Polycystic ovary syndrome known as PCOS can affect up to 10 % of women and is a major cause of ovulation related infertility. Other symptoms associated with the problem include menstruation problems, acne and obesity. Women can also develop masculine type hair growth problems known as hirsutism. Western medicine does not know what causes PCOS and has no effective treatment for this problem.
Recent research in the States has now confirmed that acupuncture has been proven to regulate the sex hormones that influence PCOS. Acupuncture for fertility has in fact been used for centuries in China as well as being used for male hair growth patterns in females.
The research showed that the sex hormone levels were improved in the blood as well as in the ovaries. The acupuncture actually helped to down regulate testosterone and balances the masculinizing hormones causing unwanted hair growth and acne.
Ovulation frequency also improved with the acupuncture hence confirming its ability to increase fertility.
PCOS also affects insulin levels causing obesity and it is well known that acupuncture for weight loss is an effective drug free treatment.
Some researchers have suggested that PCOS is a genetic disease. This is of interest because acupuncturists using what is known as the 8 extra meridians are able to access reserves of constitution energy that in turn can address weak genetic disposition.
Other symptoms associated with PCOS such as irregular periods, amenorrhea (diminished periods) and cholesterol imbalances can all be regulated with acupuncture.
Women’s problems and their treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs has been a specialist modality in China for hundreds of years. PCOS is commonly and effectively treated in China with acupuncture and herbs and western medicine is only used to help diagnose the problem.
In Australian universities there is now a master’s degree program specializing in Traditional Chinese medicine and women’s health. Heiko Lade has a master’s degree in traditional Chinese medicine from the University of Technology, Sydney and he used to lecture in Christchurch and Auckland both in acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
