Acupuncture Support
for YOUR Transition
No matter what stage you're at...
Supporting our journey...
Dear Beautiful Human,
I wish you all the joy and happiness that you deserve on your journey of becoming your bold and brilliant self. This is your time.
My name is Leah and I am a transgender female. Now in my 7th year of practice, I run a humble home acupuncture clinic in Sherwood where I have been servicing the surrounding suburbs as well as the greater area of Brisbane's West side. I welcome and treat a wide range of different people for a vast array of reasons and, since starting my transition, now seek to actively invite transgender peoples to my clinic for treatment and support.
My goal is to offer support in the form of acupuncture to transgender peoples and provide a safe environment where they can feel welcomed by a practitioner who is walking a similar path. At 38 years of age I have first-hand experience of a lifetime of the turmoil that gender dysphoria can bring as well as my own personal difficulties involved in the process of transitioning. Now I want to assist other transgender individuals like you in an effort to help make your journey easier.
At Acupuncture Sherwood, you can experience all of the benefits that acupuncture may provide while in a safe space and in the care of a practitioner who can relate first-hand to your journey.
Read on to find out how acupuncture may benefit your well-being throughout your transition.
How can acupuncture help?
Postoperative Pain/
Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting
Cosmetic Benefits
Hypertension
Mental Health Benefits
General Well-Being
If you are choosing to undergo gender-affirming surgery as part of your transition, you may consider acupuncture as part of your pre and post-care treatment regimen . There is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture providing statistically positive effects in the management of postoperative pain and postoperative nausea (source).
Skin changes may occur with the introduction of hormone therapy in both transgender women and men. Acupuncture is a drug-free and natural skin-care option that has been shown to promote skin health and may help to reduce the signs of ageing.
For transgender women using oestrogen, many people report a dramatic softening of the skin (source), however it also causes the skin to become drier and thinner as pores become smaller and less oil is produced (source). Acupuncture may help promote skin vitality while reducing dehydration.
For transgender men using testosterone, oil glands increase production which may result in skin that is more oily and rough feeling (source). This may also result in an increase in acne or pimples on the face and body (source). Acupuncture may help to maintain skin suppleness and reduce the frequency of breakouts.
A study by the American Heart Association conveys the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on cardiovascular health for transgender and gender diverse adults. It found that GAHT for trans feminine individuals (typically consisting of oestrogen paired with testosterone blockers) caused a reduction in systolic blood pressure on average, while GAHT for trans masculine individuals (testosterone) caused an increase in systolic blood pressure on average.
There is moderate evidence supporting the effectiveness for acupuncture for the managements of hypertension in combination with medication (source).
While there is now more awareness and acceptance for transgender peoples than ever before, many challenging facets of existing as a transgender person still remain. A survey of the health and well-being of 928 transgender Australians reported having experienced discrimination in relation to employment and accessing health care as well as high rates of verbal and physical abuse. 73% of the participants reported a lifetime diagnosis of depression and 67% for anxiety; 63% reported having self-harmed and 43% had attempted suicide.
There is moderate evidence supporting the effectiveness for acupuncture for the relief of symptoms of anxiety, depression (combined with antidepressants), insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder (source).
Acupuncture provides a range of health benefits for promoting general well-being including reducing pain and treating injuries, relieving stress and digestion related issues, treating nervous system dysregulation and inflammatory disorders, and assisting the body to come back to a natural state of homeostasis or, balance.
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