How Acupuncture Can Help with Menstrual Pain
Tia Tackles

How Acupuncture Can Help with Menstrual Pain

By Tia

5 min read

Dysmenorrhea. Even the name sounds painful.

That’s the medical term for menstrual pain, a health condition that affects millions of women each month and has the potential to impact every facet of life – including work, play, sleep, and sex.

There are two types of dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea is a type of period pain that occurs without an underlying health condition. It’s characterized by cramping pain in the abdomen, lower back, or upper legs that can start up to three days before a period and last up to three days after it’s over.

Primary dysmenorrhea is caused by prostaglandins, chemicals produced in the uterus that cause it to contract.

Secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that occurs due to an underlying health condition, like fibroids or endometriosis.

There are medications that can help alleviate period pain. One popular choice is the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen (Advil). It can be particularly helpful because it works by blocking prostaglandins, the chemicals produced in the uterus that cause cramping and pain.

Hormonal birth control (pill, patch, IUD) is another option. It reduces the severity of symptoms by blocking ovulation.

But lately, many people are turning to alternative treatments, like acupuncture, for a more natural and holistic approach to period pain management.

If this method of pain relief seems like pseudo-science, it’s not. A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment option for women with period pain.

Medical researchers in Australia and New Zealand have shown that acupuncture treatment, over time, significantly reduces period pain intensity, duration, and symptoms - with improvements being sustained up to a year after treatment. (Plos One)

Another study found that women undergoing acupuncture more frequently experienced more significant improvements in period pain intensity and related symptoms as well as in overall quality of life. (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

But, first…

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical practice that involves inserting thin needles (You don’t feel them!) into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. It’s based on traditional Chinese medicine and the belief that health comes from alignment of qi or vital energy.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, but it recently gained popularity in Western medicine as a safe and effective alternative method for treating many health conditions with few (if any) unwanted side effects.

How Does Acupuncture Help with Menstrual Pain?

While the exact mechanism of action isn’t known, researchers have uncovered several properties about acupuncture that likely influence its effect on pain management:

  • Releasing endorphins
    • Acupuncture needles trigger the brain to release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce period pain intensity, duration, and symptoms – including headaches, breast tenderness, and bloating.
  • Improving blood flow
    • Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the abdomen and pelvic area, which can reduce stagnation – thought to be a primary cause of pain in traditional Chinese medicine – and improve menstrual cramping.
  • Balancing hormones
    • Acupuncture might help regulate hormone levels and address one potential cause of menstrual pain – hormonal imbalances.
  • Reducing inflammation
    • Acupuncture can stimulate anti-inflammatory proteins, which can lower pain signaling and provide pain relief.
  • Lower stress
    • Acupuncture can help lower stress hormones, which has positive effects on the menstrual cycle and PMS symptoms.
  • Relaxing muscles
    • Acupuncture can help relax uterine muscles, which can reduce cramping.

What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment

If you choose to try acupuncture for menstrual pain, a licensed acupuncturist will take a health history and assess your symptoms before making a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment usually involves inserting acupuncture needles into specific points, such as the lower abdomen, lower back, or legs. The needles are typically left in place for about 30 minutes, during which time you may feel a tingling or warming sensation.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained professional. Side effects are rare but may include slight bruising or soreness at the needle sites.

Conclusion

Acupuncture offers a low-risk, high-reward way to help manage period pain and provides a natural, complementary option for people seeking relief without medication. It can be effective alone or along with other home remedies, such as using a heating pad or getting regular exercise.

Keep in mind, excessive, ongoing painful menstruation and/or bleeding can be a sign of an underlying health condition, so make sure you consult your healthcare provider if your period symptoms fall into this category.

If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to period pain that addresses the root cause of the problem (and doesn’t just mask the symptoms), this ancient technique might be worth a shot.

Or, you know, a needle.

At Tia, we offer a full range of services—including acupuncture, primary care, gynecological exams, mental health support, and skincare — all in one convenient location.

Ready for menstrual pain relief? Join Tia and schedule an appointment at the clinic nearest you.

Located in New York, Scottsdale, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.