By applying moxibustion to certain points, blood flow to reproductive organs increases. It has been used to regulate menstrual cycle and fertility hormones, making it a good way to treat infertility.

In clinic, we often see patients only can attend treatment once a week either because of work or just because of budget, so we suggest them trying moxibustion at home. The DIY method beneath suits those who fall into the category of Yang Qi deficiency, it can be spleen deficiency, kidney deficiency, or both. Clinical symptoms may include aversion to cold, cold hands and feet, tiredness/lethargy, puffiness or overweight, low libido, low back ache, etc. We would suggest you consulting your practitioner first to see if you fit into this category.

Chosen points: Shen Que (RN8), Qi Hai (RN6), San Yin Jiao (SP6), Guan Yuan (RN4), Zhong Ji (RN3), Shen Shu (BL23), Zu San Li (ST36)

Choose 2-4 points among those, apply moxa over each one for about 5 minutes, or till the skin becomes slight pink and you feel nicely warm, use once every day.

What is menopause? 

Menopause is a normal, natural event. It is defined as the state of an absence of menstrual periods for 12 months (in the absence of other obvious causes). Menopause is associated with reduced functioning of the ovaries due to aging, resulting in lower levels of estrogen and other hormones. It marks the permanent end of fertility.  Although varies, menopause occurs, on average, at age 51.

There is another term ‘perimenopause’ which literally means “the time around menopause” and is often used to refer to the menopausal transitional period. It can last six years or more.

Main Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Decreased memory
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness and itching
• Urinary tract infection and urinary incontinence

Menopause and perimenopause from TCM perspective

Jing (Essence) is one of the most important substances in the body, and is responsible for birth, growth, development, sexuality, maturation, and aging. Jing is also the source of yin and yang. Kidney is the organ that stores jing.

As we age, kidney jing declines gradually. This gradual depletion of kidney jing is responsible for the timing and symptoms of menopause. Triggered by decreased jing, yin and yang will balance themselves given the body is in the right state (as our body is adaptive and resilient). However, many would see disharmony of yin and yang occurring due to various factors, including emotional stress, overwork, inadequate rest, irregular diet, etc.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for menopause and perimenopause

Acupuncture has been successfully used to control hot flashes, improve sleep and alleviate stress. In the meantime, it can also rebalance yin and yang.

It is worthwhile to mention Chinese herbal medicine in particular here as it can be amazingly helpful. Lin always recommends individually prescribed formula in stead of ready-made pills as each woman experiences different symptoms. Taking more aspects into consideration, a tailored prescription with more than 12 herbs gives the woman a better chance of profound benefit.

Your menopause transition can be smooth if in good hands.

What is POF?

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is the loss of ovarian function in women before the age of 40.

Women are generally born with enough eggs in their ovaries so that they ovulate one each month from puberty until about the age of 50. At that time, the supply of eggs is used up and menopause occurs. But, in girls and young women with POF, something has happened to the supply of eggs in the ovaries at a young age. It could be a loss of eggs, a dysfunction of eggs or the removal of the ovaries at a young age. This loss of ovarian function occurs at too young an age to be considered a natural menopause.

Hormonally, POF is defined by abnormally low levels of estrogen and high levels of FSH (> 40 IU/L), which demonstrate that the ovaries are no longer responding to circulating FSH by producing estrogen and developing fertile eggs.

POF vs Menopause

Though used to be called premature menopause, POF is actually much different than menopause.

• In menopause, a woman will likely never have another menstrual period again; women with POF are much more likely to get periods, even if they come irregularly.
•  A woman in menopause has virtually no chance of getting pregnant; a woman with POF has a greatly reduced chance of getting pregnant, but pregnancy is still possible.

Symptoms of POF

Commonly seen symptoms:

• Skipping or having irregular periods.
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Irritability, poor concentration
• Decreased interest in sex or pain during sex
• Drying of the vagina
• Infertility

Due to the lack of estrogen, POF can also put women at risk of other health problems, such as such as osteoporosis, low thyroid function, heart disease, diabetes as well as adrenal problems (Addison’s disease).

POF and TCM

Although laboratory test helps to diagnose POF, Traditional Chinese Medicine has its own way to make a reasonable differentiation and a tailored prescription. In our practice, we find that better result will be achieved if both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are administered at the same time.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help:

• To improve blood flow to the ovaries
• To lower FSH
• To reestablish normal FSH and LH regulation
• To restore the body’s natural balance and optimize reproductive health