Women's Health: pain, discomfort and life stages
A woman's body goes through different rhythms and transformations throughout life. The menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, stress, emotional overload, perimenopause, menopause and significant personal experiences can all influence physical and emotional well-being.
At Ancestral Therapy Care, care is focused on women and begins with an individual assessment. Psychology, acupuncture and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine are integrated according to your needs and your stage of life.
Complaints for which acupuncture may be used
In 2002/2003, the World Health Organization published a review of controlled clinical studies on acupuncture, bringing together a range of conditions in which positive therapeutic effects had been observed.
This document is a historical reference and should not be interpreted as a current list of WHO clinical recommendations. Scientific evidence continues to evolve, and outcomes may vary depending on the condition and the individual.
Not every complaint will disappear completely, but in certain situations acupuncture may be used as supportive care to help reduce symptoms and contribute to a better quality of life.
Women's health, menstrual cycle and hormonal changes
Menstrual cycle and women's health
Menstrual cramps, premenstrual tension, cycle-related changes, bloating, pelvic discomfort, changes in physical and emotional well-being throughout the month and other gynaecological complaints.
Perimenopause, menopause and hormonal changes
Hot flushes, changes in sleep, energy, mood, concentration and body perception, as well as other discomforts that may accompany this stage of life.
Fertility and reproductive treatment
Acupuncture may be used as complementary support for fertility and during treatments such as IVF and ICSI, with a focus on well-being, relaxation, stress management and support throughout the reproductive process.
Emotional balance, sleep and energy
Stress, anxiety and emotional overload
Tension, difficulty relaxing, feelings of exhaustion, irritability and the effects of stress on the body and sleep.
Sleep, fatigue and low energy
Difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, waking too early, non-restorative sleep, fatigue and reduced energy.
Musculoskeletal and joint pain
Lower-back and back pain, neck and shoulder pain, muscular tension, joint pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatic complaints, tendinitis and discomfort associated with repetitive movements, such as RSI.
The aim is to support pain management, mobility and quality of life without replacing medical or physiotherapeutic assessment when required.
Headaches and migraine
Recurring headaches, tension-type headaches and migraine may be addressed as part of a complementary care plan following an individual assessment.
Neuropathic symptoms and neurological conditions
Tingling, numbness in the hands and feet, certain types of neuropathic pain and discomfort following shingles may be assessed for complementary support.
In cases of facial paralysis, muscle weakness, motor deficits or other neurological conditions, acupuncture should only be used as supportive care within a rehabilitation plan and never as a replacement for medical or neurological follow-up.
Respiratory and allergic complaints
Symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, rhinitis, hay fever, recurring colds and certain respiratory discomforts may be approached as part of complementary care.
In cases of asthma or other diagnosed respiratory conditions, medical follow-up and prescribed medication should be maintained.
Support during cancer treatment
Acupuncture does not treat or cure cancer.
In some situations and with the agreement of the treating healthcare team, it may be used as complementary support for certain symptoms and treatment-related side effects, such as pain, nausea, fatigue or neuropathy.
Digestion and abdominal well-being
Bloating, feelings of heaviness, changes in bowel habits and other digestive discomforts that interfere with everyday well-being.
Life transitions and change
Separation, grief, motherhood, career changes, children leaving home, ageing parents, changes in body image and questions around identity or purpose can also affect both body and emotions.
Other complaints
Other situations can be assessed individually during the consultation.
Whether acupuncture is appropriate depends on the nature of the complaint, your health history, possible contraindications and whether care from other healthcare professionals is required.
Every woman has her own history, needs and health context. For this reason, the care plan is defined after an individual assessment and may include:
👉 acupuncture and principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine;
👉 psychological and symbolic support;
👉 complementary integrative practices, when appropriate.
The approach is adjusted throughout the process according to your needs and progress.
Complementary and responsible care
The approaches offered at Ancestral Therapy Care are complementary to conventional healthcare.
They do not replace medical diagnosis, follow-up or treatment when these are necessary.
New, persistent, severe or concerning symptoms should be assessed by the appropriate healthcare professional. When necessary, I recommend consultation with your GP, gynaecologist or another relevant specialist.
Body and emotions are part of the same story
Pain may appear during a period of poor sleep. Fatigue may accompany a phase of prolonged overload. Changes in the menstrual cycle may coincide with important emotional transitions.
Recognising these connections can help us understand women's health more broadly, taking the body, emotions and personal history into account.
Appointments in Bergeijk, near Eindhoven.
Would you like to know whether this form of support may be suitable for you?
Get in touch or book an appointment for an individual assessment.