Women's Health

Acupuncture, massage, and herbal medicine are some common healing tools in traditional Chinese medicine. Among these, Annie Tiang TCM uses ‘Acupuncture’ and ‘Medications’ to heal menstrual disorders. Both Chinese and Western medicine aim to accomplish the same goal- restarting the menstrual periods and restoring them to a regular cycle. However, there is a significant difference between these two.

Traditional Chinese medicine stimulates the body to regulate its naturally occurring hormones and thus restore normal hormonal functions. On the other hand, conventional Western medicine uses artificial hormones to restore the thalamus-pituitary-ovary hormonal functions.

According to Chinese medicine, balance is the most important concept in maintaining health. According to it, Yin and Yang are the total opposites in the universe, and they form our bodies’ basic substance. Chinese medicine believes that these two must be in a balance for us to be in good health. The yeast cells and bacteria in our bodies resemble Yin and Yang. Their imbalance causes some sort of disorder. When there is an increase in the number of yeast cells, it results in candidiasis. On the other hand, an infection, like vaginitis, may occur in the presence of too many bacteria. It may also result in some symptoms, like white, cheesy vaginal discharge, genital itching, etc.

Here is a two-step treatment plan with Chinese medicine for such conditions:

Step 1. Cleansing: Chinese medicine believes a thorough cleansing to be the first step in dealing with candidiasis. Waste, phlegm, toxins, etc., contribute to yeast overgrowth. When our systems are full of these, it is necessary to clear them out. “The constitutional energy is endangered when an internalized evil is there.”

Step 2. Tonifying: The term is mostly used in acupuncture and herbal medicine. When the body has become free of toxins, phlegm, and waste products, we need to tonify it. It means repairing the damages and restoring the lost balance. Otherwise, the pathological factors will return in no time. “If sufficient vital energy exists, a pathological factor cannot attack us.”

Infertility has now become a big problem for a huge number of couples. In Singapore, up to 25% of couples are considered infertile. That is why infertility treatment is being more common in the country. However, with conventional western medicine, the treatments are often expensing, time-consuming, and frustrating. On the other hand, Chinese medicine goes long back in treating infertility of both men and women. Also, the Chinese gynecology/obstetric textbooks include anecdotal success stories of the same. Hence, traditional Chinese medicine can provide new options for infertile couples in Singapore.

Infertility is the failure to achieve conception after a year or more of regular sexual activity with no contraceptive use. According to Chinese medicine, the Kidney is responsible for reproduction, growth, and aging. When the Kidney energy is insufficient to support normal growth and development, it may cause many health problems. Infertility is among those. Lifestyle factors, like poor diet, overwork, or excessive sexual activity can also cause the same. And Chinese medicine believes that Kidney deficiency is the most common cause of infertility. Liver Qi stagnation, blood stasis or deficiency, and dampness with phlegm or heat can also cause infertility.

Chinese medicine has a high rate of success in treating functional infertility. It results from factors like hormonal imbalances, endocrine gland disorders, emotional problems, etc. Pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, vaginitis, ovary dysfunction, immunological infertility, etc., are some structural infertility problems. Chinese medicine has a significant impact on treating such structural infertility problems, as well.

Studies and observations suggest that some factors are responsible for maintaining the health of Asian women through menopause. The combination of diet, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be the determining factor in this case.

Acupuncture:

To achieve the most effective level of treatment, acupuncture is combined with Chinese herbal medicine. Most women feel an improvement after only a few sessions. Only a few of them do not respond well to acupuncture treatments.

A good example of improvement is Sue, a 53-year-old school teacher. She came to my clinic this summer. Sue began her menopause early, at the age of 43. Hence, her doctor put her on hormone replacement therapy. She then developed breast cancer and went through a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. After that, her doctor did not resume the hormone replacement therapy, and Sue’s menopausal symptoms became severe. She started having daily headaches and night sweats. Hot flashes occurred every twenty minutes. She could not sleep through the night and had to change her sweat-soaked nightgown at least once every night. Her emotions became volatile. As a result, she felt irritated or started crying under the slightest stress.

