As women, we navigate a unique journey of physical and emotional changes throughout our lives. From the delicate dance of hormones during our menstrual cycle to the transformative stages of pregnancy and menopause, our bodies deserve special care and attention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body. For women in Singapore seeking natural remedies for various health issues, TCM provides a time-tested solution.
In this article, we will explore how TCM supports women’s health throughout different life cycles, from menstruation to menopause. Keep reading to find out more.
Women’s life cycles
1. Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle can bring various challenges, including the late onset of first menses, irregular periods, menstrual cramps, and ovulation bleeding. TCM offers effective solutions by regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing pain, and alleviating discomfort. Through herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments, TCM helps restore harmony to the body, promoting a healthier and more regular menstrual cycle.
2. Pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-pregnancy
Preparing the body for pregnancy is crucial for both men and women. TCM for fertility plays a vital role in this stage, assisting couples in their journey towards conception. By addressing hormonal imbalances and optimising reproductive health, TCM enhances the chances of successful conception. TCM can help couples trying to conceive naturally and those undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments like IVF. Acupuncture is often used to promote ovulation in preparation for egg retrieval procedures and is used to enhance the success of implantation after embryo transfers.
During pregnancy, TCM can also help alleviate early symptoms of miscarriage, lower back pain, and general discomfort.
Post-pregnancy, TCM provides support with practices like confinement rituals, lactation support, and treatments such as acupuncture to strengthen the body’s recovery and alleviate discomfort from conditions like mum’s wrist or backache that arise from caring for their newborns.
3. Menopause
As women enter menopause, they experience a range of symptoms such as irregular periods, heavy flow, disrupted cycles, hot flashes, and night sweats. TCM offers effective relief by balancing hormones and improving overall well-being. Herbal remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to each individual can help manage these symptoms, allowing women to embrace this transformative stage with greater ease and comfort.
Common health conditions that affect women
From menstrual cramps and irregular periods to post-menopausal syndrome and infertility, women often face a range of health concerns. While Western medicine provides valuable diagnostic tools and treatments, TCM for women’s health offers a complementary and holistic approach to address these conditions.
1. Menstrual cramps and irregular periods
Menstrual cramps and irregular periods are common complaints among women and TCM recognises that these issues may be manifestations of imbalances within the body. By considering the body as an interconnected system, TCM aims to restore harmony and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Learn more: Physician’s guide to manage and relieve PMS
2. Post-menopausal syndrome
As women transit into menopause, they may experience a range of symptoms collectively known as post-menopausal syndrome. TCM for menopause approaches post-menopausal syndrome by seeking to balance the body’s Yin and Yang energies.
3. Infertility
Infertility is a deeply personal and emotionally challenging issue that many women face. Western medicine often diagnoses infertility as a result of hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Whereas TCM for fertility offers a comprehensive and individualised approach to address the underlying causes by focusing on optimising the body’s overall health, balancing hormones, improving circulation, and supporting reproductive organs.
Learn more about TCM for fertility:
Improve your IVF Success Rate With Acupuncture
What is Cold Womb Syndrome – are you suffering from it?
4. Vaginal infections or irritation
Vaginal infections or irritations, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, can cause discomfort and disrupt a woman’s daily life. While it is recommended to seek the advice of a Western doctor for prompt relief, TCM can play a supportive role in preventing recurrence and maintaining vaginal health in the long run. TCM treatments often help strengthen the body’s immune system and balance its natural flora.
5. Urinary tract infections (UTI)
UTIs are a common issue among women, causing pain and discomfort. It is advisable to consult a Western doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment, as UTIs can progress quickly. However, TCM can be used in conjunction with Western medicine to support the body’s healing process and prevent recurrent infections. TCM for women’s health focuses on strengthening the body’s immune system, promoting urinary tract health and restoring balance within the body.
How TCM and tech-enhanced therapies work hand in hand
TCM has long been revered for its holistic approach to well-being, and now, advancements in technology enhance its effectiveness in addressing various women’s health issues.
Learn more: A TCM Experience Like No Other: 6 Tech-Enhanced Assessments & Therapies
1. Menstrual-related issues
Herbal medications tailored to individual needs can be formulated to correct imbalances, primarily focusing on regulating the Liver and Kidney functions while invigorating the Blood and Qi.
Acupuncture promotes the flow of Qi and strengthens vital organs involved in the menstrual cycle.
For conditions related to coldness or Blood stagnation such as Cold Womb Syndrome, therapies like moxibustion and tech-enhanced therapies like Far-Infrared (FIR) Therapy can be employed. Moxibustion uses heat from burning mugwort to warm specific acupuncture points, while FIR therapy utilises gentle heat to penetrate deep into tissues, improving blood circulation and alleviating menstrual discomfort.
Electro-Lymphatic Therapy (ELT) is another tech-enhanced approach that can benefit women with inflammatory conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, or cysts. ELT improves lymphatic circulation and drainage, reducing inflammation, and enhancing blood circulation, leading to better menstrual flow and overall well-being.
2. Pregnancy-related issues
Herbal medications can be tailored to recondition the body’s imbalances, strengthen the Kidney and womb, and improve blood circulation to support uterine lining growth for successful implantation. Specific herbs may also be prescribed to prevent miscarriage, while confinement herbs aid in postpartum recovery by strengthening the body and replenishing blood loss.
Acupuncture can support assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF and optimise the womb’s condition for a smoother pregnancy.
ELT continues to play a supportive role in addressing fertility concerns pre-pregnancy, reducing inflammation in conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, or cysts.
3. Peri-menopause or menopausal discomfort
TCM for menopause includes herbal remedies that are customised to strengthen the Kidney Yin and correct imbalances within the body, providing relief from symptoms associated with hormonal changes.
Tech-enhanced therapies, such as Cell Pro Therapy (CPT) can be employed to balance the autonomic nervous system and restore hormonal level balance. Negative ions have been shown to have a calming effect on the body and promote overall well-being.
Learn more: Preparing For Your First Cell Pro Therapy (CPT)
Consult a professional TCM practitioner
By combining the wisdom of TCM with technology, women can benefit from personalised treatments that address their unique health concerns. It is important to consult qualified TCM practitioners, like those at Oriental Remedies Group, who can integrate these tech-enhanced therapies into comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring optimal results for women’s health and well-being.
Get in touch with us to find out more!
Note: All words in Italics refer to the TCM organ-system and not the anatomical organ referenced in Western medicine.
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