Sep. 28th, 2006 | 05:37 pm
Many women at one time or another experience some form of discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Cramping pain can occur before, during or after menstrual bleeding. Location of discomfort can be felt in the lower abdominal region and can extend to the low back. Quality of pain can range from sharp and stabbing to dull and achy, from mild to moderate and even severe in some cases.
In general, pain relief is one of the great success stories of acupuncture treatment. Particularly, acupuncture can help greatly minimize or alleviate altogether common pain experienced during menstruation. Treatment time for acupuncture can vary between 45 minutes to an hour with several follow-up treatments. Chinese herbal medicine also can be used in conjunction with acupuncture, to assist in promoting and maintaining smooth circulation of the body's Qi (vital force). Regulating Qi circulation will aid in prevention of cramps in future menstrual cycles. Herbal formulas are specially customized to fit the needs of each individual.
As with any medical concern, it is always important to be thoroughly evaluated by your medical doctor to rule out serious potential causes of painful menses such as inflammation of the pelvic region, endometriosis, etc. When looking for an acupuncture provider, find someone who is a licensed acupuncturist. Many insurance providers cover acupuncture treatments for various conditions.
Sep. 28th, 2006 | 05:40 pm
Alli Redding admits that since she discovered traditional Chinese medicine - in particular, acupuncture - things have just come together.
"I have a much more balanced life," says she. Redding firmly believes in this form of medicine, receiving the needle treatment herself once a week.
It wasn't until Redding was playing basketball and studying kinesiology at Simon Fraser University that she began to learn more about her body and ways of caring for it. "I was playing basketball and dealing with injury so it was nice knowing what was going on with my body," she said.
Redding discovered she preferred a more natural approach to treatment than pharmaceuticals. "What I really like about it is the holistic approach, how it looks at the mind and body," Redding said.
Working six days a week offering acupuncture treatment and manning the herbal dispensary, Redding treated physical ailments like colds and flu, back injuries, heart problems, and diabetes, as well as with emotional trauma, alongside Beijing doctors. And her services were welcomed by both patients and doctors, she said. "I think they were impressed we were interested in a medicine that was rooted in their culture," she said.
Redding was also impressed by how the Chinese have merged their traditional form of treatment with Western medicine, and she hopes to bring that fusion to the North Shore by showing people that acupuncture in particular can be an alternative treatment for many conditions - from aches and pains to allergies, common colds, depression, and addiction.
"I definitely feel like I'm playing a large educational role," said Redding of her duties as an Acupuncturist. And that secret Redding knows but is more than willing to share? "The needles don't hurt."
Posted by Nancy_lbn
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}