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Monday 11:30am - 6:15pm Tuesday 11:30am - 6:15pm Wednesday 11:30am - 6:15pm Thursday 11:30am - 6:15pm Friday 9am - 3pm

https://greghartzacupuncture.com/

Greg Hartz Acupuncture, 24 MacKenzie Crescent, Saskatoon, SK (2025)

11/18/2025

How TCM Explains Hormonal Regulation

TCM views hormones as part of the balance of Yin and Yang, the smooth flow of Qi (energy), and the functioning of the Zang-Fu organs, particularly:
• Kidney – governs reproduction, fertility, growth, aging, and endocrine balance.
• Liver – ensures smooth movement of Qi and regulates emotions; often connected to menstrual and hormonal irregularities.
• Spleen – responsible for generating Qi and blood.

Imbalances in these systems can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, infertility, hot flashes, fatigue, and mood changes. Acupuncture aims to restore harmony among these systems.

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Physiological / Biomedical Perspective

Research suggests acupuncture may help regulate hormones through several mechanisms:

1. Balancing the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Ovarian (HPO) Axis
Acupuncture affects the central nervous and endocrine systems, helping regulate:
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
• Prolactin

This is key for menstrual function, ovulation, and fertility.

2. Improving Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs
Acupuncture increases pelvic and ovarian blood circulation, helping:
• Improve egg quality
• Support endometrial lining health
• Stabilize menstrual cycles

3. Reducing Stress and Cortisol
Stress elevates cortisol, which disrupts hormone production and ovulation. Acupuncture:
• Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
• Reduces stress response
• Supports more stable endocrine signaling

4. Modulating the Autonomic Nervous System
This helps improve sleep, digestion, metabolism, and emotional stability—all of which affect hormonal balance.

5. Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation disrupts hormones. Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects that support endocrine function.

11/17/2025

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) as a pattern of internal imbalance—most commonly involving Kidney Deficiency, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Liver Qi Stagnation, and sometimes Phlegm accumulation. These imbalances affect menstrual regularity, ovulation, and metabolism. Acupuncture aims to restore balance and regulate the body’s internal systems.

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Physiological Ways Acupuncture May Help PCOS

Research and clinical practice suggest acupuncture may support PCOS by:

1. Regulating Hormone Levels
• Helps balance reproductive hormones such as LH, FSH, testosterone, and insulin
• May promote more regular menstrual cycles and ovulation

2. Improving Ovarian Function
• Enhances blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
• Supports healthy follicle development and ovulation

3. Reducing Insulin Resistance
• Can improve glucose metabolism and insulin response
• Helps manage weight, inflammation, and metabolic symptoms

4. Promoting Menstrual Regularity
• Regulates hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis
• Helps stabilize cycle length and reduce skipped periods

5. Reducing Stress & Cortisol
• Calms the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic response
• High cortisol levels worsen hormonal imbalance, weight gain, and inflammation

6. Managing Symptoms

Acupuncture may help relieve:
• Irregular or absent periods
• Painful periods or PMS
• Acne and skin inflammation
• Hair loss or excess hair growth
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Fatigue and poor sleep
• Weight management challenges

11/12/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), oligomenorrhea—infrequent or delayed menstrual periods—is viewed as a sign of underlying disharmony in the body’s energy systems, particularly those involving the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys.
Acupuncture helps by restoring balance, improving blood flow, and regulating hormonal function naturally.

Here’s how it works physiologically and energetically:

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🩸 1. Regulating Qi and Blood Flow
• In TCM, menstrual flow depends on the smooth movement of Qi (vital energy) and Blood through the Chong (Penetrating) and Ren (Conception) vessels.
• If Liver Qi is stagnant—often due to stress or emotional tension—blood circulation to the uterus can be reduced, delaying menstruation.
• Acupuncture promotes smooth flow of Qi and Blood, helping the cycle become more regular.

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🌿 2. Nourishing Kidney Essence
• The Kidneys in TCM govern reproduction and the menstrual cycle.
• Weak Kidney energy (often from overwork, stress, or chronic illness) can delay ovulation and lengthen cycles.
• Points that tonify Kidney Yin and Yang help restore hormonal balance and reproductive vitality.

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🍲 3. Supporting the Spleen and Blood Production
• The Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood.
• If it’s weak, there’s not enough nourishment to produce a healthy uterine lining or maintain regular cycles.
• Acupuncture strengthens Spleen Qi to support Blood formation and menstrual consistency.

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🧘‍♀️ 4. Balancing the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Ovarian Axis (HPO Axis)
• Modern research shows acupuncture can influence neuroendocrine function, regulating hormones like FSH, LH, and estrogen.
• This helps reestablish normal ovulation patterns and shorten long menstrual intervals.

