Women’s health issues are often overlooked in doctors’ offices. Their pain is frequently dismissed as “psychosomatic” or considered “normal.” Gender bias in healthcare is common, even if it is mostly unintentional. Studies show that female patients aged 18 to 55 who visited emergency departments for chest pain experienced a 29% longer wait for heart attack assessments compared to their male peers.  When conventional medicine does not provide relief, many women turn to acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices. These treatments offer a more personal and holistic approach to their health issues.

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment practice that helps many women around the world by focusing on treating the root causes of health problems. It considers factors like past health problems, diet, mental well-being, and more, tapping into the body’s natural healing powers. At Art of Chinese Healing, we help women find relief through acupuncture. Call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Los Angeles, California, practitioners.

What is Acupuncture?

Before exploring how acupuncture benefits women’s health, we first need to understand what it is. Acupuncture is an ancient treatment rooted in Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for thousands of years. This treatment's core is the idea of qi (pronounced “chee”).

Qi is an essential life energy that travels through pathways called meridians within the body. Acupuncturists associate each meridian with specific organs that oversee various bodily activities. They believe that a healthy flow of qi enhances overall health. Additionally, qi helps keep the balance between yin and yang, which are two opposing elements in nature.

When qi is out of balance—whether too much, too little, or blocked—it can lead to illness. Acupuncturists use needles to restore balance. They place them at specific points along the meridians, where the energy pathways are close to the skin’s surface.

The practice of acupuncture spread from China to the West through Arab trade routes. In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognized acupuncture as a valid medical treatment. They acknowledged its safety and effectiveness for various health issues.

How It Works

During the treatment session, the acupuncturist will start by asking about your health history and current symptoms. They will also perform an examination, similar to what you would have at a doctor’s appointment. Additionally, they may examine your tongue to identify any imbalances in your body.

After the examination, they will choose specific points to insert the needles. They will focus on your main concerns as well as any related issues. You will either lie down or sit on a table. The acupuncturist will then place needles at different points on your body, called meridians. Meridians are energy pathways in traditional Chinese medicine. This system has developed a detailed understanding of them over thousands of years. Sessions usually last between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your treatment.

Research shows that inserting these needles during acupuncture therapy can cause changes in the body and brain. One hypothesis is that the needle stimulates nerve fibers. These fibers send signals to the spinal cord and brain, activating the central nervous system. This activation triggers the release of hormones. These hormones then help reduce pain and improve overall health.

A brain imaging study showed that acupuncture can raise our pain threshold. These results may explain why it provides long-lasting pain relief. Additionally, acupuncture can:

  • Boost blood flow and body temperature
  • Affect the activity of white blood cells (which support our immune system)
  • Lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  • Help regulate blood sugar levels

Most individuals feel minimal to no discomfort during acupuncture sessions. Some even report feeling relaxed after acupuncture. In some cases, patients may experience total relief from their symptoms.

Ways Acupuncture Helps Women’s Health

Below are ways acupuncture helps women:

General Health and Wellbeing

While this may not focus on women’s health, beginning here is essential. In today’s fast-paced world, we often trigger our stress response. This fight-or-flight reaction helps you keep up with work and family demands. This response is normal.

However, when it becomes chronic, it can stop you from switching to a parasympathetic state. Your parasympathetic nervous system is a system of nerves that helps your body calm down after stress or danger. When this happens, your body may struggle to heal. Over time, this can lead to various problems.

Acupuncture can be beneficial in:

  • Promoting healthy digestion
  • Alleviating pain
  • Restoring sleep
  • Improving mood
  • Increasing energy
  • Serving as a solid foundation for our treatments

Enhancing these areas through acupuncture supports specific concerns related to women’s health.

Acupuncture for Thyroid Issues

One in eight women will face a thyroid issue during their life. Whether you have too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism), the symptoms can differ. The symptoms may include:

  • Weight changes
  • Fatigue or restlessness
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Doctors often treat the condition with medication. However, this can cause unwanted side effects.

Acupuncture can be very beneficial for women dealing with thyroid problems. A year-long study with 34 participants focused on hypothyroidism. The results showed that those who received acupuncture had significant symptom relief. Regular acupuncture sessions can improve thyroid function. They can also help with related issues like depression and anxiety.

