Acupuncture for Women’s Health: Benefits for Menstrual Regulation

Whether a woman is in the process of trying to conceive or not, a healthy and regulated menstrual cycle is key to reproductive health.

The definition of a "normal" period is quite broad. It can include longer and shorter cycles, heavier and lighter bleeding, and various side effects from cramping and fatigue to nausea and constipation. However, an estimated 14 to 25% of women experience some sort of menstrual irregularity. 

Examples of abnormal menstrual cycles include:

• Cycles that occur less than 21 days apart or that vary in length from month to month by more than 20 days.
• Infrequent or absent periods.
• Severe and excessively heavy bleeding. 

Besides being uncomfortable and unpredictable, irregular periods are concerning because they can be an indication of fertility issues. This underscores the importance of addressing menstrual irregularities and any conditions that may be causing them. For centuries, acupuncture has been a tried and true method for many women's health and fertility issues. 

How does acupuncture regulate the menstrual cycle?

Acupuncture has the ability to manage the common symptoms of regular periods like cramps, nausea, fatigue, and constipation. At the same time, it can address the underlying causes of those symptoms that may be driving any irregularities.

Balance Hormones 

One way this is accomplished is by addressing hormones through acupuncture. Hormones involved in reproductive health are regulated by the Hypothalamic-Ovarian-Pituitary Axis.

This feedback loop between the brain and reproductive organs, when functioning correctly, balances the hormones that regulate ovulation and menstruation. Another hormone in women's health that can be stimulated by acupuncture is the Luteinising Hormone (LH), which triggers ovulation. 

Stimulate Blood Flow

Stimulating blood flow is the other key way acupuncture can promote menstrual regulation. Acupuncture acts to stimulate blood flow to targeted parts of the body, including the reproductive organs.

Blood flow can be stymied by the aging process and by stress, resulting in an insufficient amount of vital nutrients reaching the organs. Through acupuncture, blood flow is increased to the ovaries, to the lining of the uterus, and to other areas of the body involved in reproductive health. 

What is an acupuncture treatment like for menstrual issues?

At an acupuncture treatment session, the practitioner will ask you some questions about your period to gain an understanding of your reasons for seeking treatment and any symptoms you are experiencing. Based on that information and where you are in the menstrual cycle, the practitioner will determine what points of the body will be the target of your treatment.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the life force or energy, known as "Qi," within the body through the insertion of tiny needles at specific points on the body. These needles are not painful and are hardly noticeable. You may experience improvement right away, or you may require several treatments before you experience results from your acupuncture treatment. 

Regulation of the menstrual cycle is key to overall health and especially to fertility. Rather than suffer from uncomfortable symptoms or the uncertainty of an irregular cycle, consider giving acupuncture a try.

Find Relief for Irregular Cycles 

Whether you experience moodiness and pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms or severe pain and conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), this ancient healing technique has the power to give you the relief you seek and improve your overall health and fertility.

Contact Deanna Carell Acupuncture, where we specialize in such treatment. We care deeply about women's health and want to ensure you have the most comfortable experience possible. Call us today to schedule a consultation.