Current Health Issue: Women’s Health and Oriental Medicine

When the Ten Thousand Things are seen in their Oneness, We return to the Origin where we have always been. - Sengtan

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Oriental Medicine Newspaper

NEWS RELEASE

March 18, 2005

For More Information Contact: Lauri Howell, Phone: (800) 729-0941

Current Health Issue: Women's Health and Oriental Medicine

With Mother's Day and National Women's Health Week (May 8-14 2005) just around the corner, we are reminded of how important the women in our lives really are. Unfortunately, studies show that women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with many serious health conditions. Acupuncture, however, may help many of the common ailments that women face.

According to the Society for Women's Health Research, heart disease kills 500,000 American women each year - over 50,000 more women than men. Women are also more likely than men to have a second heart attack within a year of the first one, and women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression (a little discussed but very serious women's health issue).

Furthermore, three out of four people suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, are women. Other ailments that are considered a current health issue for women include infertility, asthma, menopause, and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over 43 conditions, including those previously mentioned. Acupuncture, Oriental medicine and other alternative therapies to treat the health problems that affect women has been growing in popularity; according to a Knowledge Networks survey conducted in May 2000, women are significantly more likely to try acupuncture, as well as other complementary therapies, than men. The North American Menopause Society also reports that 30 percent of women use acupuncture.

The 3,000-year-old practice of acupuncture, Oriental medicine and alternative health care help overcome a current health issue women's bodies deal with by rebalancing the body's immune system, hormones, and blood flow. According to Chinese medical practitioners, Qi, or energy, is conducted between the surface of the body and internal organs along pathways called meridians. It is Qi that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. When the flow of Qi is disrupted through poor health habits or other circumstances, disease can result. Acupuncture helps keep the flow of this energy unblocked.

For more information on the benefits of acupuncture, Oriental medicine and alternative therapy for a women's health issue, please call Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941.

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