REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Acupuncture's unique perspective extends beyond physical aspects, addressing emotional and energetic factors that can impact reproductive health. Studies suggest that acupuncture may positively influence reproductive health by potentially regulating hormones, enhancing blood circulation to reproductive organs, and reducing stress. This holistic and non-invasive approach resonates with individuals seeking to optimize their reproductive journey.
Pregnancy Care
Pregnancy is an extraordinary period, a perfect opportunity to enhance one's health and wellbeing for long-term benefits to both the mother and baby. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs offer a holistic approach that harmonizes the mind and body, profoundly and positively influencing maternal and fetal health. Regular, gentle, and effective treatments can provide comprehensive physical and emotional support during pregnancy.
Prenatal Acupuncture for a Healthful Journey
Consistent acupuncture treatments during pregnancy can set the stage for a positive labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Li Ting recommends weekly treatments in first trimester for expectant mothers to ease into your pregnancy. For mothers age above 35 or with miscarriages history, Li Ting suggests two treatments weekly to stabilize your pregnancy.
During second trimester, Li Ting suggest weekly to biweekly treatments to enhance pregnancy and fetal development. During the final month of pregnancy, twice a week treatments to prepare labor have shown to reduce the necessity for medical inductions, lower epidural rates, and decrease cesarean sections.
Prenatal Acupuncture can assist with issues such as:
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Anxiety/depression
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Back pain and sciatica
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Colds and Flu
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Constipation/Diarrhea
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Edema
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Heartburn
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Hemorrhoids
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High blood pressure
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Insomnia
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Itching during pregnancy
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Low energy
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Morning sickness and nausea
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Musculo-Skeletal pain
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Optimal fetal positioning
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Pre-birth treatments
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Threatened miscarriage
Postpartum Care
Postnatal Acupuncture: Regaining Balance
Postnatal care is critical to a mother's long-term health. After childbirth, it's essential to regain balance in both body and mind while nurturing your newborn. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help restore the physical and energetic resources spent during pregnancy and labor, and assist in finding this equilibrium.
Postnatal Acupuncture can provide relief from:
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Constipation
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Cesarean birth recovery ( energy recovery and scar tissue repair)
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Hemorrhoids
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Hormonal imbalances
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Insomnia
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Lactation problems
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Low energy
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Mastitis
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Musculo-Skeletal pain
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Pain
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Postpartum depression & anxiety
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Persistent lochial discharge
Embrace this precious journey to motherhood and beyond with a natural, holistic approach to prenatal and postnatal care.
Peri-Menopause and Menopause
Acupuncture has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years and has been studied in recent times for its potential benefits in addressing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms such as:
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Hot flashes
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Sleep disturbances
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Mood fluctuations
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Vaginal dryness
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Joint pain
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Sexual desire
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Headache
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Night sweats
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Here’s a closer look at how acupuncture may help:
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Neurotransmitter Regulation: Acupuncture is believed to influence neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and endorphins. This might explain its potential effects on mood and pain relief. Endorphins, for instance, are the body’s natural painkillers and mood enhancers.
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Thermoregulatory Effects: Some research suggests that acupuncture might affect the thermoregulatory center of the brain, which can help reduce hot flashes. Hot flashes are believed to result from the brain’s response to declining estrogen levels, leading the body to mistakenly believe it’s overheating.
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Hormonal Balance: While the exact mechanisms aren’t entirely clear, some studies suggest that acupuncture might help balance the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol in menopausal women, which could be beneficial in managing some symptoms.
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Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: Acupuncture may influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. This regulation might explain some of the relief patients experience from symptoms like night sweats.
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Anti-inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture may reduce systemic inflammation, which can be beneficial in addressing symptoms like joint pain.
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Blood Flow Improvement: Acupuncture is believed to enhance blood circulation, which might be helpful in addressing conditions like vaginal dryness and potentially aiding in tissue repair.
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Relaxation Response: Acupuncture can induce a relaxation response, counteracting the “fight or flight” stress response. This can be beneficial in managing stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances associated with menopause.
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Homeostasis Promotion: In TCM, health is perceived as a balance of energies (Yin and Yang) and forces in the body. Menopause is often seen as a deficiency in Yin energy. Acupuncture is believed to restore this balance, helping the body to return to a state of homeostasis.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to a range of issues that occur when the pelvic floor muscles become too tight, weak, or both. This can lead to symptoms like urinary or fecal incontinence, constipation, pain during intercourse, and chronic pelvic pain. Acupuncture has been explored as a complementary therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction, and here are some potential benefits:
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Muscle Relaxation: Acupuncture can promote the relaxation of tight or spasming muscles. For those with hypertonic (too tight) pelvic floor muscles, acupuncture might help in relaxing these muscles and alleviating pain and discomfort.
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Pain Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This can help reduce chronic pelvic pain associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture is believed to enhance blood circulation. Increased blood flow to the pelvic region can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall pelvic health.
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Neurological Regulation: Acupuncture can modulate the nervous system's activity, potentially helping in the regulation of nerve responses in the pelvic area, which might be beneficial for some symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction.
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Stress Reduction: Stress can exacerbate symptoms or even be a contributing factor to pelvic floor dysfunction. Acupuncture can help reduce stress by modulating the autonomic nervous system and promoting relaxation.
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Hormonal Balance: While the direct link between hormones and pelvic floor dysfunction isn't fully clear, acupuncture's potential effects on the endocrine system might offer benefits in cases where hormonal imbalances play a role.
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Adjunct to Physical Therapy: Physical therapy, particularly pelvic floor exercises, is a primary treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Acupuncture can complement these exercises by promoting muscle relaxation and pain relief, potentially enhancing the outcomes of physical therapy.
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Awareness and Mindfulness: Undergoing acupuncture can also increase a person's awareness of their body, including the pelvic region. This increased mindfulness can aid in understanding and managing symptoms.
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Addressing Coexisting Issues: Many women with pelvic floor dysfunction might also suffer from other conditions like endometriosis or interstitial cystitis. Acupuncture can provide a holistic approach, addressing multiple related symptoms simultaneously.
Menstrual Disorders
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy to help manage various menstrual disorders. Many women experience menstrual irregularities, such as painful periods (dysmenorrhea), irregular cycles, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), or other menstrual-related issues. Acupuncture may offer several potential benefits in addressing these concerns:
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Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture has been shown to regulate the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in menstrual health. It can potentially help balance hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which may contribute to menstrual irregularities.
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Pain Relief: Acupuncture may help alleviate menstrual cramps and pelvic pain associated with dysmenorrhea. It can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances, and promote blood circulation to the pelvic area.
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Regulating Menstrual Cycles: Acupuncture treatments can potentially help regulate menstrual cycles by influencing the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls hormonal signals involved in ovulation and menstruation.
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Stress Reduction: Stress can impact menstrual health and contribute to menstrual irregularities. Acupuncture is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, potentially improving overall well-being and supporting menstrual regularity.
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Improving Blood Flow: Acupuncture treatments may enhance blood circulation in the pelvic area, which can be beneficial for conditions such as menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding). By improving blood flow, acupuncture may help reduce heavy bleeding and promote a healthier menstrual flow.
Better Life Starts Here
For questions regarding services or to schedule an appointment.
Please email Li Ting at drlinsacupuncture@gmail.com or call (917) 825 -7140.
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