Acupuncture for Hormonal Imbalance

As mentioned in one of my past blog posts on How TCM works scientifically, the mechanisms of acupuncture can be simplified from various scientific studies as aiding the body in promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, relieving pain and restoring homeostasis. As most if not all illnesses involve a certain degree of inflammation, pain and hormone imbalance, acupuncture heal through these 3 pathways in general.

Balancing through Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Axis



The mechanism of acupuncture that is specific to hormonal balancing is that acupuncture acts on the hypothalamus-pituitary-axis (HPA) which is the brain’s master controller of hormone function. Through stimulation of HPA, beta-endorphins are produced. This helps with pain relief, calming of the nervous system, stimulate balancing of other mood enhancing hormones such as reducing stress hormones or cortisol, elevating serotonin hormones which boost moods, improves digestion, sleep and cognitive function, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Read about Acupoint Medicine Dan Zhong for self love and heart opening here.



Balancing through Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network



Under the dominant control of the central nervous system, the body’s functions can be coordinated and regulated through the integration of the neuro-endocrine-immune networks. The body can then respond adaptively to the stimulation of the internal and external environment to maintain a steady state. 



 It is suggested that acupuncture can regulate the body’s function through adjusting the neuro-endocrine-immune network through a common set of chemical information molecules and receptors among the neural, endocrine and immune systems.



One of the mechanisms that acupuncture can achieve balance of the body is by regulating the release of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones by stimulating the neuroendocrine system. In addition, acupuncture can also indirectly affect the immune system by regulating the neuroendocrine system, specifically embodying the substances released by the neuroendocrine system acting on the corresponding receptors of immune organs and immune cells. Read how TCM and Acupuncture treat PCOS here.



Another mechanism of how acupuncture balances through the neuro-endocrine-immune network is acting as an effective physical stimulus to activate local cell functions and neuroreceptors, regulate release of related chemicals in microenvironment and then further activate the neuro-endocrine-immune system. Read more about Acupuncture for Pineal Gland Activation here.



Conclusion



At present, the effect of acupuncture on various diseases has been confirmed by numerous studies, including that for hormonal balancing. While the mechanisms of acupuncture in doing so are varied and multiple, it is confirmed that acupuncture can bring about balance of hormones ultimately through performing a regulating effect on some key mediators of the various systems involving hormones. No side effects accompany acupuncture treatment unlike synthetic hormone therapy. This is indeed precious as acupuncture indeed cures and treats hormonal imbalance rather than suppress or accentuate the hormonal imbalance even more on the long run. Read about How TCM and Acupuncture treat PMS here.

TCM(Traditional Chin Med), TCM Wellness, TCM and Science, Basics of TCM, TCM AestheticsXiang Jun LimDr (TCM) Xiang Juntcm, acupuncture, traditional chinese medicine, tcm doctor, hormonal imbalance, western medicine, personality, characteristic, manipulative, temper, unmotivated, feedback loop, conventional medicine, interconnectedness, side effects