Dr. Shannon Larson Acupuncture

Women's Health, Menstrual Health & Menopause

 
acupuncture and women's health

Many people assume their menstrual cycle is "normal" because they have learned to live with symptoms each month. However, painful periods, heavy or light bleeding, irregular cycles, PMS, mood changes, and other menstrual concerns are common, but they are not something you simply have to accept. These symptoms can affect daily life, work, relationships, sleep, and overall well-being.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views menstrual health as an important reflection of overall health. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine aim to identify and address the underlying patterns of imbalance that may be contributing to menstrual or hormonal concerns. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, supporting the body's natural ability to restore balance and promote long-term health.

For thousands of years, Chinese Medicine has recognized the importance of menstrual and reproductive health. Classical medical texts describe acupuncture and herbal therapies for gynecological care, and the renowned physician Sun Simiao placed women's health at the beginning of his influential medical text, Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold, highlighting its importance in maintaining overall health.

From the beginning of menstruation through fertility, perimenopause, and menopause, hormonal health changes throughout life. Dr. Shannon Larson provides individualized acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support menstrual health, hormonal balance, and overall well-being at every stage of life.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can address: 

  • lack of bleeding (amenorrhea)

  • heavy bleeding

  • midcycle bleeding

  • painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

  • endometriosis

  • irregular menstrual cycles

  • PCOS

  • PMS

  • Breast tenderness or distention

  • hot flashes

  • night sweats

 

 
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Acupuncture and Fertility

By addressing each person as an individual Chinese Medicine tailors each treatment to one’s personal needs. Acupuncture points are chosen based on meridian theory to remove blocks in the natural creation and movement of Qi and blood. In doing so it brings balance back to the body’s natural hormonal rhythms. When the mind is calm, and there is an abundance of Qi and a healthy flow of blood, the body is at its optimal health to create a new life.

ADVANTAGES TO ACUPUNCTURE INCLUDE:

  • Improving hormone delivery to target sites
  • positively influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis which has a major role in fertility
  • Balancing endocrine and hormone systems that regulate ovulation
  • Increasing blood flow to the uterus, improving the chances of implantation
  • Releasing natural endorphins and reducing stress hormones, helping decrease the negative impacts of stress on fertility
  • Regulating a woman’s menstrual cycle thereby improving chances of fertility and decreasing symptoms of PMS
  • Improving pregnancy rates in IVF and other Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

 

acupuncture and fertility