Acupuncture and the Menstrual Cycle
There are a number of health issues women are generally confronted with. From PMS, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, fertility issues, to irregular menstruation, cramping, heavy period, long menstrual cycles, and the list goes on and on. Women at some point or the other find themselves struggling with one or more of these conditions.
Licensed acupuncturists consult with their clients for health improvement based on the above issues and channel an individualized wellness plan through prevention, nutritional supplement, acupuncture, cupping, and herbal remedies.
We’ll first and foremost look at what treatments are available from “western medicine” for these menstrual issues. Afterward, we’ll take a look at how acupuncture may be used to regulate the menstrual cycle without the use of artificial hormones, drugs, surgical procedures, or unwanted side effects.
Western Medical Strategies
Western medicine has mainly two treatment strategies in the realm of menstrual cycle regulation
- Hormonal Regulation – The Pill
Hormonal regulation, in terms of hormonal birth control is the commonest answer from western medicine. It can proffer solution to many of these conditions and help impact a better quality life for a lot of women. Your body’s natural signaling is taken over by these artificial hormones and they impose a new monthly pattern.
The underlying issue is barely addressed by this approach. The drugs just take over your regulation using a louder message to your body. It is like cranking your radio to drown out the noise coming from your neighbors. Whether you like it or not, the noisy neighbors are still where they used to be—they never moved an inch.
The side effects of “the pill” comprise weight gain, reduced libido (decreased desire for sex), nausea, mood swings, and breast tenderness. More serious ones may are possible. Make sure you see your physician in the event you experience headaches, blurred vision, swelling chest pain or abdominal (belly) pain.
- D&C – Dilation and Curettage
In cases of heavy period and prolonged menstrual flow, a surgical procedure called a “dilation and curettage” is usually performed. In this process, the lining of the uterus is removed either using a suction tool or a sharp scraping tool.
The expectation is that future menstrual bleeding is going to be more regular and the lining will reform in a more ordered manner. There are risks you need to talk with your physician about since this is a surgical procedure.
Acupuncture for Menstrual Regulation
Acupuncture provides more customized treatment strategies than what’s accessible from the west for irregular periods. These techniques and concepts for modulating the menstrual cycle, are beyond what’s obtainable to the majority of western medicine.
Re-establishment of the Rhythm
Occasionally, an otherwise healthy woman has menstrual cycles scattered throughout the calendar. One month her period is long, the other month, it’s short. Sometimes, a period may be bypassed completely. A light spotting may be experienced a few times a monthly.
This is where acupuncture actually shines. Utilizing a certain technique, the menstrual cycle can be re-established or reinstated. Acupuncture sends the body special signals so that all the body systems work in a coordinated, synchronized manner to create a healthy regular period. From ovulation, to the migration in the fallopian tubes, to building of uterus’ lining and menstruation; the body regulates its hormones through the use of acupuncture. The body systems get reminded of the best way to work collectively to create health.
Setting it Right
When there is a consistent imbalance happening, acupuncture offers a potent method to set it right. Prolonged periods may be shortened when the underlying imbalance is addressed. Cycles which are too short can actually be lengthened when that imbalance is corrected. Cramping experienced during menstrual cycle can be addressed as well.
Salient points germane to the subject are:
The absence of PMS symptoms—cramps, backache, emotional issues—from your period. They are regarded as being abnormal and the suffering that comes with it shouldn’t be part of your life.
- Your cycle is expected to be around 27-29 at length, inclusive of 4-7 days of bleeding and normal flow, devoid of clots and especially heavy or scanty bleeding.
- With the help of acupuncture, your hormones and blood flow are regulated, including relieving stress and several other contributory factors to an irregular period.
- Acupuncture and Chinese herbal teas help regulate your progesterone, LH, FSH and other hormone levels as well.
If you want to live a life without pain and seeking alternative remedies to conventional medicine, then come see how acupuncture can put a permanent solution to your problem.
Pearl Chang Russell practices as a licensed acupuncturist in Richardson, a suburb of Dallas, TX and has a Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Pearl’s source of inspiration is her grandmother whose wealth of experience spans over 50 years in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.