Menstrual pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, affects over 80% of women. It encompasses a range of symptoms, including cramping, lower abdominal pain, back pain, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. For many women, these symptoms can significantly disrupt daily activities. But if you are reading this article, unfortunately you probably know this already. While over-the-counter pain medications can offer temporary relief, they fail to address the underlying causes of menstrual pain, and this pain will return next month. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help women regulate their period and achieve balanced health, and it can help you too.
First let's talk about what is acupuncture and how does it work. Acupuncture is a holistic healing modality that dates back thousands of years. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points along the body's meridians, or energy pathways, to restore balance and promote healing. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, acupuncture works by unblocking the flow of Qi, or vital energy, to alleviate pain and restore health. From a Western perspective, acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters, which play key roles in pain modulation and mood regulation.
During thousands of years TCM and Acupuncture has effectively helped women stay healthy and get back to balance. More recently, numerous western studies have explored the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving menstrual pain. One systematic review published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada analyzed 27 randomized controlled trials involving over 3,000 women with primary dysmenorrhea. The review found that acupuncture was associated with significant reductions in pain intensity and duration compared to placebo or no treatment. Additionally, acupuncture was well-tolerated and had minimal side effects.
This is something we have also experienced in clinical practice. With over 10,000 treatments performed we have been able to see amazing transformations in our patients health, many of those women who had reproductive system issues including menstrual cramps. We have developed clinical protocols that are very effective in addressing the root cause of your health issue.
So how can acupuncture help you with menstrual cramps? In simple terms it is a holistic approach to your wellness, addressing the root cause of your menstrual pain by restoring balance to your own body's energy systems, promoting long-term healing.
At Bodhi TCM we are able to help women to feel better from menstrual cramps by using our unique Ancient + Modern approach. We personalize our treatments and layer therapies like acupuncture, electroacupuncture, bio-electric therapy and customized herbal formulas to provide fast and long lasting relief.
This is the process to become one of our patients:
Consultation: During the consultation our Acupuncture Physician Andrea Izquierdo, L.Ac. will conduct a thorough assessment of your health history, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your individual needs, Dr. Andrea will develop a personalized treatment plan, using our proven clinical protocols which will layer our therapies both Ancient and Modern.
Treatments: You will lie comfortably on a treatment table while your Dr. Andrea inserts thin needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. You may experience a sensation of warmth, tingling, while this happens but afterwards most of our patients fall asleep. We call these "healing naps".
Re-evaluation: Our physician closely monitors your progress and adjusts treatment depending on your progress to make sure you get relief as fast as possible.
If you are local to the Space Coast of Florida we would love to help you find relief from menstrual cramps. Whether your goal is to simply find relief or to regulate your period and hormones with the goal of becoming pregnant, we have the expertise to help you. Give us a call at 321-312-0771 to setup your initial consultation.
If you are not local, we have a network of trusted colleagues around the US and Canada that we can refer you to. Here are also a few tips to find a qualified practitioner in your area:
Credentials: Choose an acupuncturist who is licensed and certified by a reputable governing body, such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Experience: Look for an acupuncturist who has experience treating menstrual disorders and women's health issues.
Personalized Approach: Seek out a practitioner who takes the time to listen to your concerns, assess your individual needs, and tailor treatment accordingly.
Referrals: Ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or healthcare providers who have had positive experiences with acupuncture.