Female Hormone Balancing Acupuncture and Birthing
Dr. Hong Yan (RAc, MSc, D.TCM)
Southcentre Chinese Acupuncture (Calgary, Alberta)
SouthcentreChineseAcupuncture.com
The balance between estrogen and progesterone ensures normal female reproductive ability. Disorders, such as irregular menstruation, infertility, endometriosis and menopause syndrome, will occur when there is an imbalance between these two hormones. Female Hormone Balancing Acupuncture aims at harmonizing estrogen and progesterone. This therapy is based on an ancient TCM theory, Yin-Yang.
 The theory of Yin-Yang explains the body as a balance between two aspects: Yin (symbolized as water) and Yang (symbolized as fire). These two aspects depend on and interact with to each other. In TCM gynecology, estrogen belongs to yin while progesterone belongs to yang. So the whole menstrual cycle can be explained by the theory of Yin-Yang like this: |
If something is wrong with the body, it can cause an imbalance of Yin-Yang.
So Yin and Yang can not grow and transform properly. In this case, an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone may result. Gynecology problems thus occur. Applying different acupuncture strategies in different phases of the cycle can restore hormonal balance. For instance, luteal phase defect is a common reason for infertility. From the BBT, you will see the temperature after ovulation can’t rise enough or can’t maintain for at least 11 days. According to TCM, this is a Yang deficiency, so points and modalities that can strengthen Yang will be applied to promote the growth of the corpus luteum.
Modern research has found acupuncture can cause the following influence to female reproductive system:
To influence levels of FSH and LH and to regulate the communication between the brain and ovaries, know as the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. These will improve the ovaries’ function
To adjust thyroid gland’s function
To balance the estrogen and progesterone
To promote ovulation
To increase the blood flow in the uterus to improve the chance of conception
To relieve stress so as to ensure a better ovulation and conception
Thus, FHBA can be applied to treat conditions like: non-ovulation, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and luteal defect.
FHBA is also a good support to IVF. In Germany, scientists have found that acupuncture can increase success rates by almost 50% in women having IVF, and the pregnancy rate in the group receiving acupuncture was 42.5%, compared to the group which didn’t receive the therapy, where the rate was 26.3%.
In the States, Researchers from Weill Medical College of Cornell University, NY shows that taking acupuncture during IVF can reduce stress hormones that interfere with ovulation; normalize hormones that regulate ovulation so an egg is released, increase blood flow to the uterus and thus improve the chances of embryo implantation.
Acupuncture is performed by carefully and painlessly inserting hair fine needles into the body. You are expecting a dull, heavy or grabbing sensation during the insertion of needles. Most often, you will feel relaxed after treatment.
Dr Hong Yan is a Registered Acupuncturist, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Master of Science, and a Registered Massage Therapist in Calgary Alberta.
SouthcentreChineseAcupuncture.com
Dr Hong Yan in the news - Calgary Herald
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