Acupuncture & Gynecological (GYN) Disorders
Over the past several decades, research on women’s health has made some significant advances in care, prevention, and treatment of women-specific health issues. Women are more proactive about self care, early detection practices, and regular check-ups compared to the previous generation of women.
Recently, women are seeking alternatives to address GYN issues; dysmenorrhea, fertility, irregular menstrual cycles, etc. While published Western clinical trials are limited to date, research is currently under way to examine the efficacy of acupuncture to improve GYN health.
Reports from patients and clinicians suggest that acupuncture can be effective at reducing PMS symptoms, regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing cramps, and improving chances of pregnancy. A randomized trial* examining the effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in conjunction with assisted-reproductive techniques found a 42% pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group vs. a 26% pregnancy rate in the no-acupuncture group. For a woman struggling to get pregnant or suffering from painful periods, the odds are in favor of acupuncture.
*Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik K. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril. 2002 Apr;77(4):721-4.
Blustery Days – A Little Grounding Goes a Long Way
Fall is here – there’s plenty of wind, dryness, and cooler temperatures. No matter your dominate dosha, all Vata increases because in Ayurveda, like follows like. You might be experiencing dry skin and lips, constipation or bloating, difficulty with schedules or maintaining uninterrupted sleep; often, you feel anxious or think or worry more than usual. Travel is another Vata-raising activity – try to limit travel.
Vata can be balanced by containing or stilling the air – you might have heard the term ‘air head,’ a spacey feeling of frequent scattered thoughts. To quiet this energy:
- Create a regular schedule
- go to bed earlier and at a regular time
- calendar your activities to get these dates out of your head – avoid overbooking
- Food and activity can also help quell increased Vata:
- Meals
- consistent (meals shouldn’t be missed), routine, and quiet
- warm, moist and oily foods (avoid raw fruits, vegetables and cold dairy foods)
- foods should be whole, cooked and not overly processed or fried
- ginger, black pepper, cumin and cinnamon can be used to add warmth to food
- avoid iced or carbonated beverages
- limit alcohol and caffeinated teas and coffees
- Walk (if outside, stay warm)
- Do gentle yoga or meditative movements like Tai Chi.
- Meals
Check out www.banyanbotanicals.com/vata-dosha.asp for more information.