East Asian medicine has used acupuncture for painful periods for thousands of years. In our clinic, one 
of the most common complaints we see surrounding women’s menstrual cycles is pain.
What is the philosophy of using Acupuncture for painful period pain?
East Asian medicine sees cramps with your period as an imbalance that needs to be corrected. The approach is not a one size fits all, but one that looks at the individual’s particular pattern to formulate a treatment. Diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine are also key components of treatment.
One of the reasons acupuncture is so effective for painful period cramps is that it helps to improve blood flow and blood flow. When needles are inserted into the acupoints, they stimulate the nerves and muscles in the area, which can help to increase blood flow to the uterus and surrounding tissues. This improved circulation can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to cramping during menstruation.
In addition to improving blood flow, acupuncture regulate the hormones that contribute to menstrual cramps. During the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including cramping.
In East Asian Medicine, menstrual cramps are often seen as a result of a “Liver Qi Stagnation” pattern. This pattern occurs when the flow of Qi in the liver meridian is disrupted, causing a buildup of tension and emotional stress. This can result in menstrual cramps, as well as other symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness. We do treatments to improve the flow of energy and blood.
Another possible pattern that may contribute to menstrual cramps in East Asian Medicine is a “Kidney Yang Deficiency” pattern. This pattern occurs when the body’s yang energy, which is responsible for warmth and movement, is weakened. When this happens, blood flow to the uterus can be compromised, leading to menstrual cramps, as well as other symptoms such as fatigue, cold extremities, and frequent urination.
Could my painful period cramps be endometriosis?
If you pain is severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, feeling faint or passing out you may have endometriosis. Click for more information on this topic and how we treat it. We also often use cupping, castor oil packs and glutathione injections to help.
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