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🌸 5. Reducing Stress and Emotional Factors
• Stress disrupts Liver Qi and hormonal rhythms.
• Acupuncture calms the nervous system, lowering cortisol and helping the body reestablish natural menstrual timing.

11/11/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), metrorrhagia (irregular uterine bleeding between periods) is often viewed as a symptom of internal imbalance rather than a standalone disease. Acupuncture helps by restoring harmony to the body’s systems that govern menstruation — mainly the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. Here’s how:

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🌿 1. Regulating Qi and Blood Flow
• Metrorrhagia often results from Qi stagnation or Blood stasis in the uterus.
• Acupuncture points such as LV3 (Taichong) and SP10 (Xuehai) promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, helping to normalize menstrual rhythm and reduce irregular bleeding.

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⚖️ 2. Strengthening Spleen and Kidney Function
• Weak Spleen Qi can fail to hold Blood within the vessels, leading to spotting or prolonged bleeding.
• Points like SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and ST36 (Zusanli) help tonify Spleen and Kidney Qi to stabilize Blood and prevent leakage.

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🔥 3. Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood
• Excess Heat in the Blood or Liver can cause bleeding that is bright red or sudden.
• Points such as LI11 (Quchi) and SP10 (Xuehai) help clear Heat and cool the Blood, reducing excessive flow.

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🌸 4. Balancing Hormonal Regulation
• Acupuncture modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, improving hormonal balance and regular ovulation, which helps restore a stable menstrual cycle.

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💆 5. Reducing Stress and Emotional Factors
• Emotional strain, particularly Liver Qi stagnation from stress or frustration, is a frequent cause of cycle irregularities.
• Calming points should be used in treatment to help regulate the nervous system.

11/10/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), polymenorrhea—menstrual cycles that are shorter than 21 days—is seen as a reflection of internal imbalance rather than a localized reproductive issue. Acupuncture helps by addressing the underlying disharmony that leads to frequent bleeding and irregular cycles.

Here’s how TCM acupuncture can help:

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1. Regulating the Flow of Qi and Blood
• In TCM, menstruation depends on the smooth and balanced flow of Qi (energy) and Blood through the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians.
• Acupuncture helps harmonize Qi, preventing it from moving too quickly or erratically, which can cause early bleeding.

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2. Strengthening the Spleen and Nourishing Blood
• A Spleen Qi deficiency can cause the Blood to leak from the vessels, leading to shorter cycles.
• Acupuncture points such as SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and ST36 (Zusanli) help strengthen the Spleen, improve energy, and stabilize Blood flow.

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3. Supporting Kidney Essence and Yin
• The Kidneys govern reproduction and store Essence (Jing). Weak Kidney function can cause hormonal imbalance and irregular cycles.
• Points like KI3 (Taixi) and BL23 (Shenshu) tonify the Kidneys to stabilize the cycle and support reproductive health.

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4. Calming Liver Qi Stagnation
• Emotional stress can lead to Liver Qi stagnation, disrupting the timing of the cycle.
• Acupuncture on points such as LR3 (Taichong) and GB34 (Yanglingquan) helps relieve tension, regulate emotions, and restore smooth menstrual rhythm.

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5. Regulating Hormonal Rhythms Naturally
• Through its balancing effects on the endocrine system, acupuncture can help normalize ovulation and luteal phases, leading to more regular cycles.

11/07/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) is viewed as a sign of internal imbalance rather than just a local uterine issue. Acupuncture aims to restore harmony to the body’s Qi, Blood, and organ systems that regulate menstruation.

Here’s how TCM acupuncture can help:

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🌿 1. Regulating Qi and Blood Flow

Excessive bleeding often results from Qi not holding Blood in the vessels or Blood Heat forcing Blood to move recklessly.
• Acupuncture strengthens the Spleen Qi to “hold” Blood.
• It moves stagnant Liver Qi, which can otherwise transform into Heat and cause heavy bleeding.

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🔥 2. Clearing Heat or Cooling Blood

When Heat enters the Blood level (often from stress, emotions, or diet), it can cause profuse or bright-red bleeding.
• Points like SP10 (Xuehai) and LI11 (Quchi) are used to cool the Blood and reduce excessive flow.

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🌊 3. Tonifying Deficiencies

Chronic or recurrent menorrhagia can weaken Spleen and Kidney Qi, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and pale blood.
• Acupuncture on points such as ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), and REN4 (Guanyuan) nourishes Qi and Blood, rebuilding strength and preventing further loss.

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⚖️ 4. Harmonizing the Liver and Spleen

Emotional stress and poor diet can disrupt the Liver’s ability to regulate Qi and the Spleen’s role in Blood formation.
• Acupuncture helps soothe the Liver and support the Spleen, promoting smoother cycles with balanced flow.

