Elizabeth Moose, LAc, (Beth) has been a Licensed Acupuncturist since 1988 and has been practicing full time in Austin since 1992. She has traveled and studied in China, and was on the faculty of the Academy of Oriental Medicine, Austin for eleven years where she taught the Theory and Philosophy course and was a clinical supervisor. For more info click on the website link below.
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Greetings All,
In honor of my recent 50th birthday and that of several of my friends and clients, I am focusing this month's newsletter on the subject of menopause! (We all knew it had to come eventually, both in life and in this newsletter, right?)
This is something I have seen a ton of over the years and something that is easily treated, both with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
And, while this may not be an issue for most of you reading this, it will surely touch the life of someone you know sooner or later.
The term menopause simply denotes the end of fertility and menstruation. Ideally, this time should be no problem. The transition through menopause though, often manifests as a set of symptoms that are a result of functional, physiological processes that are out of balance. So, for all of us, the lesson here is that Chinese Medicine can treat and often significantly improve functional, physiological issues, for woman or man, young or old.
Although I have been immersed in the TCM mind set for 30 years now, I realize that most people still do not know what acupuncture and Chinese herbs are capable of.
Many people live with conditions of discomfort and pain, or other troublesome symptoms, and believe they just have to live with them (because Uncle Joe had this too, or because my western doc doesn't know how to fix it, or because I am simply unaware of any treatments that can help). The truth is this is just not the case! And while it is also unfortunately true that there are indeed some people/conditions that don't respond to anything, most pain, dysfunction, and imbalance can be improved, and sometimes significantly.
I repeat, most pain, dysfunction, and imbalance can be improved, and sometimes significantly!
Okay, I think I have made my point. Happy smooth sailing through menopause, (for all of us and our companions), and thanks for keeping up with my newsletter!
Best As Always,
Beth
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Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Menopause
As mentioned above, over the years I have seen many women who received significant help with the symptoms of menopause with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. These treatments can help with the normal symptoms of aging too, and can provide a safe and effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy, which as we now know, is mostly discouraged.
It is my experience that most women in this culture believe hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, etc are to be expected in menopause and are inescapable. Well, this is just not true. Much like PMS, these symptoms are common in this culture and are considered "normal" but are signs of greater imbalance.
I know many women who have their last period, sail easily through this transition, and who go on with their lives menopause-symptom free.
This time can indeed be very difficult for many, though, and a significant problem. Chinese Medicine is especially helpful for reproductive, menstrual, and other hormone-related issues and menopause is certainly a part of this. These syndromes are well understood, from the TCM point of view of course, and treatment protocols abound.
Both acupuncture and herbs are indicated. To see some research on acupuncture, and some info on theory, acupuncture, and herbs, just click on the blue text.
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Book Recommendation: Managing Menopause Naturally with Chinese Medicine
And speaking of menopause, here is a book, one of a series written for laypeople (all of which I recommend) that explains it all from the Chinese point of view and provides lots of great suggestions and recommendations. And if the subject isn't directly relevant to you, it might make a great Christmas, anniversary or birthday gift for someone else. (I think I am kidding, it might not be the most romantic present, but then again if someone you love is suffering or potentially is about to, it could be considered very thoughtful!)
Anyway, check it out, and the rest of the series as well.
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Mindful Medicine Worldwide
This month's Chinese-Medicine-out-in-the-world feature is not about menopause! It is about Mindful Medicine Worldwide, a recently established non-profit organization whose mission is to bring integrative healthcare and education to the developing world. Their first two clinics have been established in Nepal, and the next is planned for the Thailand/Burma border. To listen to an interview with the founder, see some great photographs (multimedia page), or make a donation if you are so moved, click here.
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World Health Organization List of Treatable Conditions
I want to include this list from the World Health Organization in all my newsletters just to remind you of everything acupuncture and Chinese medicine can treat. As a practitioner I know this is just a partial list, but it is official and great PR! To see the list again click here.
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