Chinese Medicine and Women's Health: How Can It Help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine, the oldest continuous medical science in the world, offers effective means to improve women’s health. Herbal medicine supports, balances and strengthens all of the body’s physiological systems, and its ability to treat the hormonal and immune systems presents a vital therapy for most menstrual problems and immuno-deficiencies such as acute and chronic viral, bacterial, and Candida yeast infections. By addressing the fundamental processes of disease, herbal medicine achieves impressive successes in treating a broad range of internal and metabolic illnesses.

Acupuncture treats many gynecological ailments, and is especially useful against menstrual cramps, headaches, and pain of any kind. It is the primary treatment, with acupressure massage, for musculoskeletal imbalances, neurological disorders and sports medicine.

While Western medicine excels in emergency and critical intervention, and provides technological diagnostics, Traditional Chinese Medicine can complement or replace drug therapies in the treatment of chronic illness and in long-term health maintenance.

Exploring the Principles of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient method of healing that has existed in some form almost as long as civilization itself. Using small needles applied along energy pathways within the body, acupuncture allows the body to heal and defend against disease by stimulating the hormonal, circulatory, and immune systems. Here are some of the guiding principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine upon which the practice of acupuncture is based:

Qi: 
It is believed that a constant flowing energy is moving through all living things from plants to animals to humans. This energy called qi—pronounced “chi”—promotes interconnectivity among all life, and it is present within the blood stream to preserve health and well-being.
 
Shen: 
In western terms, shen may be thought of as one’s consciousness or soul. It is responsible for mankind’s mental abilities, and it is represented through an individual’s personality and thoughts.
 
Jing: 
All living beings are thought to have a specific quantity of jing from birth. As one ages, jing is slowly used to help the body grow and develop. If one leads a life of apathy or negativity, jing is consumed faster.
  
Five elements: 
The five elements represent all the matter that surrounds people in the universe. They are earth, fire, metal, water, and wood. Each element is meant to show the phases through which all things pass in a lifetime. They should remain in balance to create a healthy living environment and promote well-being.