Chinese medicine – both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine – can be extremely helpful in treating a variety of women’s health concerns. Women’s health has been a speciality throughout Chinese medicine’s history, with numerous ancient texts comprehensively detailing women’s anatomy, physiology, diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of women’s issues. From adolescents dealing with hormone fluctuations through menstrual issues, fertility, postpartum, the transition of menopause and beyond, Kate Blalack enjoys supporting women of all ages at her clinic in Boulder, Colorado.
Modern research confirms the efficacy of Chinese medicine for women’s health issues. The landmark 2014 NIH Cochrane study concludes:
There is preliminary data indicating acupuncture may improve menstrual health and coping for women experiencing delays falling pregnant. There is experimental data showing that acupuncture can influence female reproductive functioning, although the actual mechanisms involved are not yet clarified.
Acupuncture for Menstrual Issues
If you are looking a natural, non-hormonal way to deal with menstrual issues, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help. Examples of issues that can be treated are:
- PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
- Midcycle bleeding or pain
- Abnormal bleeding
- Irregular cycles
- Amenorrhea (lack of periods)
- Painful periods and endometriosis
- PCOS, cysts and fibroids
Acupuncture for Fertility
Healthy parents produce healthy babies, and Chinese medicine is a great way to promote not just fertility but overall health and wellness. Whether you have been trying to conceive with no luck, suffered miscarries, or simply want to be as healthy as possible before getting pregnant, Chinese medicine can help. Specifically, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help with:
- Optimizing ovarian reserve (producing healthy eggs, especially in older women)
- Anovulation (lack of ovulation)
- Male factor sperm motility and morphology issues
- Hormone regulation
- Autoimmune disorders including premature ovarian insufficiency and clotting disorders
- PCOS
- Recurrent miscarriage
- “Unexplained” infertility
- Support for IUI and IVF procedures
Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Acupuncture can be a safe, effective, drug-free treatment for many common pregnancy complaints. When performed by a licensed practitioner who specializes in women’s health, acupuncture during pregnancy has the added benefit of supporting the baby as well.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Back pain, hip pain, pubic symphysis pain
- Carpal tunnel
- Headaches
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Allergies and sinus congestion
- Heartburn and constipation
- Gestational diabetes
- Pre-eclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Breech presentation
- Labor promotion
Postpartum Acupuncture
The postpartum period is a precious time where new moms and dads find themselves dealing with recovery from the physical tolls of pregnancy and childbirth, along with the demands of caring for a newborn and often sleep deprivation, hormone fluctuations and major shifts in their identities and relationships. Postpartum acupuncture is a way to help “mother the mother” through this transition. Especially if breastfeeding, and if Chinese herbs are indicated, it is extremely important to work with a licensed practitioner who understands the physiological needs of new moms and babies.
- Insufficient milk supply
- Mastitis
- Urinary problems
- Depression, “baby blues,” anxiety and insomnia
- Back, hip or pelvic floor pain
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Acupuncture for Hormone Regulation 
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help regulate hormones, including thyroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, adrenal and stress hormones such as cortisol, as well as prolactin and hypothalamic hormones. Symptoms of hormone disregulation that Chinese medicine can treat include:
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Anxiety, irritability and depression
- Migraine headaches
- Food cravings, digestive disorders and unexplained weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
Acupuncture for Menopause 
Menopause is a natural transition that affects women in many different ways. Some of the menopausal symptoms that acupuncture and Chinese herbs can treat are:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Frequent urination
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Changes in skin and hair
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Loss of libido
“Kate is absolutely wonderful! At our first meeting I immediately felt at ease and just loved being around her energy. She is absolutely a natural and intuitive healer. I started TCM for fertility and after 1 session right before ovulation and 1 around implantation time I got a positive pregnancy test 3 days later!” -K.H., Boulder, CO “After about 4 months with Kate I’m feeling a huge reduction in my pain/discomfort due to endometriosis, and as a bonus I can see results in other areas of my health as well… fewer migraines, more energy, and an overall sense of well being. She is very intuitive, a great listener, and very good at what she does. I would recommend her to anyone.” – Nicole J., Boulder, CO
See what else patients are saying about Kate’s work in Boulder with women’s health.
Kate Blalack is a nationally certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner in Boulder, Colorado. Kate has a special interest in working with women and families, including acupuncture for fertility, menstrual problems, pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics. Contact Kate for more information or to book an appointment at her Boulder clinic.