Understanding Menopausal Syndrome and Treatment Options
Menopausal syndrome affects approximately 87.5% of women during menopause, resulting in various symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Collectively, these symptoms are categorized as menopausal syndrome in the medical community. However, many women experience these challenges without knowing the appropriate treatment methods.
The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Currently, hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen replacement therapy, is widely used both domestically and internationally. Dr. Wang Qinyu from the Acupuncture Department at Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine points out that the use of estrogen must be based on actual needs and indications. It's crucial to monitor liver and kidney functions during prolonged usage. Additionally, some neuropsychiatric symptoms in menopausal women may not be directly related to estrogen levels.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Dr. Wang emphasizes the unique advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in diagnosing and treating menopausal symptoms, especially through acupuncture. In TCM, these disorders are referred to as "various symptoms before and after menopause," often stemming from deficient kidney energy. Historic records, such as "Huangdi Neijing," describe significant physiological changes at regular intervals in a woman's life, particularly around the age of 49, marking the onset of menopause.
Scientific Backing for Acupuncture
In November 1996, during a meeting in Milan held by the World Health Organization, 64 acupuncture indications were published. Conditions such as depression, insomnia, and menstrual disorders in women were explicitly included. Clinical practice has demonstrated that acupuncture effectively alleviates overall and localized symptoms associated with menopausal syndrome.
Personalized Treatment Approaches
One of the greatest strengths of acupuncture in treating menopausal syndrome lies in its ability to adapt to each individual's unique physical condition. For instance, a woman with a "Yin deficiency" constitution may experience symptoms like dizziness, irritability, hot flashes, and insomnia, while a woman with a "Yang deficiency" might show signs of abdominal bloating, decreased appetite, and fatigue. Accordingly, the acupuncture points and techniques utilized will differ, ensuring a tailored approach.
Common Acupuncture Points for Menopausal Syndrome
Acupuncture practitioners commonly use several key points, including Baihui, Yintang, Tongli, Shenmen, Qihai, Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao, and Taixi. Generally, treatment involves acupuncture sessions once daily or every other day. In addition, practitioners often complement treatment with other modalities like ear acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping therapy, and point injection methods. Notably, many patients notice improvement within one to two weeks of starting treatments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while traditional hormone replacement therapies are prevalent, the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture offers personalized and effective options for alleviating the challenges associated with menopausal syndrome. Understanding the symptoms and available treatments can empower women to make informed decisions regarding their health during menopause.