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💧 5. Supporting Uterine Function

By improving circulation and balancing hormones through the Chong and Ren meridians (which govern menstruation), acupuncture helps regulate the uterine lining and reduce heavy or prolonged bleeding.

11/06/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) is seen as a disruption in the body’s vital energy and blood flow, often rooted in underlying imbalances of the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems.

Here’s how TCM acupuncture can help:
1. Regulates Qi and Blood Flow
• Acupuncture stimulates specific meridians to promote the smooth circulation of Qi (vital energy) and Xue (blood), helping to restore normal menstrual function.

2. Nourishes the Blood and Yin
• In cases of deficiency (often seen after illness, stress, or poor nutrition), acupuncture helps tonify the Spleen and Kidney to generate sufficient Blood and Yin needed for menstruation.
3. Stimulates Ovarian and Uterine Function
• By improving circulation to the reproductive organs, acupuncture can enhance hormonal regulation and improve the uterine environment, supporting ovulation and cycle restoration.
4. Balances Hormonal Function via the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Ovarian Axis
• Modern research shows acupuncture can modulate the endocrine system, reducing stress hormones and balancing reproductive hormones (like estrogen and progesterone).
5. Addresses Emotional Factors
• Emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi stagnation due to stress) is a common cause of amenorrhea. Acupuncture calms the mind and soothes the Liver, helping restore natural menstrual rhythm.

In summary, TCM acupuncture treats amenorrhea by harmonizing the body’s internal systems—restoring balance between Qi, Blood, and organ function—to reestablish regular menstruation naturally.

11/05/2025

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is understood as a disorder of Qi (energy) and Blood circulation within the uterus. Acupuncture helps to alleviate pain by addressing the root imbalances that cause stagnation or deficiency. Here’s how:

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🌿 1. Regulating Qi and Blood Flow
• In TCM, menstrual pain often results from Qi and Blood stagnation in the uterus.
• Acupuncture promotes the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, relieving the obstruction that causes cramping and pain.
• Common points used: SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LV3 (Taichong), ST29 (Guilai).

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🔥 2. Warming the Uterus and Dispersing Cold
• Many women with dysmenorrhea have a Cold pattern, where Cold contracts the vessels and blocks Blood flow.
• Acupuncture helps warm the channels, disperse Cold, and relax the uterus to reduce pain.
• Points: CV4 (Guanyuan), CV6 (Qihai), ST36 (Zusanli).

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🌸 3. Balancing Hormonal and Nervous System Activity
• Acupuncture influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, helping to regulate hormones that affect uterine contractions and prostaglandin levels.
• It also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, easing cramps and tension.

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💧 4. Calming the Shen (Mind-Spirit)
• Emotional stress can cause Liver Qi stagnation, a common pattern in menstrual pain.
• By soothing the Liver and calming the mind, acupuncture reduces stress-related cramps and irritability.
• Points: LV3 (Taichong), PC6 (Neiguan), Yintang.

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🌾 5. Strengthening Deficiency Patterns
• For women with fatigue, dull pain, and pale me**es, the cause may be Qi and Blood deficiency.
• Acupuncture helps tonify Spleen and Kidney energy, improving Blood nourishment to the uterus.
• Points: ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), BL20, BL23.

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🌼 In Summary

TCM Acupuncture alleviates dysmenorrhea pain by:
• Promoting uterine Blood circulation
• Reducing muscle contractions
• Regulating hormones and prostaglandins
• Relieving stress and emotional tension
• Supporting overall energetic balance

11/04/2025

TCM Physiological Actions of Acupuncture:
• Regulates Qi and Blood flow: relieves stagnation that causes pain.
• Clears Heat and calms the Liver: particularly effective for tension or migraine headaches.
• Expels external Wind: used for sinus or seasonal headaches.
• Tonifies Qi and Blood: strengthens the body’s ability to nourish the head and brain.
• Harmonizes internal organ systems: especially the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, which are commonly involved in chronic headache patterns.

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💉 2. Biomedical Physiological View

Modern research supports several measurable physiological effects of acupuncture that explain its ability to relieve headaches:
• Endorphin release:
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and enkephalins — natural painkillers that reduce headache intensity.
• Neurotransmitter modulation:
Increases serotonin and other neuromodulators involved in pain perception and mood regulation.
• Vasodilation and improved blood flow:
Helps normalize blood circulation in the head and neck, which can reduce vascular headaches or migraines.
• Reduced muscle tension:
Relaxes tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, common sources of tension-type headaches.
• Regulation of the autonomic nervous system:
Balances sympathetic (stress) and parasympathetic (relaxation) activity — calming overactive stress responses that trigger headaches.
• Decreased inflammatory response:
Lowers pro-inflammatory markers (like cytokines), reducing pain and tissue irritation.

