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With all
the media coverage regarding the side effects of hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) women are looking for alternative
solutions to treating menopausal symptoms, gynecological problems,
and the mood swings created by hormonal problems. We are starting
to see the scales of balance swing the other way as more and more
"miracle" cures are starting to manifest adverse effects.
Many are
looking for the answer to health problems with a quick fix; a pill
for one problem or a simple surgery for something else. The
long-term results of these quick fixes can sometimes be
devastating and we are seeing those results in the media and in
the courtrooms. Pain medications and synthetic hormones are among
the drugs that are now being looked at with a higher level of
scrutiny because of the long-term effect on the body.
With all
of the seemingly contradictory information out there, how do we
know the right way to go? How do we make sense of it all and
choose the most effective way to stay healthy and achieve the
highest quality of life?
Many
people are now looking at safer treatments first, before taking
risks with potentially dangerous therapies. For some, their answer
was found with the ancient practice of Oriental Medicine. I was
blessed with my own introduction to Oriental Medicine and
acupuncture over 12 years ago. What impressed me is the 5000-year
history and safety record. If preformed by an expert, there are
few, if any, risk factors.
One
patient, who did not want to take hormones, had been taking a
variety of over the counter herbs to help with hot flashes with
only very little results. She decided to consult with an
Acupuncture Physician who was an expert in Chinese herbal
medicine. After evaluating her whole health picture, a special
herbal formula was recommended along with a course of acupuncture.
After only a few weeks of treatment, her hot flashes disappeared.
She is still working on achieving a higher level of health, but is
delighted that the "heat" in her body has been "cooled". My own
hormone problems and thyroid imbalance has been greatly helped
without any medications and I feel better now at 43 than I did at
25 years old. Oriental Medicine uses a variety of treatment
modalities to help a variety of gynecological problems including
menopause. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine (not the Western
herbs you see in the grocery store) along with other techniques
like specialized tui na massage, are used to balance the body's
systems. This is accomplished because acupuncture promotes blood
and oxygen to the cells thereby enhancing the body's ability to
function normally. Once balance is attained, symptoms reduce while
quality of life increases. If you'd like to find out more, free
classes are offered throughout the community, please call for
details.
Dr. Riggin is a national board certified, licensed Acupuncture
Physician (FL), Doctor of Acupuncture (RI) & clinic director of
Healing Touch Oriental Medicine in Clearwater, FL. She is a public
speaker, a published author, was appointed by two Governors to
Florida's State Board of Acupuncture & served as President of
FSOMA. Watch Dr. Riggin's Award Winning TV show "Health Options"
Saturday at 9PM on cable ch # 21 or 96. You may contact her at
(727) 669-6000 or
http://DrMary.Riggin.net
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