Acupuncture and perimenopause?

[WITRIPLEL]

Has anyone here tried acupuncture for relief of peri symptoms such as muscle achiness, sleep loss, brain fog and midsection thickening?  If so, is there anything to look for in an acupuncture provider?

[ClaireF17]

Acupuncture is great for sleep problems, acute and chronic pain, and emotional wellness. Am MD acupuncturist is probably best case scenario for a provider, but there are plenty of non MD acupuncturists with plenty of clinical knowledge who I would trust for my treatments. Some acupuncturists specialize in women’s health and other areas. Read reviews, meet the clinicians, see the space (it’s important to feel safe and comfortable). The intake process is important so be honest with yourself and the provider. It’s an amazing wellness tool but often the treatment can last as long as the problem so there are some immediate effects but often it takes a few sessions to see differences long term. I used to be a non-believer but changing my diet and getting regular arricular (ear) acupuncture has changed my sleep habits and chronic pain SO much. Good luck!

[KaraG667]

thank you for Supporting Acupuncture! I’d like to offer that actually a Licensed Acupuncturist who is in good standing with their state board is better to see than a Medical Provider such as an MD, NP, RN, PT, etc UNLESS they have fully trained as thoroughly in Acupuncture as a Licensed Acupuncturist would, alongside of their first degree of Medicine. Licensed Acupuncturists (I am both a licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist) have extensive training in our medicine. I have over 4200 hours and 5yrs of training just to obtain my Masters degree. Unless the other medical modality practitioners have trained to the extent that we have, they won’t get the full picture of the medicine the same way. Please consider this. Many people still don’t know the rigors of our training and the extensive knowledge that we have to learn to practice this ancient and time-tested medicine. I could go on but I’ll save you that. :). I’d just like to offer this perspective for better consideration. Thanks again for your support!

[kima68]

I have never tried acupuncture but I see a nutritionist and she has me on standard process supplements for these exact reasons. These supplements have changed my life. The cost of the supplements is worth it!

[KaraG667]

Hello! I am actually an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. To answer your question, yes, Acupuncture is extremely beneficial for what you have mentioned and then some. When looking for an acupuncturist, be sure they are a “Licensed Acupuncturist” with a minimum of a Masters degree in Acupuncture (with or without Oriential Medicine as part of the degree). Chinese/Oriental Medicine is the Herbal medicine modality which has its own extensive course of study so you can find practitioners who do either, or each medicine as a stand-alone modality. Hope that makes sense. Go to your state Board of Acupuncture, which could be under a broader department such as a Department of Mental Health & Hygiene (I practice in Maryland and our Board of Acupuncture is under this particular department). You can go to the Board’s website and search to find practitioners in your area and also check on the status of their license - that it is active and in good standing. We are all trained to be “Generalists” which means that we can’t treat most anything that you have concerning you. Many acupuncturists choose specialities such as Women’s Health and fertility, pain management, long term and chronic diseases, etc. That just means that they have chosen to focus their practice further in these areas. If you can’t find a specialist near you, any good standing Acupuncturist will be able to help you. My personal suggestion is to find someone who also practices Chinese medicine as herbal formulas can help womens issues more powerfully, and even more quickly than just Acupuncture alone. Please know that Acupuncture is a process and will require time to help work with your body’s natural healing abilities (min 3-6 months). It is not a quick fix for concerns you’ve had for some time (months, or even years old). It helps to restore and balance your body, mind, and Spirit. I hope this helps you and that you do choose Acupuncture. I think you’ll love it! All the best!

[Jojo3]

@KaraG667 - Thank you for the great information!!  I have always wanted to try acupuncture but really was unsure where to look!  I will definitely put this on my Goals for the New Year! 

[lam_9801]

Thank you for the information.   It is good to know there is a organization that oversees it. I've always been nervous to try.  Are there specific safety measures due to the needles etc?