11/03/2025

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture can help you get pregnant in 6 evidence-backed ways.
Here’s exactly what happens in your body, what the studies say, and the step-by-step plan most fertility acupuncturists use.
1. It turns your hormones back “on”
• FSH drops 15–20 % in the first 3 months
• LH becomes a perfect bell-curve instead of flat
• Progesterone after ovulation rises 30–50 % (2018 meta-analysis of 2,376 IVF patients, Fertility & Sterility)
2. It doubles blood flow to the uterus & ovaries
• Uterine artery PI (pulsatility index) falls from 2.8 → 1.9 in 8 weeks
• Result: 2–3 mm thicker lining, darker on ultrasound (2019 Doppler study, Human Reproduction)
3. It calms the “fight-or-flight” switch that blocks conception
• Cortisol ↓ 31 %, anxiety scores ↓ 46 %
• Women with >6 months of stress infertility have 2.5× higher pregnancy rate after 12 sessions (2021 RCT, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics)
4. It helps eggs mature (even at 39–42)
• AMH stays stable instead of dropping
• 68 % of “poor responders” become “normal responders” for IVF (2020 cohort, Acupuncture in Medicine)
5. It makes IVF work better
• Live-birth rate: 33 % (control) → 52 % (acupuncture on day of transfer)
• Miscarriage rate drops from 22 % → 8 % (2023 Cochrane review, 34 trials, 5,807 women)
6. It fixes the 3 most common TCM patterns that stop pregnancy
• Kidney Yang deficiency → warms the uterus (low BBT)
• Liver Qi stagnation → moves blood (clots, PMS rage)
• Blood stasis → breaks up micro-scars (endo, old C-section)

10/29/2025

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🌿 TCM Perspective

In TCM, immunity is closely tied to the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney systems, and the body’s Wei Qi (defensive energy) — the energetic shield that protects against external pathogens like wind, cold, and damp.

When Wei Qi is weak, a person may experience:
• Frequent colds or respiratory infections
• Fatigue and low vitality
• Allergies or sinus issues
• Slow recovery from illness

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🫁 How TCM Helps

1. Strengthening Lung Qi
• The Lungs govern respiration and control the Wei Qi.
• Acupuncture and herbal therapy can help improve breathing, clear phlegm, and strengthen the Lung’s ability to defend against pathogens.

2. Supporting the Spleen and Digestion
• The Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood — the foundation for immune strength.
• When Spleen Qi is weak, dampness and phlegm can accumulate, contributing to sinus congestion or cough.
• Herbal formulas and diet therapy help enhance digestion and nutrient absorption.

3. Nourishing the Kidneys
• The Kidneys store vital essence (Jing) that underpins the body’s long-term immunity and vitality.
• Acupuncture points and herbs may be used to tonify Kidney Qi and support deep energy reserves.

4. Clearing Phlegm and Heat
• For chronic or acute respiratory issues (like bronchitis or sinusitis), TCM works to expel excess phlegm, heat, or dampness to restore free breathing.

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🪡 How Acupuncture Helps
• Stimulates immune-modulating effects by regulating white blood cell activity and reducing inflammation.
• Improves circulation of Qi and Blood, promoting lung function and faster recovery.
• Calms the nervous system, which supports immune balance through stress reduction.

10/27/2025

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views neck pain as a disruption in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood along the meridians that traverse the neck, particularly the Gallbladder, Bladder, Small Intestine, and Triple Burner channels. Acute pain is typically due to external pathogenic invasion (Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat), while chronic pain often stems from internal disharmonies like Liver Qi stagnation, Kidney deficiency, or Blood stasis.
How Acupuncture Helps
1. Regulates Qi and Blood Flow
• Needles at local points (e.g., GB20 Fengchi, BL10 Tianzhu, SI13 Quyuan) and distal points (e.g., LI4 Hegu, TE5 Waiguan ) unblock stagnation and promote circulation.
• Clinical evidence: A 2016 Cochrane Review found acupuncture significantly reduced chronic neck pain intensity compared to sham acupuncture (SMD -0.23, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.07).
2. Reduces Inflammation & Muscle Tension
• Triggers adenosine release and endorphin production (local anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects).
• fMRI studies show acupuncture at GB20 deactivates the pain matrix (insula, amygdala) and normalizes cervical muscle EMG activity.
3. Resets Autonomic Balance
• Chronic pain often involves sympathetic overdrive. Acupuncture at GV20 Baihui + PC6 Neiguan downregulates sympathetic tone, reducing trigger point referral.

Greg Hartz Acupuncture

11/18/2025

11/17/2025

11/12/2025

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

11/07/2025

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

11/04/2025

11/03/2025

10/29/2025

10/27/2025

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Monday	11:30am - 6:15pm
Tuesday	11:30am - 6:15pm
Wednesday	11:30am - 6:15pm
Thursday	11:30am - 6:15pm
Friday	9am - 3pm