About Me
Hello! I'm Grace, a Licensed Acupuncturist and Shiatsu Therapist with over seven years experience working and training in Oriental Medicine. I have a particular interest in women's health and musculoskeletal pain, but I am experienced in treating all kinds of conditions. Using a multidisciplinary approach, my aim is to treat each of my clients holistically, creating a tailored treatment plan for each individual. My main goal is to help guide people back to wellness by harnessing the power and versatility of Oriental Medicine.
Managing perimenopausal symptoms naturally
Acupuncture can help to alleviate perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. By promoting hormonal balance and regulating the nervous system, regular acupuncture treatment can bring relief from both physical and emotional symptoms during this transitional phase of life.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a natural transition period leading up to menopause, where hormone production begins to decline, causing hormone fluctuations and irregular cycles. This phase typically begins around the age of 40 - 50 (although it can start earlier for some women) and lasts from a few years up to a decade before menstruation stops and menopause begins.
Perimenopausal symptoms
While there are a lucky few who have a smooth transition into menopause without any difficult symptoms, for many women it can be a confusing and unsettling time. Changes can feel sudden, intense, or hard to explain - especially when periods are still happening and life is already full. You may be experiencing:
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Irregular or changing menstrual cycles.
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Hot flushes or night sweats.
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Anxiety, depression or increased irritability.
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Sleep problems or ongoing fatigue.
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Brain fog or difficulty concentrating.
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PMS symptoms that feel worse or different than before.
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Headaches or migraines.
Symptoms can fluctuate from month to month and, in some cases, can significantly impact quality of life. Many women are told that this is simply a normal part of the ageing process and that the only option is to grin and bear it but there are many ways to find relief, particularly through acupuncture.
How acupuncture helps with perimenopausal symptoms
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is seen as one of the most important indicators for overall health. From a TCM perspective, perimenopausal symptoms are considered a sign of underlying disharmony in the body, often caused by stress, inflammation, and hormone imbalance.
Acupuncture works to restore balance and alleviate symptoms by:
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Balancing hormones.
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Regulating the nervous system and reducing stress.
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Improving sleep quality.
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Improving blood flow, particularly to the pelvis.
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Reducing inflammation and tension.
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Stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving response.
These effects can result in:
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Calmer mood and reduced anxiety.
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Better sleep and energy.
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Fewer hot flushes and night sweats.
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More predictable cycles or easier transitions.
How many treatments will I need?
Some women notice an improvement in symptoms are just one or two session, for others in can take a bit longer. In most cases, I recommend an initial course of six weekly treatments for best results.
What to expect from your first treatment
Consultation - your first session begins with a relaxed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. This helps me understand the root causes of your perimenopausal symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan.
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis - you then get to lie down while I have a quick look at your tongue and feel your pulse. These are Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques which help me build a fuller picture of your overall health.
Gentle Needle Insertion - I then place ultra-fine, sterile needles at specific points on your body. This process is usually painless - you may feel sensations of warmth, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache around the needle.
Time to Relax - you then lie comfortably for 20-40 minutes while the needles do their work. Many people fall into a deep state of relaxation or even drift off to sleep.
Treatment Plan - at the end of your session, we’ll talk through your personalised treatment plan and discuss any supportive exercises, lifestyle guidance, or supplement recommendations that - along with acupuncture treatment - may help to relieve your symptoms.