Does acupuncture work for period pain?

From searing hip and back pain to upset stomach, many women suffer from menstrual cramps every month. What’s worse is most women assume these cramps are normal – but what if we told you period cramps are the result of imbalances in your body? Once these imbalances go away, so can your pain.

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to restore balance to the mind and body. Today, it’s also become a highly sought after solution for menstrual pain. A recent study even found that acupuncture can reduce period pain intensity and duration by up to 50%. If you’re fed up with popping painkillers and applying heating pads regularly, read on to find out how acupuncture can help you achieve pain-free periods.

1) Traditional Chinese Medicine and period cramps

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen are the main organs responsible for the menstrual cycle. The Liver looks after menstrual blood and how smooth or heavy your flow is, the Kidney oversees your reproductive health, and the Spleen regulates phlegm and ensures your period flows when it’s supposed to. Period pain is caused when any of these organs are operating out of sync. For instance, if your periods last a long time, it may indicate that there is something wrong with the Spleen. Blood clots tell your Acupuncturist to look into the Liver, while the Kidney may be to blame for an irregular cycle.

2) Seeing an Acupuncturist

When you come in for your initial visit, your Acupuncturist will try to find out where the imbalance is occurring. To do this, they will assess your tongue, check your pulse, and ask many detailed questions like where you’re experiencing pain, the length of your period, how long the pain lasts, the appearance of your menstrual blood, or whether you’ve had abdominal surgeries. It’s also a good idea to jot down as many notes as possible during your next period. The more information you can give your Acupuncturist, the better.

3) Plan of care

Once the type of imbalance is uncovered, your Acupuncturist will prescribe a plan of care and recommend you come in for treatments before, during, or after your period. During each treatment, ultra-fine needles will be placed into certain areas of your body for thirty minutes to an hour. This action enhances blood flow through the reproductive organs, reduces inflammation, improves hormone balance, and alleviates stress. According to Harvard Health, the insertion of needles causes your brain to release endorphins, a natural chemical that helps relieve pain, stress, and depression. This is why so many patients report feelings of relaxation during and after their visit. After your session, your Acupuncturist will share valuable self-care tips, which can further enhance the effects of your treatment.