Amenorrhea and Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Amenorrhea (missing periods) or irregular cycles can worry women. This situation is true whether they are trying to conceive or not. For young women, especially teenagers and those in their early twenties, these issues can cause bone loss. Low estrogen levels can affect the formation of strong bones. It increases the risk of early stress fractures, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

Many fertility studies show that acupuncture can improve cycle regulation. It improves certain factors related to fertility. These factors include better ovulation rates and improved cervical mucus. Acupuncture also helps stabilize basal body temperature patterns and improve the endometrial lining.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex gynecological condition that affects around 10% of women. It is often marked by irregular cycles or missing periods. Women with PCOS may face issues like:

  • Infertility
  • Cystic ovaries
  • A higher risk of anxiety and depression
  • Excessive hair growth in unusual areas

PCOS is also linked to other health issues. These include insulin resistance, type II diabetes, and heart disease.

Research shows that electro-acupuncture can help restore ovulation in women with PCOS who do not ovulate. The results are also encouraging for those undergoing IVF. A meta-analysis shows that acupuncture can increase pregnancy rates. It also lowers the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Combining acupuncture with dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments can improve fertility. It can also help manage this complex condition.

Acupuncture for Stress and Mental Health Conditions

Women are almost twice as likely as men to receive a depression diagnosis. This data shows that women may be more prone to mental health issues than men.

If you are dealing with stress, anxiety, or similar issues, acupuncture can be beneficial. It helps balance your body’s energy, enhancing mood and emotional control.

Hormonal Imbalance

Women often experience symptoms related to hormonal imbalances at different life stages. These include perimenopause, premenstrual, menopause, and post-menopause. Conditions like Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Premenopausal Syndrome show symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Water retention
  • Cravings

Hormonal imbalance can also cause cramping, headaches, bloating, anxiety, fatigue, depression, breast pain, crying spells, insomnia, and mood swings. Acupuncture can help manage these symptoms. It works even better when combined with changes in diet and lifestyle.

Menopause and Hot Flushes

Statistics show that about 85% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. These flashes usually last around five years. However, 25% may have them for a longer time. Other common symptoms include weight gain, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood changes, and night sweats. Practitioners have used Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years to address menopausal symptoms.

Treatments can lessen the intensity and duration of hot flashes and other related issues. Recent studies show that acupuncture can help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms. One study found a reduction in symptoms for postmenopausal and perimenopausal women after eight weeks of treatment.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery

There is a need for more studies to explore how acupuncture aids pregnant women. Nevertheless, current research shows that acupuncture and acupressure can be helpful for expectant mothers. These approaches may alleviate typical pregnancy pains such as sciatica, pelvic pain, and back pain.

Some pregnant women may find that acupuncture helps with their mood and improves sleep quality. You should consider it because of this time's emotional and physical changes.

These treatments target specific acupuncture points. They help balance energy and reduce stress, improving emotional health and sleep. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before starting acupuncture. It ensures it is safe and suitable for their needs. With proper guidance, acupuncture can support traditional prenatal care.

After giving birth, new mothers may also find acupuncture helpful. It can balance their mood and energy. Acupuncture can help with faster recovery. It also relieves symptoms of postpartum depression by regulating emotional and hormonal levels.

Acupuncture for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a painful condition. It occurs when tissue that normally lines the uterus starts to grow outside of it, usually affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or intestines. Women suffering from this condition might experience heavy periods, infertility, and severe menstrual cramps, as well as other troubling symptoms.

Endometriosis can be hard to diagnose. Laparoscopic surgery is one of the few ways to confirm if endometrial tissue is outside the uterus. With conventional medicine, treatment often involves surgery to remove endometrial growths. Doctors use medications to manage hormones that cause pain and tissue growth.

Studies show that acupuncture and other complementary therapies can treat pain in endometriosis. They can also reduce endometrial growth and ease chronic symptoms.

Chronic Pain

Studies show that acupuncture effectively treats various types of chronic pain. These types include:

  • Headaches
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Pelvic pain
  • Low back pain

Acupuncture has several benefits for the body, helping to reduce pain, enhance circulation, and heal injured tissues.

Over the years, research has looked into acupuncture and how it helps with chronic pain. Some studies have tested acupuncture on its own, while others have compared it to standard treatments like physical therapy and painkillers.

