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Menopause: All women journey through the natural, physiological cycle of menopause. Believe it or not, there are women who experience menopause with little or no discomforts. In fact, night sweats, hot flashes, irritability, fatigue etc. are indications of an imbalance in the body. You can be balanced even during menopause.
What can you do for yourself? Listen to the messages from your body. Take care of yourself differently: put yourself back in your equation of life. Tell people when doing something you do not really want to do is not a fit. Allow yourself to be your top priority. Stop overdoing: work, exertion, helping everyone else to your detriment. Take charge of your life now.
Uncomfortable symptoms are important messages from your organs begging you for help and support. Acupuncture can be a tremendous benefit during the natural process of menopause. Acupuncture can re-teach your body how to be in balance and more comfortable, as it changes. Each woman’s experience is unique, consequently acupuncture treatments are unique. Chinese herbs can also help you stay balanced.
Menopause and arthritis: There are beneficial acupuncture points in your ears. Massage your ears on the outside, back, and in the front. Use a q-tip or your pinky to massage the inside of your ear. Do not massage into your ear canal.
Arthritis: Over 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis with Osteoarthritis the most common form causing pain and limiting movement. In 2004 the US National Institute of Health (NIH) published results from a 4 year study of arthritis treated by acupuncture. It was the largest and longest clinical trail of arthritis treated by acupuncture in this country. There were 570 participants of 50 years or older with arthritis in the knee.
With the use of acupuncture there was a 44% reduction of pain and 40% experienced improved mobility. In a Scandinavian study 25% of the patients cancelled knee surgery due to relief from acupuncture.
What can you do for yourself? Keep moving. Lack of movement communicates that the body is not needed. It will respond by breaking down and becoming less mobile. Movement tells your body you still need it; that you demand that it functions on your behalf. It encourages your body to remain flexible, keep fluids moving and releases heat. Walking, stretching and swimming are helpful and gentle. Massage your joints and move them as you massage. Massage transfers beneficial energy from your hand into the joint. As you massage you may feel warmth. This has a dual benefit. Excess heat can be dispelled from the joint and at the same time that warmth promotes ease of movement. We know from life and science that warmth makes things flexible. Your body can handle this duality.
Life is about duality such as ageing and staying strong and healthy. As your body ages, make choices and take action that benefits you. Be in charge of your life. It is now or possibly never. Your body will respond by making this the most powerful and freeing time ever.
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