Many women experience painful periods, also known as dysmenorrhea, which can significantly impact their quality of life.
Common menstrual symptoms include cramping pain in the lower abdomen and back, which can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and headaches. Some people also experience bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, and digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation in the days leading up to and during their period.
Severe menstrual pain can significantly disrupt daily activities, making it difficult to concentrate at work, engage in physical activities, or even perform basic tasks like walking or sitting comfortably.
Research indicates that many individuals miss work or school days due to debilitating period symptoms, with some studies suggesting that dysmenorrhea causes an average of 1-3 days of lost productivity per menstrual cycle, yet the impact often goes underreported due to persistent stigma around menstrual health.
In my decade of practicing East Asian medicine, I have found acupuncture and herbal medicine to be the most consistently effective treatments for reducing both the severity and discomfort of painful menstrual cycles.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine for managing menstrual pain and what the current research says about its effectiveness.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Menstrual Pain?
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very small needles in order to elicit a therapeutic response from the body. Receiving acupuncture for painful menstrual cycles can help to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve blood circulation to the pelvic area
- Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals
- Help relax the uterus, potentially easing cramping
- Balance hormones that contribute to menstrual discomfort
What Does the Research Say?
Research suggests acupuncture is beneficial for menstrual pain:
- A 2018 review published in PLOS One analyzed 60 trials and found that acupuncture was more effective in reducing menstrual pain compared to no treatment or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- A 2019 systematic review in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that acupuncture and acupressure could significantly reduce menstrual pain intensity compared to placebo treatments.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
If you’re considering acupuncture for menstrual pain, here’s what you can expect:
- An initial consultation to discuss your symptoms and medical history
- The acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific points on your body
- Other adjunctive treatments such as moxabustion, heat therapy, cupping, and auricular therapy may be used to treat the symptoms of pain
- You’ll rest for about 20-30 minutes with the needles in place
- The needles will be removed, and you may receive advice on lifestyle, dietary changes, and prescribed an herbal formula
Treatment frequency varies based on symptom severity, typically ranging from two to four acupuncture sessions per month over a three- to six-month period.
Herbal Medicine for Menstrual Pain
Chinese medicine has a long history of using single herbs and formulas to address menstrual pain.
In traditional Chinese medicine, herbal formulas are prescribed based on a detailed diagnostic pattern that considers not only the primary symptoms but also accompanying signs like the quality of menstrual blood, timing of pain, temperature sensitivities, digestive function, and emotional state to create a comprehensive treatment approach tailored to each individual’s specific presentation.
A few of the common formulas prescribed include:
- Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer)
- Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction with Safflower and Peach Pit)
- Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Blood Stasis in the Lower Abdomen Decoction)
- Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer)
- Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon and Poria Pill)
- Wen Jing Tang (Warm the Menses Decoction)
- Ba Zi Ren Wan (Arborvitae Seed Pill)
Herbal formulas are modified depending on what phase of the menstrual cycle a patient is in (menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase).
Is Chinese herbal medicine safe? When prescribed by a licensed and board certified herbalist – yes. At Kailey Brennan Integrative Acupuncture, I source my herbs from companies that offer the highest quality herbs, do their own rigorous in-house testing, and have relationships with their growers.
It is also worth noting that harmonizing the menstrual cycle is the main way we address infertility in Chinese medicine.
Conclusion
Acupuncture offers a natural alternative for women seeking relief from menstrual pain.
No one should have to endure debilitating menstrual pain as a “normal” part of life.
While some discomfort during menstruation is common, severe pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or quality of life is not normal and deserves proper medical attention and treatment.
Everyone deserves access to care that can help them manage their symptoms and live comfortably.