Studies on carpal tunnel syndrome show that acupuncture can improve symptoms. It should be included in conservative treatment strategies. Research on knee osteoarthritis shows that acupuncture helps reduce pain and improve mobility. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for low back pain and pelvic pain.

Acupuncture for Infertility

Fertility challenges can be very taxing. They affect a woman’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Adding acupuncture to your fertility treatment plan can help reduce stress. It may also increase the chances of natural conception or in-vitro fertilization success. It is instrumental in addressing the emotional struggles linked to infertility, such as:

  • Fear
  • Sadness
  • Anger
  • Anxiety

Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on a woman’s body and her growing baby. Every pregnancy has its own set of challenges. Acupuncture is a safe and effective method to help ease different symptoms related to pregnancy, such as:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Sleep issues
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Back pain and sciatica
  • Constipation
  • Heartburn
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Swelling
  • Blood pressure fluctuations

After giving birth, acupuncture can help new mothers recover. It can also rebalance hormones and restore the function of tissues and organs.

Morning Sickness

Many women experience morning sickness, stomach issues, and tiredness in the first trimester. Studies show that acupuncture can help with these symptoms. Studies confirm that acupuncture is effective for nausea, no matter the cause. Pericardium 6 (PC6) is a key acupuncture point. It is known for relieving nausea and vomiting.

Research shows that women who receive acupuncture have less nausea and dry heaving. These symptoms often improve earlier in pregnancy. Acupuncture also shows positive results for those with hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can cause dehydration and other complications. Acupuncture is a helpful option for expectant mothers. It may be more beneficial than traditional treatments like vitamin B12 and Reglan.

Breech Presentation and Labor Induction

A notable acupuncture point is Bladder 67 (BL 67), located at the outer edge of the fifth toenail. Ancient studies suggest that this particular point can be beneficial for breech positions and difficult childbirth. For hundreds of years, this small spot on the baby’s toe has been used to help turn breech babies.

Modern studies show that acupuncture, moxibustion, or laser acupuncture can help turn babies in a breech position. Moxibustion involves warming the herb Artemisia vulgaris. They apply it over Bladder 67 and can combine it with acupuncture. Expectant mothers can learn this technique at home. They should first receive guidance from an acupuncturist.

Acupuncture is a useful method for inducing labor. Ancient texts highlight Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) and Spleen 6 (SP 6) as effective points. Research shows they can shorten labor duration. Studies show that acupuncture may also help reduce labor pain. It can lower the need for pain relief medications. Acupuncture may also decrease the use of forceps or vacuum assistance during delivery. These findings show that acupuncture is helpful for expectant mothers in their third trimester. It can support them as they prepare for childbirth.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions affect both genders, but doctors diagnose women with these disorders at twice the rate of men. Common autoimmune conditions include:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Lupus
  • Thyroid issues
  • Psoriasis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Acupuncture can help manage inflammation, pain, and immune responses. Initial studies suggest it may be beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, and thyroid disorders. Acupuncture helps balance inflammation and immune pathways linked to these diseases.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Ancient Chinese texts and modern medicine both highlight the digestive system as crucial. It is often linked to many chronic illnesses. During my clinical training, instructors frequently asked about patients’ appetite, digestion, and bowel habits. They focused on these before addressing any other concerns. The digestive system was always the top priority whether a patient came in for shoulder pain or infertility.

Recent findings about the microbiome are starting to match up with Chinese Medicine. Studies show that gut bacteria are linked to digestive issues, mental health challenges, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Early research on acupuncture shows positive outcomes. Studies indicate that acupuncture may help control gut movement, improve the brain-gut link, and strengthen the gut barrier. Studies have proven that it reduces inflammation in ulcerative colitis cases. Other research indicates that acupuncture is also effective for managing Crohn’s disease. Treatments offer relief from symptoms, improve your intestinal lining, and enhance inflammatory markers like CRP. A meta-analysis shows that acupuncture can significantly improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Find an Experienced LA Acupuncturist Near Me

Acupuncture takes a holistic approach when addressing physical and emotional health. This approach makes it an ideal option for women seeking natural and all-encompassing care. If you are interested in acupuncture for women’s health in Los Angeles, California, the skilled team at Art of Chinese Healing is here to help. We address a wide range of women’s health concerns using acupuncture. Book an appointment with our qualified acupuncturists, and we will help you find the best solution for your needs. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 310-405-1610 for more information.