Menopause itself is not a disease. It is a normal physiological change, nature’s way of slowing down the aging process in women past child-bearing age. Unfortunately, many women do not traverse this cusp quickly and smoothly. When that happens they may experience any of a number of signs and symptoms such as: hot flushes, night sweats, menstrual irregularity, fatigue, depression, anxiety, migraines, insomnia, vaginal dryness or osteoporosis.

According to Chinese medical theory, menopause occurs when, because of the natural aging process, a woman’s body no longer produces sufficient blood to sustain a monthly period without this blood loss being draining on her body and particularly her kidneys, the organ Chinese medicine sees as the root of life and longevity. Therefore, the body in its wisdom reverses the flow of a channel in the centre of the body which sends blood down to the uterus from the heart. Rather, blood and essence from the kidneys are sent up to the heart to nourish the woman’s spirit. Thus, in Chinese medicine, menopause is seen as a true change in life from mother of biological children to mother of the community. This is why, in traditional cultures, post-menopausal women are regarded as wise women, since their heart spirit is now nourished and enlightened in a way that it was not before.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a 2000 year old, professional medical system, and gynaecology is one of its specialities. Within Chinese gynaecology, menopausal syndrome is a recognised and treatable condition. In fact, it is one of the conditions that is most easily and satisfactorily treated by Chinese medicine (as long as menopause is natural and not surgical). Chinese medical practitioners may use acupuncture or herbal medicine or a combination of both to treat menopausal symptoms, aiming to restore balance to the women’s entire organism. So why not consider this natural, safe and effective approach before resorting to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other high-tech therapies? You may be amazed.

Acupuncture has gained considerable popularity with the general public over recent years and mounting evidence of its benefits has attracted recognition from the medical profession. Just a few months ago acupuncture stole the headlines when NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) published radical guidelines recommending its provision on the NHS for lower back pain. An increasing number of hospital pain clinics are now providing acupuncture, some GPs are utilising it in a primary care setting and most private healthcare insurance cover it in their policies.

So why would you go and see an acupuncturist? Here are a few reasons: you may prefer natural therapy or be concerned about the side-effects of drugs; perhaps your doctor has run out of options or you are suffering and cannot wait to queue for treatment; you may feel unwell in yourself without having a labelled medical illness; want a preventative approach to keep yourself in optimum health or simply wish to complement your existing conventional care.

While acupuncture is often associated with the treatment of painful conditions such as back pain, sciatica, arthritis, frozen shoulder or headaches and migraines, in the hands of a professionally trained acupuncturist it has much broader applications. Indeed, the World Health Organisation published a landmark study in 2003 which endorsed the use of acupuncture in nearly 100 medical conditions. This includes women’s health issues such as infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, painful periods and pre-menstrual syndrome; respiratory conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis and digestive diseases such as gastritis, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Smoking addiction, high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety and depression are also listed.

Do you have a health issue that you have ignored for rather too long? Those of you who have recently succumbed to the flu may be feeling tired and run down, perhaps with a stubborn cough, congested sinuses, aggravated asthmatic symptoms or a digestive system that is just not right. Why not treat yourself to some acupuncture this time around and see what a difference it can make.