From the time a woman enters her teens, she has health needs that differ greatly from those of men. Often these needs are met with hormones or other medications that have the potential for unwanted side effects.

A study of women receiving auricular acupuncture for painful periods from endometriosis found that 81% reported that it was "markedly effective" or "cured" their pain. A 2002 study of acupuncture treatment for infertility found that women who received acupuncture treatment before and after undergoing in-vitro fertilization procedures increased their chance of conception from 26% to 43%. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing a number of symptoms associated with menopause. It seems that acupuncture can provide a natural alternative that allows women to work with their bodies’ natural rhythms.

Jeannette Westlake, A.P., is the former Academic Dean of the Dragon Rises School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and is the co-owner of Awesome Alternative Health, which offers comprehensive alternative medicine and wellness care. For more information email [email protected] or call 321-698-6185.