Improves IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) Rate

Menopause and Acupuncture: The Evidence of
      Effectiveness

Inner Gate Acupuncture 1421 SE Ankeny St.

Portland, Or. 97214