Modern Medicine Ignored Women Until 1993—Here’s Why Acupuncturists Didn’t
For most of history, modern medicine treated men as the default—and women as an afterthought.
It wasn’t until 1993, with the passage of the NIH Revitalization Act, that U.S. researchers were even required to include women in clinical trials. That means virtually every drug, diagnostic guideline, and treatment protocol developed before that point was based on the male body.
Let that sink in.
Women, with our fluctuating hormones, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, postpartum phases, and menopause transitions, were largely left out of medical research. This oversight has led to misdiagnoses, incorrect prescriptions, and a deep sense of frustration for many women navigating a healthcare paradigm that often doesn’t understand them.
But while modern medicine is only just beginning to catch up, acupuncturists practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been supporting women’s health for over 2,000 years.
TCM Always Knew Women Were Different
From its earliest texts, TCM made clear distinctions between male and female biology. The ancient Chinese recognized:
- The Liver governs the menstrual cycle
- The Kidneys are the root of reproductive health and longevity
- The Chong and Ren meridians (unique to women) regulate fertility and menstruation
- Life stages unfold in 7-year cycles for women (vs. 8-year cycles for men)
In other words, TCM didn’t just include women—it centered them.
Rather than pushing one-size-fits-all protocols, TCM adapts treatment plans to the phases of your cycle, your hormonal rhythms, and the transitions unique to womanhood. Conditions like PMS, endometriosis, infertility, and perimenopause are seen not as isolated issues, but as imbalances that can be gently corrected with time-tested methods like:
- Acupuncture
- Customized herbal formulas
- Cupping, moxibustion, and bodywork
- Nutritional guidance based on your constitution
Whole-Person Healing, Not Just Symptom Suppression
Modern medicine often responds to women’s symptoms with pills, birth control, or dismissal:
“It’s just stress.”
“Let’s wait and see.”
“It’s part of getting older.”
But TCM asks why. Why are you tired all the time? Why are your cycles irregular? Why do you feel anxious or inflamed? And what can we do to restore balance?
At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we create a personalized care plan that reflects your body’s unique needs—not a textbook average based on male biology. You’ll feel listened to, validated, and supported with holistic care that integrates modern research and ancient wisdom.
You Deserve Better
If you’ve ever felt like you were falling through the cracks of the modern medical system or just completely misunderstood, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been advocating for women’s health for over two millennia. Isn’t it time we trusted the system that saw us from the very beginning?
Want to experience healthcare designed with your body in mind?
Book a consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage today. Let’s restore balance, together.