Balancing Hormones Naturally Part 4: Acupuncture and TCM for Hot Flashes and Menopause Symptoms

Are you beginning to notice changes in your menstrual cycle or unexpected symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings? You might be entering perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause. It's a time when many women experience a range of physical and emotional changes due to hormonal fluctuations. But you don't have to navigate this transition alone or uncomfortably. At Herb + Ōhm, we specialize in using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to naturally balance hormones and alleviate the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, helping you maintain your vitality and well-being during this significant life stage.


Understanding Permenopause and Menopause Symptoms


Perimenopause is the period of time, typically occurring between the ages of 45-55, when the body begins its transition into menopause, typically marked by irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms similar to menopause due to fluctuating hormone levels. Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. Symptoms can profoundly impact one’s quality of life, affecting professional performance, personal relationships, and overall well-being. Common signs and symptoms include:


  • Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Intense heat sensations and sweating, often disruptive to daily activities and sleep.

  • Mood Swings and Irritability: Emotional fluctuations that can impact relationships and personal well-being.

  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disturbed sleep exacerbated by night sweats.

  • Decreased Libido and Vaginal Dryness: Changes in sexual desire and comfort.

  • Other symptoms we have seen in practice include: Difficulty concentrating, foggy headedness/brain fog, weight gain, fatigue, and overall feelings of taxation.


Potential Causes of Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms


The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause primarily arise from the natural decline in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Lifestyle and genetic factors can also influence the severity and onset of symptoms. High-stress professions and urban living can exacerbate menopause symptoms, highlighting the role of external factors in addition to biological changes. Urban environments and demanding work schedules contribute to stress levels, influencing the severity and experience of these symptoms.


Lifestyle Changes/Recommendations


Adapting your lifestyle can significantly ease perimenopause and menopause symptoms. The following tips aim to foster a holistic approach to managing menopause, promoting overall well-being.


  • Nutritional Support: Focus on a balanced diet rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D and B, which can help manage mood swings and support bone health.

  • Regular Physical Activity: Activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming can help regulate hormones and improve sleep.

  • Stress Management: Mindfulness, meditation, and acupuncture are effective ways to reduce stress and enhance emotional balance.

  • Hydration and Moderation: Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine and alcohol to reduce hot flashes and enhance sleep.

  • Quality Sleep: Develop a relaxing nighttime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment.

  • Community Support: Connect with others experiencing perimenopause and menopause for shared advice and emotional support.

  • Environment Adjustments: Dress in layers and keep your sleeping area cool to manage body temperature fluctuations more effectively.


Potential Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Perimenopause and Menopause


Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer natural, effective options for those seeking alternative approaches to managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. It can be transformative during this time by:


  • Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture points stimulate the endocrine system, promoting hormonal balance to ease transitions.

  • Reducing Hot Flashes: Specific acupuncture techniques can decrease the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.

  • Improving Sleep and Mood: TCM includes herbal formulas and acupuncture that calm the mind and improve sleep patterns.

  • Enhancing Vitality: Beyond merely addressing symptoms, TCM and acupuncture advocate for a holistic view of health, aiming not only to relieve menopause symptoms but also to enhance overall vitality and prevent future health issues.


Incorporating these time-honored practices into a holistic health strategy can provide a balanced and effective way to manage perimenopause menopause, offering a path to well-being that aligns with the principles of natural and proactive health care.


Herb + Ōhm’s Unique Blend of Healing - Where East Meets West


We do things differently here at Herb + Ōhm. We combine cutting-edge healing technologies with acupuncture and ancient Chinese Medicine to provide our patients with the quickest path to healing. We appreciate the distinct advantages of Eastern and Western healing philosophies, while maintaining an optimum balance between the two. Dr. Amy Wolf, DACM, L.Ac says, "Our unique approach allows us to offer the most comprehensive and therefore effective treatments so patients feel better as soon as possible."


Seeking Relief with Herb + Ōhm


The transition through menopause can be complex, marked by a variety of symptoms that challenge everyday life. However, through the personalized approach of Herb + Ōhm, these challenges can be met with ancient practices that nurture the body’s intrinsic ability to balance and heal. From hot flashes and mood swings to sleep disturbances and beyond, our treatments aim to alleviate the immediate discomforts while addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to menopausal symptoms.


At the helm of our clinic is Dr. Amy Wolf, L.Ac. DACM, FABORM a respected Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). ABORM is an international organization pioneering best practices in acupuncture and East Asian reproductive medicine. Dr. Amy's fellowship includes advanced training in Western and Eastern reproductive medicine, the passing of a rigorous advanced certification exam, and the ability to work collaboratively with physicians to ensure her patients receive the best care possible. Dr. Amy's specialization in TCM treatments for women's reproductive health brings a depth of knowledge, empathy, and expertise to each consultation. 


If you're seeking relief from menopause through acupuncture, we invite you to reach out to us at Herb + Ōhm at 312-757-1882. With more than 10 years of experience, Dr. Amy has helped numerous patients navigate menopause more comfortably. Employing a comprehensive approach, she integrates the benefits of acupuncture with complementary therapies to achieve optimal results. If you would like to schedule a consultation to meet with Dr. Amy, please contact us. During this one-on-one consultation, Dr. Amy will take the time to discuss your concerns, answer questions, evaluate your condition, and create an individualized treatment plan customized to your specific needs.


Let this be a time of renewal rather than a period of struggle. With Herb + Ōhm, you have a partner ready to support you through the physical and emotional changes that menopause brings. Through our holistic care and personalized treatments, embracing this phase of life with optimism and vitality is not only possible—it’s within your reach. Embrace this natural transition with the support and expertise of Herb + Ōhm, and take the first step towards a more balanced and vibrant life.


Stay well,

The Herb + Ohm Team

Amy Wolf