If there’s one thing I wish I could shout from the rooftops, it’s this: Acupuncture is PHENOMENAL at reducing menstrual cramps and other menstrual symptoms. And there’s so much research to back it up. If you’re living with debilitating period symptoms, please know that there is help. You don’t have to suffer every month. Especially if you’re one of those people whose pain and other symptoms are so severe that you regularly miss work or school – please consider giving acupuncture a try! It’s not melodramatic to say that it could change your life.
Let’s talk about some of the research. In a 2018 randomized controlled trial called, “Efficacy of Acupuncture in Primary Dysmenorrhea,” (primary dysmenorrhea =menstrual pain) the authors found that: “This study showed a significant reduction in all the variables such… pain, menstrual cramps, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, fainting, mood changes, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting.” In the end, they determined that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the management of menstrual pain. [You can view the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29654840/]
Do you struggle with any of these symptoms before or during your period? Do you know someone who does? A sister or friend?
· Abdominal cramping
· Low back pain
· Headache or migraine
· Dizziness/brain fog
· Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in digestion
· Abdominal bloating
· Sadness, irritability, or other mood changes
· Fatigue
· Nausea and/or vomiting
Then I really encourage you to give acupuncture a try. Multiple studies support the use of acupuncture to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce these symptoms.
How many treatments are recommended? One treatment per week for three months is the standard recommendation for regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing symptoms, although it is common for patients to see positive changes before this.
Why three months? Because ovarian follicles typically take three months to mature. Follicles produce hormones that influence the menstrual cycle and eventually release an egg during ovulation. Acupuncture helps create optimal conditions for follicles to ripen, and the timeframe for this process happens to be three months.
Imagine your period sneaking up on you because you have almost no PMS or menstrual symptoms. No warning bells of migraines or cramping a week in advance. That’s the goal with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine – to make your period so smooth and easy that you’re surprised by it’s arrival.
Yes, for real.
If you’re struggling with painful period symptoms, I really hope you’ll give acupuncture a try.
All my best,
Ashley
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