How Acupuncture Can Help With PCOS
North End Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Book A ServiceContact UsPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and often frustrating condition that affects many women, disrupting their hormonal balance and impacting their overall quality of life. While modern medicine offers various treatments to manage the symptoms of PCOS, many women are turning to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, for a more holistic approach to their health. Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries to address a wide range of health issues by restoring the body’s natural balance. In this article, we explore how acupuncture can be an effective and natural solution for managing the symptoms of PCOS while treating the underlying causes, and helping women achieve better health and well-being.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a time-honored practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for thousands of years to treat a range of health issues. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, which are believed to be pathways for the body’s vital energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”). By stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture aims to restore balance to the body’s energy flow, promote natural healing, and improve overall well-being.
Modern scientific research supports many of the traditional claims of acupuncture, suggesting that it can influence the nervous system, enhance immune function, and release endorphins—natural painkillers produced by the body. This holistic approach makes acupuncture a valuable option for addressing various physical and emotional health concerns.
Signs You Have PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. Recognizing the signs of PCOS can help in seeking appropriate treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with PCOS often experience infrequent, irregular, or absent periods.
- Excess Androgen Levels: Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) can lead to symptoms such as excessive facial or body hair, acne, and scalp thinning.
- Ovarian Cysts: The presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries, which may be detected through ultrasound.
- Weight Gain: Many women with PCOS experience difficulty managing weight and may have increased fat around the abdomen.
- Insulin Resistance: This can lead to higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Difficulty Getting Pregnant: Irregular ovulation can affect fertility, making it harder to conceive.
How Acupuncture Can Help With Low PCOS
Acupuncture can be a valuable complementary therapy for managing PCOS and its associated symptoms. Here’s how acupuncture may help:
- Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels by targeting specific acupoints related to the endocrine system. This can aid in balancing hormones such as insulin and testosterone, which are often disrupted in PCOS.
- Promoting Regular Ovulation: By stimulating the ovaries and improving hormonal balance, acupuncture may help restore regular ovulation, which is beneficial for improving menstrual cycles and fertility.
- Improving Insulin Sensitivity: Acupuncture can support the regulation of blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. This may help manage weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes associated with PCOS.
- Reducing Stress: Chronic stress can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Acupuncture is known for its stress-relieving effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Lower stress levels can lead to a more balanced hormonal environment.
- Enhancing Overall Well-being: Acupuncture promotes general health and vitality by improving circulation and energy flow. This holistic approach supports the body’s natural healing processes and can contribute to better management of PCOS symptoms.
Ready to See an Acupuncturist for Your PCOS?
If you’re struggling with PCOS and seeking a natural, holistic approach to manage your symptoms, acupuncture might be the solution you need. At North End Acupuncture, our experienced practitioners are dedicated to providing personalized care to address your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore how acupuncture can help you achieve better health and well-being.
Our Approach To Treating PCOS
Acupuncture Treatment
Initial Consultation & Treatment – $135 ~ 90 min
The first session will consist of an in-depth discussion of your primary health concerns and full health history, along with a deep examination of the function of each of your body’s systems to properly diagnose any impairments or deficiencies.
Your practitioner will administer acupuncture, as well discuss an individualized treatment plan to address your specific condition and personal goals- which may include herbal medicine, dietary changes and lifestyle modification.
To save time at your initial consultation, feel free to print, fill out, and bring your Health History Form.
Follow-up Visit – $95 ~ 60 min
Your follow-up sessions will focus on treatment of your main complaint, as well as resolving any relevant underlying causes and secondary concerns.
*The cost of an herbal consultation is included in the above rates, minus cost of herbs.
Herbal Treatment
Initial Visit – $125 ~ 45-60 min
The first session will consist of an in-depth discussion of your primary health concerns and full health history, along with a deep examination of the function of each of your body’s systems to properly diagnose any impairments or deficiencies.
Your practitioner will prescribe appropriate herbal formulas and discuss an individualized treatment plan to address your specific condition and personal goals- which may include dietary changes and lifestyle modification.
To save time at your initial consultation, feel free to print, fill out, and bring your Health History Form.
Follow-up Visit – $65 ~ 30 min
During your follow-up sessions your practitioner will ask a series of questions, and perform diagnostic tests to assess how your body is responding to the herbal medicine and to see if any adjustments are necessary.
Cupping
Initial Visit – $65 ~ 30 min
Cupping is often used as a quick and effective way to release musculoskeletal pain and tension, especially neck pain and back pain- though it is used for many other disorders in Chinese medicine.
Choose yourself
Don’t let PCOS hold you back. Contact us today to learn more about our acupuncture services or to book your appointment. Experience the benefits of acupuncture for PCOS in Boston, MA.
