What Does Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine Treat?
Monica Bloch, M.S., L.Ac.     

• Motor Point Needling
• Acute Injury
• Chronic Injury
• Tendonitis
• Post-surgery
• Scars
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)

Women's Health

• Menstrual Disorders
  • Endometriosis
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
• Uterine Fibroids
• Fibrocystic Breasts
• Infertility
• Perimenopause & Menopause
• Osteoporosis

Men's Health

Digestive Disorders

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Ulcerative Colitis and Chron’s Disease
• Loose stool
• Constipation
• Ulcers/Gastritis (Heartburn)

Allergies/Sinusitis/Asthma

Addiction

Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation

Perimenopause & Menopause

Perimenopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause — anywhere from two to eight years — plus the first year after your final period. This is when people “go through menopause” and experience all their not-so-fun symptoms.  Normally this happens between the ages of 45-55, but some women start in as early as their mid thirties.

Menopause results from the definite cessation of ovarian function and is considered menopause when it has been a full year since your last period.  The mean age of menopause is 57.

The levels of reproductive hormones — estrogen and progesterone — rise and fall unevenly during perimenopause, causing the following symptoms:

• Menstrual irregularities. The intervals may be longer or shorter, the flow may be scanty to profuse, and many skip periods.
• Hot flashes and sleep problems. About 75 percent to 85 percent of women experience hot flashes during perimenopause and/or some form of sleep irregularity
• Mood changes. Some women experience mood swings, irritability or depression during perimenopause.
• Vaginal and bladder problems. When estrogen levels diminish, the vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse painful. Low estrogen levels may cause urinary or vaginal infections. Loss of tissue tone may contribute to urinary incontinence.
• Decreasing fertility. As ovulation becomes irregular, the ability to conceive decreases.
• Changes in sexual function. During perimenopause, sexual arousal and desire may change.
• Loss of bone. With declining estrogen levels, the loss of bone occurs more quickly than making new bone, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.
• Changing cholesterol levels. Declining estrogen levels may lead to unfavorable changes in your blood cholesterol levels, including an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol — which contributes to an increased risk of heart disease. At the same time, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the "good" cholesterol — decreases in many women as they age, which also increases the risk for heart disease.

How can traditional Chinese medicine help?
Although Chinese medicine is unable to replenish the declining hormone levels, it can help deal with some of the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats.  Herbal medicine, acupuncture, supplements, diet and exercise are all safe ways to make the transition as easy as possible.  Many women report reduction in menopausal symptoms with regular acupuncture treatments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Monica Bloch, M.S., L.Ac.
theacupuncturist@gmail.com
To make an appointment, please call 805-966-4772. 
Spa Medicus, 18 East Canon Perdido Santa Barbara