acupuncture is real life magic
Acupuncture brings both immediate and long lasting change. Acupuncture regulates Qi (vital energy) to encourage the body’s own healing process.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by inserting needles into our body’s energy meridians (also known as qi/chi). There are hundreds of these energy points across the body – with appropriate combinations the body’s energy flow can back into proper balance.
Essentially, acupuncture works by activating the body's own self-healing mechanisms.
I know to some this may sound like pseudoscience, but there is plenty of research to back this up (read below).
There are many cases where this acupuncture has supported women’s health:
Researchers have found acupuncture to be more effective than hormone drug therapy for the treatment of endometriosis. It relieves menstrual pain, “reduces the size of pelvic masses, lowers CA125 levels, and reduces the recurrence rate of endometriosis. CA125 a is biomarker for several types of cancer and benign conditions including endometriosis and menstrual disorders.” (1)
“A 2002 study published in The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine focused on women diagnosed with painful periods due to endometriosis. The results showed that 81% of the women had significantly less pain with their periods after receiving acupuncture.” (2)
Another study on women with PMS found that 78% of those who received a 4-week course of acupuncture had a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, irritability, headache, breast pain, insomnia, bloating, nausea, and GI disorders.” (2)
Cost, Insurance, and Community Acupuncture
I acknowledge that acupuncture can be expensive. However, insurance my cover a large portion of it. If your insurance doesn’t over it, you can always still submit a “superbill” and will often get reimbursed a portion (when my insurance didn’t cover it, I was able to get $300 back through this process).
Another amazing option, is community acupuncture. Instead of being in a private room, community acupuncture is done in a group setting. The practitioner will spend about 10 minutes talking to you (more for your initial visit), and set you up in a comfy chair. There will be others in the room, but you generally aren’t too aware of them, as the rooms are dimly lit, with soft music playing to create a tranquil environment. Community acupuncture is often done on a sliding scale, usually around $20-$40 a session. Even though my insurance does cover acupuncture, I like the community acupuncture here in San Francisco so much, I go there instead! (Shout out to Tiny Needles - highly recommended for anyone in SF).
herbal therapy
Herbal therapy is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. However, it’s important to note, that more herbs isn’t necessarily better, especially with endo.
My blog will feature various herbs I have used and how they effected me. They are simply my experiences, not a guidebook. Be sure to ask your practitioner what’s best for you.
When looking for an acupuncturist, be sure to find one that specializes in women’s health.
