Struggling with period cramps? Most women do and believe it to be unavoidable. But what if there’s a natural way to ease that discomfort without relying on medication? Acupuncture for menstrual cramps is a proven method that can relieve menstrual pain and help you live a healthier life.
In this article, we’ll explore how this ancient therapy can help you say goodbye to those monthly pains and get back to feeling your best. However, before we delve into the details of acupuncture for period cramps, let’s first discuss why they happen.
What Causes Period Pain?
The primary reason for menstrual pain is the contraction of the muscles of your uterus. During your period, the muscles contract to help shed the uterine lining. This is a normal process – these contractions are triggered by chemicals called prostaglandins. When prostaglandin levels are high, the uterine muscles contract more strongly, which can temporarily cut off blood supply to the uterus and cause pain.
The pain may feel like cramping in the lower abdomen, but it can also radiate to the lower back and thighs. Hormonal changes, especially fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, also play a role in how intense period pain can be. Some women naturally produce more prostaglandins or are more sensitive to them, making their cramps more severe. On top of that, Inflammation in the body can further amplify the discomfort.
Period pain is normal and very common – according to newer estimates, over 80% of women experience some level of menstrual discomfort during their reproductive years. For some, the pain is mild and manageable. For others, it can be intense enough to interfere with daily activities like work, school, and exercise. Yet, although it is very common, period pain should not be simply accepted as a fact of life.
There are natural ways to manage the pain, but, first, you need to understand a bit more about the type of pain you are feeling.
Two Types of Period Cramps
In medical terms, menstrual cramps are called dysmenorrhea, and there are two types. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to the common menstrual cramps that are not caused by any underlying health condition. These cramps usually start a day or two before your period begins and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
The pain can range from mild to severe and is typically felt in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs. Primary dysmenorrhea is linked to the natural process of menstruation, specifically, the release of the prostaglandins that we mentioned that trigger uterine contractions. While primary dysmenorrhea is extremely common, it doesn’t mean you have to simply endure it every month.
There are natural ways to manage and reduce this pain. Acupuncture, for instance, has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea by addressing some of its root causes, but we’ll discuss this in more detail shortly.
Not All Period Pain Is “Normal”
However, not all period pain is ‘normal,’ if normal means a natural bodily reaction that is not caused by other underlying conditions. Some menstrual pain is a result of an underlying medical issue, a condition known as secondary dysmenorrhea. Secondary dysmenorrhea typically develops later in life, often after the age of 25, and the pain may get worse over time.
Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, where discomfort usually starts just before or at the beginning of menstruation, the pain associated with secondary dysmenorrhea can begin earlier in the cycle and last longer. It is often more intense and may not respond as easily to common remedies like heat pads or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Underlying conditions that can cause secondary dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and other structural abnormalities of the reproductive organs. In these cases, the menstrual cramps are a symptom of a larger health problem that needs to be properly diagnosed and treated.
While natural approaches like acupuncture can offer supportive care and help ease some of the symptoms, they are not a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment when an underlying condition is present.
If you experience very severe menstrual pain, pain that progressively worsens, or pain accompanied by symptoms like heavy bleeding, irregular periods, or pain during intercourse, it is important to consult with a doctor. Proper diagnosis is key to making sure you receive the right kind of care for your specific needs.
How Acupuncture for Menstrual Cramps Can Help with the Symptoms
Acupuncture is a time-tested, natural therapy that has been used for centuries to manage pain and promote overall well-being. Beyond individual patient accounts, there is growing medical evidence supporting its effectiveness. A recent systematic review of medical literature that analyzed 49 randomized controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of acupuncture for period pain with medication or no treatment found that acupuncture can reduce the intensity and frequency of menstrual cramps.
So, how does acupuncture for menstrual cramps help? One of the ways acupuncture helps is by promoting better blood flow to the uterus, easing muscle tension, and reducing inflammation. Improved circulation not only soothes cramping but also supports a healthier menstrual cycle overall. In fact, acupuncture is known as a natural way to thicken the uterine lining, which can contribute to more balanced, less painful periods over time.
A healthy, well-nourished uterine lining is essential for reducing menstrual discomfort and supporting reproductive health. Acupuncture also works by calming the nervous system and regulating the hormonal imbalances that can contribute to period pain. It encourages the body to release endorphins, natural painkillers, and helps lower the production of prostaglandins, the chemicals responsible for triggering the strong uterine contractions that cause cramping.
Because of these combined effects, acupuncture for period cramps offers a gentle, holistic approach to managing menstrual pain without relying on medications or invasive procedures. On top of that, while acupuncture for menstrual cramps can be highly effective for many women as a pain relief method, its benefits extend beyond just pain management.
Relieving Other Gynaecological Symptoms
Acupuncture for women’s health is a holistic approach that supports the entire reproductive system, helping to address a wide range of gynaecological symptoms naturally and effectively. Many women find that regular acupuncture sessions not only ease menstrual cramps but also help with:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Premenstrual syndrome (including mood swings, bloating, and irritability)
- Ovulation pain
- Symptoms related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats
One of the key strengths of acupuncture for women’s health is its cumulative, long-term benefit. Over time, consistent treatments can help regulate hormonal fluctuations, promote healthier menstrual cycles, and even lessen the severity of menstrual cramps with each passing month.
Instead of simply masking the symptoms, acupuncture encourages the body to heal and rebalance itself naturally. As a result, many women notice an improvement in their immediate symptoms, but the long-term benefits of acupuncture also provide a greater sense of overall well-being and reproductive health.
How To Prepare for an Acupuncture for Period Pain Session
If you believe acupuncture for menstrual cramps could be the solution for you, here are a few things you should do and some things you should not do before acupuncture to get your body ready for therapy:
- Avoid brushing your tongue right before your first appointment. Your practitioner may use tongue diagnosis to gather important information about your health.
- Aim to have a light, balanced meal about one to two hours before your session to avoid feeling lightheaded or uncomfortable. Don’t arrive on an empty stomach or after a heavy meal.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both can interfere with your body’s ability to fully relax and respond to the treatment.
- Skip intense physical exercise. Heavy workouts can deplete your energy and make it harder for your body to benefit from the session.
By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll help your body relax, heal, and get the most benefit from your treatment.
We Specialize in Acupuncture for Period Cramps
Now that you know how acupuncture for menstrual cramps can help and how to prepare for an appointment, the only thing left is finding an experienced acupuncturist who can provide you with the care you deserve. That is what we offer at BH Acuhealth Clinic. We are a licensed acupuncture clinic in Beverly Hills that specializes in acupuncture for period pain and overall women’s health.
At our clinic, you will receive treatment from Dr. Mitra Daneshrad, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with over 24 years of experience. Dr. Mitra will first do a thorough diagnosis to determine the underlying causes of your period issues and then formulate a therapy plan that will have the highest chance of success.
If your situation calls for more than acupuncture, Dr. Mitra will work with your other healthcare providers to find optimal solutions for your condition. Additionally, because period cramps are rarely an isolated issue, we always take a holistic approach and provide treatment for your other conditions, too. At BH Acuhealth, we also offer:
- Fertility acupuncture
- Acupuncture for IVF
- Acupuncture during pregnancy
- Women’s health acupuncture
- Acupuncture for emotional health
- Pain management acupuncture
Make an appointment and let’s find the best way to improve your health.
