Correcting imbalances in hormone function can be a complicated process to achieve especially with regards to the female endocrine system. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), especially herbs and acupuncture Saratoga Springs is one effective way to address imbalances in the female hormonal function. The endocrine system basically exists to produce and distribute hormones. Hormones are the body’s messaging systems. They coordinate the body’s physiological activities much like what a symphony conductor does to a philharmonic orchestra during a musical performance.
The major players in producing and regulating hormones are the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. These regulate all the other glands of the body (sex organs, thyroid and adrenals). The pituitary and hypothalamus are assisted by other endocrine organs to form some sort of a team that enable specific body functions: Some of the body functions are:
- Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonad for reproductive function – This team regulates the female and male reproductive systems. Irregularities in this function can cause menopausal problems, sexual dysfunction, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, menstrual irregularities or infertility.
- Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid for metabolism – Responsible for energy usage and production and metabolism regulation. Dysfunctions here can cause heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, emotional disorders, weight gain or fatigue among others.
- Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal for stress & digest- They are the organs responsible for energy, emotions, immunity digestive, function and stress response. Any dysfunctions in their interaction with each other can result in alcoholism, emotional issues, insomnia, IBS or fatigue.
TCM’s perception on hormones, their functions and origins diverges widely with Western medicinal science. TCM views the endocrine system as similar in function with the Kidney system. The function of the kidney encompasses functions of the central nervous system, blood, bone, endocrine, urinary, and genital. The Kidney is where the body primarily gets its energy from and is responsible for the development and growth of the body and reproduction.
For the treatment of hormonal imbalances, acupuncture focuses in achieving a viable homeostatic effect using the balancing the hormonal and nervous systems of the body. To regulate the hormones, imbalances in the Liver and Kidney systems need to be repaired. For treatment of hormonal problems, a minimum of weekly treatments are required until the symptoms that characterize the imbalance goes away. When this is accomplished monthly sessions then will be enough to help prevent recurrence of the symptoms and once maintenance has been achieved, once in a while treatments for preventative care can be suggested although not required.
Herbs can also be used in conjunction with acupuncture to address Kidney and Liver deficiencies and also for treating specific types of reproductive problems. Acupuncture treatment for hormonal imbalance is one effective way for treating infertility conditions especially for those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual irregularities, irregular ovulation or endometriosis.