Acupuncture for painful periods
For many women, the monthly arrival of their period can be a time of debilitating pain. If you're someone who experiences excruciating menstrual cramps, you're not alone.
In fact, according to the journal Human Reproductive Update, a staggering 45-95 % of women endure some degree of discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Despite this being a know fact, women’s pain is nevertheless often normalised and/ or disregarded. “Isn’t that normal?” I often hear clients in my clinic when referring to their recurrent cyclic pain.
This discomfort, often referred to as "dysmenorrhea" or simply period pain, can range from mildly irritating to severe, affecting your daily life. The causes of menstrual cramps can vary from person to person. Some may experience this pain without any underlying health conditions (known as primary dysmenorrhea), while others may attribute it to issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Menstrual cramps can be absolutely unbearable, and they can disrupt your work, social life, and even your most basic daily routines. It's totally normal to feel frustrated &/or down about it. But it's also crucial to seek a solution that addresses your specific needs.
Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of treating gynaecological conditions and adapting treatment to the individual. Acupuncture is renowned for providing remarkable pain relief. Acupuncture is not limited to addressing muscle pain; it can also alleviate the discomfort of menstrual cramps which is confirmed by scientific evidence too.
For instance, a study conducted by Obstetrics and Gynecology in Australia revealed that acupuncture significantly reduced both the intensity and duration of menstrual pain in women who underwent traditional Chinese medicine treatments over three menstrual cycles. Remarkably, these benefits endured for up to a year, irrespective of the acupuncture technique used.
One of the most compelling aspects of acupuncture for menstrual cramp relief is its focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes of your pain, rather than just addressing the symptoms.
Traditional Chinese medicine can work to:
Promote optimal blood flow in your reproductive organs.
Improve hormonal imbalances.
Eliminate the pathogens that cause disharmony in your body and mind.
Relieve stress by triggering the release of natural chemicals called endorphins.
Minimize inflammation, a known contributor to period pain.
Regular acupuncture for menstrual cramps may also help reduce fatigue, alleviate hormonal acne, regulate sleep patterns, and address mood swings by reconnecting your body and mind's vitality.
You might be wondering when the best time is to have acupuncture during your menstrual cycle. The effects can vary depending on your goals and treatment plan:
Menstrual Phase: Acupuncture during your period can stimulate increased circulation in your reproductive area, reducing cramps and relieving secondary symptoms.
Follicular Phase: During this phase, acupuncture can enhance blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, promoting the thickening of the endometrial lining and the development of egg cells.
Ovulation Phase: If you're trying to get pregnant, acupuncture during ovulation can raise your body's temperature and facilitate the release of an egg cell.
Luteal Phase: This phase sees an increase in the progesterone hormone, which thickens the uterine lining. Acupuncture can focus on preparing the body for implantation or relieving premenstrual symptoms
So if you're struggling with painful periods, know that you're not alone, and there are effective and holistic approaches like acupuncture to help you find relief. Acupuncture offers more than just symptom management; it gets to the root of the problem and supports your overall well-being.
If you have any questions about period pains you can contact me here, alternatively you can use the button below to book an appointment.