When she came to see me, she was distressed by the thought that she might not be able to resume teaching in September. Thankfully, after her first acupuncture treatment, the hot flashes and sweating noticeably decreased. And for the first time in a year, she slept through the night. After a month of bi-weekly treatments, the hot flashes, night sweats, and headaches were all gone. And Sue managed to began her teaching year. Now she comes in for treatments once or twice a month to manage stress-related symptoms.

As I see, more women are now being referred by their gynecologists for acupuncture. Scientific pieces of evidence, corroborating the ancient practices of traditional Chinese medicine, are mounting up. It is giving women who want an alternative to hormone therapy real hope.

Chinese herbal medicine:

Most women in China get evaluated by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner before they even reach menopause. According to Chinese medicine, women with certain body imbalances or deficiencies may develop severe menopausal symptoms in the near future. Let’s say that a younger woman shows signs of Kidney Yin deficiency. In that case, a practitioner would project that she is likely to have difficulties at the time of menopause unless the deficiency is corrected. Chinese herbal formulas may be of help in such cases.

Many of the most valuable formulas are tonics for blood, chi, yang, or yin. They can be used regularly without any adverse side effects. For example, if a woman shows symptoms of Yin deficiency, she would be recommended to take a Yin tonic formula. Insomnia and/or heart palpitations are some such symptoms. By examining the signs, the practitioner can tell which internal organ is most affected by the deficiency. Based on that, he or she will recommend a tonic, formulated specifically for that organ. In the case of Kidney Yin deficiency, the Kidney Yin tonic is such a time-tested formula. And it is often given to menopausal and pre-menopausal women.

Ancient Chinese managed to recognize unique anatomical structures and physiological functions of women. They also understood that such physiological functions require a specialized discipline. Hence, the ancient Chinese have always emphasized treating women-specific conditions. And today, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has evolved greatly to meet the needs of modern women. At Annie Tiang TCM, our professionals provide remedies to empower women in achieving holistic health and wellness.

The Combination:

The Annie Tiang TCM Acupuncture for fertility improves ovulation, uterine blood flow, and endometrial development for conception.

Furthermore, acupuncture may increase a couple’s chances of conception. The treatment process helps patients to de-stress. Also, it improves blood flow to the reproductive organs and strengthens the uterine lining. The uterine lining is vital for a good-quality embryo and successful implantation. This way, acupuncture helps increase the chances of conception.

The herbal medicine treatment warms the kidney, nourishes the blood, reinforces and regulates vital energy to prepare the uterus for a successful pregnancy. All parts of the program focus on ‘warming’ the uterus by nourishing the blood and reinforcing vital energy for a healthy pregnancy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches breast lumps or breast cancer with a holistic perspective, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body. While it’s important to note that TCM should not be considered a standalone treatment for breast cancer, it can complement conventional treatments and offer supportive care. Here are some reasons why TCM may be effective in addressing breast lumps or breast cancer:

1. Individualized Treatment: TCM practitioners tailor treatments based on an individual’s specific constitution, symptoms, and patterns of disharmony. This personalized approach allows for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
2. Herbal Medicine: TCM utilizes various herbal formulas containing herbs with potential anti-cancer properties. These herbs are selected based on their ability to tonify the body, clear heat and toxins, and promote circulation. For example, herbs like Astragalus (Huang Qi), Reishi mushroom (Ling Zhi), and Scutellaria (Huang Qin) are commonly used in TCM formulations for breast cancer.
3. Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow (Qi) and promote healing. It can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being in breast cancer patients.
4. Dietary Therapy: TCM emphasizes the importance of dietary modifications to support health and healing. TCM dietary principles focus on consuming nourishing foods while avoiding those that may exacerbate imbalances. Certain foods and herbs believed to have anti-cancer properties, such as green tea, cruciferous vegetables, and medicinal mushrooms, may be recommended.
5. Qi and Blood Regulation: TCM views cancer as a manifestation of imbalances in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood. TCM treatments aim to regulate Qi and blood circulation, remove blockages, and restore harmony to the body’s energy systems.
6. Stress Reduction: TCM recognizes the impact of emotional and psychological factors on physical health. Techniques such as meditation, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi are often incorporated into treatment plans to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall resilience.
7. Complementary Therapy: TCM is often used alongside conventional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Integrating TCM into a comprehensive treatment approach may help manage side effects, improve quality of life, and support the body’s natural healing processes.