Acupuncture for Periods and PMT
We are often told that having heavy, painful, irregular or scanty periods or suffering from Endometriosis, PCOS or PMT (breast pain or distention, irritability, fatigues, cravings) month in and month out are ‘normal’. If we visit a doctor with our problems, the most likely outcome is to be prescribed the contraceptive pill or the hormonal coil, with the aim of removing our periods altogether.
Traditional Chinese Medicine sees things very differently.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understand problem periods?
TCM understands that periods should start on day 1 of a woman’s cycle with fresh, red blood and little or no pain. The flow should be moderate throughout, remain the colour of cranberry juice and last for 3-5 days. The menstruate should be without clots and end without any brown blood. There should be no PMT, no headaches and no bloating.
If your periods are not like this, then it indicates that there is an underlying imbalance which may need correcting. This is not simply a single hormonal imbalance, it is a more subtle and yet complex picture requiring a holistic treatment approach.
How can Acupuncture and herbs help with problem periods?
The underlying imbalances which manifest as problematic periods (as well as other symptoms which are seemingly unrelated, such as lower back pain, sleep problems, digestive issues, etc) have various different causes when viewed through the lens of TCM and tend to involve the Liver, Spleen and Kidney systems (not directly comparable with the organs in western medicine).
These underlying imbalances can be treated using a combination of acupuncture and/or herbs and women often notice changes in their bodies (reduced PMT, breast pain, period pain, etc) from the first month. Since TCM treats the person, not the symptom, multiple symptoms can resolve at the same time. Problems with periods can be resolved whether they are recent changes or chronic issues which may have affected a woman for years.
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Heavy periods can include periods with a heavy flow (Menorrhagia), periods containing clots or periods that last longer than they should (Menostaxis). Having heavy periods can be quite debilitating for the women suffering with them, requiring hourly changes in sanitary products and often resulting in leakage and embarrassment. They can also come with a wealth of other symptoms including anaemia, fatigue, headaches, anxiety and depression.
The good news is that acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can help. Periods will usually be significantly slighter within a couple of cycles.
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Painful periods (or Dysmenorrhoea) is a significant health condition for those women who suffer from them, and can leave them unable to work or function properly during their peri-ods – a significant portion of their lives!
Fortunately, acupuncture has a long history of treating this condition and the pain usually reduces dramatically within the first 1-2 cycles.
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Irregular periods are menstrual cycles which vary in length by more than a few days each month, so one month, the cycle might be 26 days in length, and the next month it could be 35 days in length.
Sometimes cycles can be very long (especially with PCOS) and can be 40+ days in length or even stop altogether (known as Amenorrhoea).
Fortunately, acupuncture gently yet effectively regulates the hormones which control the health and length of the menstrual cycle, bringing them back to a regular 28 day cycle within a few months of treatment.
How can I find out more about how acupuncture can help with Heavy Periods, Painful Periods, Irregular Periods or Amenorrhoea?
To find out more about how acupuncture can help with any period issue or to make an appointment call or text Katie on 07854 987806 or email acupuncturehassocks@gmail.com.
All treatments are carried out at Acupuncture Hassocks Clinic based in Hassocks, West Sussex. The clinic is near to Hassocks train station, so is easily reachable from Brighton, Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath. If you are travelling by car from Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling or surrounding areas, there is free on road parking.
