Are You Tired of Dealing with Painful Menstrual Cramps, Irregular Cycles, or Fertility Issues?
By Dr. Thalia Micah, DACM, LMT, Founder, CEO and CMO of the Institute of Integrative Health Specialists
Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual Syndrome and Fertily
At the Institute of Integrative Health Specialists, we are dedicated to providing personalized and effective care.
Acupuncture, a powerful non-pharmacological therapy rooted in Traditional Medicine (TM), offers a natural and effective solution for women experiencing menstrual cycle pain, PMS, and fertility issues. Let's explore the scientific evidence that supports Acupuncture for these common health concerns among women, offering hope and optimism.
Acupuncture for Menstrual Cycle Pain
Menstrual cycle pain, or dysmenorrhea, affects a considerable group of women worldwide, significantly affecting their quality of life. Research shows Acupuncture can provide relief via several mechanisms:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture reduces inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins, which induce uterine contractions during menstruation and pain. Reducing inflammation helps alleviate menstrual cramps.
Modulation of Pain Pathways: Acupuncture reduces pain perception by stimulating the release of natural painkillers like endorphins and enkephalins.
Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the uterus, reducing the severity of cramps and promoting relaxation.
Acupuncture for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS includes a spectrum of physical and emotional symptoms that occur before menstruation. Acupuncture is effective in managing these symptoms through several mechanisms:
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture reduces stress and promotes relaxation by lowering cortisol levels, which helps alleviate PMS symptoms.
Regulation of Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture helps manage emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability by balancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Alleviation of Physical Symptoms: Acupuncture reduces physical symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
Acupuncture and Fertility
Infertility affects millions of couples globally. In partnership with Acupuncturists, many fertility specialists in allopathic medicine recommend acupuncture care to enhance patient fertility, increasing the probability of fertilization during treatments. Acupuncture gained attention for its potential role in improving fertility outcomes:
Hormonal Regulation: Acupuncture enhances hormonal balance and improves endometrial morphology, making the uterus more receptive to embryo implantation during IVF.
Stress Reduction: Acupuncture reduces stress, anxiety, and depression levels, which are crucial for improving fertility outcomes.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Acupuncture
Numerous clinical studies support the efficacy of Acupuncture in treating menstrual pain, PMS, and infertility:
Menstrual Pain: A systematic review found that Acupuncture significantly reduced menstrual pain compared to no treatment or NSAIDs.
PMS: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce both physical and emotional symptoms of PMS, providing comprehensive relief.
Fertility: Research indicates that Acupuncture can improve pregnancy rates and reduce stress in women undergoing fertility treatments.
Conclusion
While Acupuncture has shown promising results in managing menstrual cycle pain, PMS, and fertility issues, it's important to note that individual results may vary. We strongly encourage you to consult a qualified practitioner to discuss your needs and determine if Acupuncture is the proper treatment. This guidance and support can make your journey towards relief more effective.
If you are experiencing menstrual cramps, PMS, or fertility issues, we encourage you to contact the Institute of Integrative Health Specialists. Our institute is known for its experienced and qualified practitioners who provide personalized and efficient Acupuncture tailored to your needs, making you feel valued and understood.
References:
Li, H., Liu, Z., & Liu, J. (2011). Acupuncture for premenstrual syndrome at different intervention time: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 31(4), 343-350. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(12)60073-6
Qian, Y., Xia, X., & Liu, Y. (2019). Acupuncture as treatment for female infertility: A systematic review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 17(2), 87-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2019.01.002
Smith, C. A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., Ratcliffe, J., Norman, R. J., & Johnson, N. (2019). Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of Acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF cycles in ChinAcupunctureorld. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 38(3), 364-378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.038
Armour, M., Smith, C. A., Yang, G., MacPherson, H., Lee, J., & Wang, L. Q. (2019). The efficacy and safety of Acupuncture in women with primary dysmenorrhea:Acupunctureic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore), 98(8), e14520. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000014520
Zhu, X., Hamilton, K. D., & McNicol, E. D. (2011). Acupuncture and moxibustion for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2011(1), CD007579. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007579.pub2
Proctor, M. L., Smith, C. A., Farquhar, C. M., & Stones, R. W. (2002). Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2002(1), CD002123. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002123
Stener-Victorin, E., & Humaidan, P. (2006). Use of Acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer. Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(4), 157-163. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.24.4.157
Lee, B., & Han, C. H. (2010). Acupuncture for premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 117(10), 1175-1183. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02693.x