Acupuncture for PMS and Painful Periods

For those who experience a menstrual cycle, PMS and pain symptoms may feel like an inescapable part of the process. According to several published research articles, painful periods or dysmenorrhea is one of the most common causes for absenteeism from work and school among menstruating women. While many at home therapies such as heating pads, herbal teas, and pain medications or supplements can be helpful, acupuncture can be an additional support to help curb the symptoms of menstrual cycles before they happen. 

What exactly is PMS and dysmenorrhea? 

PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome is characterized as a variety of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to a menstrual cycle. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from barely noticeable to severe. 

Common Symptoms:

• Tension or anxiety 

• Depressed mood

• Mood swings

• Appetite changes 

• Insomnia 

• Social withdrawal 

• Poor concentration 

• Tender breasts

Dysmenorrhea or painful periods refers specifically to pain experienced during the menstrual cycle. There are two types of dysmenorrhea; primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is pain with an unknown cause. Secondary dysmenorrhea is pain with a known cause. Some examples of root causes for secondary dysmenorrhea include fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. 

Common Symptoms: 

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Headaches

• Dizziness

Oftentimes, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and aspirin are the first step in treating these symptoms. It is also common for individuals to take hormonal birth control to help manage PMS and painful periods. While research shows these options to be effective for pain management, unwanted side effects may occur. Acupuncture can be used on its own or as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments such as NSAIDs or hormonal birth control. For those seeking a more natural approach, it offers a holistic way to support the body through all phases of the menstrual cycle, and may be the right fit for you!

How Can Acupuncture Help? 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a common method used to help bring energetic balance to the body, reduce pain, and promote overall well being. In the case of PMS and painful periods, acupuncture can help relieve pain and promote relaxation before, during, and in the days following a menstrual cycle. Our acupuncturist, Alyson Kramer, can also provide personalized herbal formulas to help support you at each phase. Specific herbal formulas can be taken throughout the cycle to help prevent PMS as well as specific formulas to be taken during the period to minimize cramping and bloating.  

By stimulating acupuncture points that help to regulate hormone production, improve blood flow, decrease stress, and alleviate pain, acupuncture therapy can be used to target menstrual symptoms before they happen. Through the balancing of systems that directly affect the menstrual cycle, relief can extend not only to the days surrounding your period but also to your overall cycle health. Many people notice that with consistent acupuncture treatments, their symptoms become more predictable and manageable over time.

Why Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness?

Because every person’s cycle and symptoms are different, working with a trained practitioner who specializes in women’s health allows you to receive a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Alyson takes the time to understand the specifics of your symptoms and concerns to provide you with the most effective and beneficial care. Whether you are hoping to ease monthly discomfort, reduce stress, or better understand your cycle, acupuncture may offer an effective and supportive option. 

At Northeast Acupuncture and Wellness, you can expect a calming and supportive experience in one of our several private treatment rooms. Treatments typically last around 45 minutes and leave

patients feeling calm, grounded, and ready to take on the rest of the day, or in this case, the rest of your cycle! 

Schedule your initial consultation with Alyson today to start your journey towards a more positive menstrual experience.