Natural Treatment for Painful Periods
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Painful periods, or dysmenorrhea, affect many women and can greatly impact their daily lives. Dysmenorrhea is experienced in 50–90% of women of reproductive age, with 2–29% experiencing severe pain that renders them unable to work and can result in social and economic burdens.
Many factors — age, parity, stress, diet, environmental exposure, and health history — may be associated with dysmenorrhea. It can be characterised as abdominal pain before, during, or after menstruation that can spread from the waist to the legs, inguinal region, and sometimes perineal and vesical regions. It may be accompanied by various symptoms — nausea, fatigue, headaches, irritability, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and back pain. While over-the-counter pain medications can provide relief, they often come with side effects. TCM modalities — acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, and diet therapy — offer a natural and effective option for managing painful periods.
I.
How TCM Acupuncture Works
TCM acupuncture can help alleviate menstrual cramps and other symptoms — bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. The treatment involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital energy.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help reduce painful periods by regulating the levels of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle — such as estrogen and progesterone. Studies have shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can increase the production of beta-endorphins, the natural painkillers produced by the body. They may also help reduce inflammation in the pelvic region, which can contribute to pain and discomfort during menstruation, and regulate the nervous system, which can play a role in menstrual pain.
Diet therapy is also an effective way to alleviate pain and other menstrual symptoms. Identifying foods that contribute to dysmenorrhea — and those that support reproductive health — is crucial. TCM practitioners can provide guidance on creating a nutrition plan to reduce dysmenorrhea.
II.
Four Ways TCM Helps
- I.
Pain Relief
TCM modalities have been shown effective in reducing menstrual pain and cramps. A study in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine were more effective than ibuprofen — with little to no side effects.
- II.
Regulated Cycle
TCM modalities can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce irregular periods. A study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found acupuncture improved menstrual regularity in women with PCOS.
- III.
Reduced Stress
Stress can exacerbate menstrual pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture has been shown effective in reducing stress and anxiety — beneficial for women with painful periods.
- IV.
Improved Quality of Life
Painful periods can greatly impact a woman’s quality of life. TCM modalities help improve overall well-being and reduce the negative impact of painful periods on daily activities.
TCM modalities are a safe and effective natural treatment option for women with painful periods — providing pain relief, regulating the cycle, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life.
Sources
- Ju, H., Jones, M., & Mishra, G. (2014). The prevalence and risk factors of dysmenorrhea. Epidemiological Reviews, 36, 104–113.
- Kartal, Y. A., & Akyuz, E. Y. (2018). The effect of diet on primary dysmenorrhea in university students: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 34(6), 1478–1482.
- Shetty, G. B., Shetty, B., & Mooventhan, A. (2018). Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Acupuncture Meridian Studies, 11, 153–158.
- Xu, L., Xie, T., Shen, T., & Zhang, T. (2019). Effect of Chinese herbal medicine on primary dysmenorrhea: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 98(38), 17191.
- Cai, X.-M., & Wu, J. (2009). The Mind-Tranquilizing and Menstruation-Regulating Method for Acupuncture Treatment of Delayed Menstrual Cycle. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 29(1), 35–38.
- Zhou, J., & Qu, F. (2009). Treating Gynecological Disorders with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 6(4).
Begin Your Care
By seeking out a qualified and experienced TCM acupuncture practitioner, women can benefit from a personalised treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals. Dr. Wanda Duong-Wills welcomes new patients seeking care for menstrual concerns.