Many people might not be aware that Physiotherapists can provide a number of treatments which can help with a number of health problems which women may encounter. There are certain methods by which our Physiotherapy team can provide these Women’s Health treatments, with one of the most common being acupuncture. Most people will have heard of acupuncture but might not know exactly what the treatment is and how can it help in alleviating women’s health problems.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves placing fine needles at specific points (or Acupoints) in the body’s surface. It is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced ‘’chee’’) or vital energy, which in the healthy body circulates constantly throughout the body. Each acupoint is connected in lines called ‘meridians’. An imbalance of life force or energy along meridians may result in physical symptoms relating to medical conditions (White, 2003).
Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes it is! Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to health. It is a natural and safe treatment which is increasing in popularity in the western world. What initially began as a novel approach, Acupuncture has now become a mainstream method to treat women suffering from disorders who are not responding to more conventional medical techniques.
Acupuncture in Women’s Health
The practice of Acupuncture in Women’s Health has gained greater prominence in the last few decades. Women of all ages can benefit from acupuncture. A woman’s body is in a constant state of change – consider puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
Controlled clinical trials conducted support the effectiveness of Acupuncture in the treatment of many women’s health disorders including:
- Irregular periods
- Painful periods
- Dysmenorrhoea – loss of menstrual flow
- Amenorrhoea – heavy bleeding
- Pre – menstrual syndrome (PMS)
- MenopauseIncontinenceInfertility
(WHO, 1999)
Is Acupuncture for you?
Acupuncture can help to restore balance and overall vitality to women suffering from disorders along any stage of their life cycle. In addition to symptomatic relief from the presenting complaint, Acupuncture also has a number of well-documented physiological effects such as:
- Decreased heart rate
- Lowering blood pressure
- Tissue regeneration
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Improved sleep
- Improved energy levels
(WHO, 1999)
What should you expect?
Each Acupuncture treatment is individualized to the patient. While it may take some time to rebalance a woman’s system, positive effects can be noticed almost immediately. Prolonged treatment is usually not needed, though sometimes top up sessions are recommended at the patients discretion.
“It is often the outcome, that when this delicate balance is restored, women are better equipped to live happier and more empowered lives”.
(www.womenshealthacupuncture.com.au)
What to do next?
Please contact us if you would like an appointment with one of our Chartered Physiotherapist practising Acupuncture. Our patient services team can advise you on where we provide acupuncture and indeed women’s health treatments.