The Chinese say a woman’s life cycle is measured in seven-year increments and a man’s in eight. For a woman, the flow of blood and essence changes throughout time. Acupuncture and herbs have been known to help with the following:
Regulating the flow of menses to avoid abnormal periods, PMS, or painful periods
Build energy resources to increase a woman’s fertility
Offer supporting treatments to in-vitro fertilization, which have been proven to increase its effectiveness
Relieve the symptoms of mood swings, bloating, cravings and hot flashes during menopause
At age 14, give or take a few years, women begin menstruation. It is important at this time of life to have the qi flowing smoothly so as not to bind and create gynecological problems. When there is excessive cramping, heavy bleeding (or even scant bleeding), or pain, regulating the qi may be miraculous. Sometimes the pain may be caused by an obstruction of qi flowing or blood stasis, blood that will not move. Acupuncture and herbs can make this qi and blood flow smoothly to prevent PMS, abnormal bleeding, and painful periods.
Then there is fertility. Volumes have been written on this subject. To the Chinese, fertility involves the life force or what the Chinese call essence. We are all born with a given level of essence, similar to the western DNA. Most sources agree that we cannot replace this essence. What we can do is build a core around this original essence. Lifestyle changes such as good nutrition, exercise, stress relief and energy balancing can strengthen this core. Acupuncture is highly effective for reducing these stresses and getting the qi flowing in a more balanced way, thereby, reducing outside impacts on the level of essence. It is important to protect this essence so as not to interrupt the natural cycle of fertility in a woman.
When women choose in-vitro fertilization, they often combine acupuncture with these treatments.  Studies have shown that acupuncture treatments greatly enhance the effectiveness of these treatments.  Experts recommend three months of acupuncture treatment to build the resources of a woman and prepare for in-vitro fertilization. There are specific treatments before and after retrieval and transfer that have been shown to be highly effective. Acupuncture can also help women who have had to endure miscarriage. The treatments can help a woman work through that loss and build her resources for any other choices she makes in the future.
As for menopause, acupuncture and herbs may be beneficial to help with this transition in a woman’s life. As the yin declines, the yang rises, therefore the feeling of heat (hot flashes). Other symptoms are mood swings, bloating, and abnormal cravings. Acupuncture and herbs have done wonders to relieve these symptoms.   
As we move from the onset of menses to the end of menopause, let us remember that there is wisdom in all of these milestones. So, let’s breathe and enjoy all the stages of our lives.