Acupuncture for PMS

Bloating, cramping, fatigue-sound all too familiar? It’s normal to not feel your absolute best around your period, but if you’re experiencing painful PMS symptoms and hormone disruption more often than not, something’s gotta give!

What Causes Painful Periods and PMS?

Millions of women struggle with painful periods and irregular cycles.  There are so many factors that can lead to PMS and painful periods. Hormone imbalances, stress, diet, underlying health issues can impact the cyclic changes in hormones and make your period more challenging than it needs to be. Certain medications and even birth control that’s intended to make your period easier could be contributing to symptoms! For some, symptoms are mild. For others, they are practically unbearable!

Have you ever complained to your doctor about painful periods, only to be told it’s normal? So many women struggle with PMS and PMD and are constantly told to just reach for Advil or Tylenol around their cycle. It might help at the moment, but it’s not addressing the root cause.  It’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of PMS, but the truth is, you shouldn’t be suffering through your cycle. PMS signals an imbalance in the body, and there are many holistic approaches and lifestyle changes that can bring your body back to health. 

Can Acupuncture Help? 

Yes, acupuncture has helped women balance their hormones for centuries!  TCM looks at the energies in the body and understands that illness and health conditions stem from a lack of balance. Acupuncture works to release stuck Qi, or energy, in the body. The smooth flow of  Qi in the body promotes well-being and gets your body back to a healthy state!

Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on hormones and has helped so many women reduce or remove their PMS symptoms. A lot of women don’t even realize their hormones are off-balance until their symptoms become severe enough to request a hormone check. Regular sessions of acupuncture can help hormone regulation which creates smoother communication in the reproductive system and a stable, balanced cycle. When your brain and hormones are getting along, ovulation and cycle regulation are more likely to happen. This will kick those unwanted PMS symptoms and make your period easier to manage!

Clearing The Channels

The menstrual cycle is a combination of both yin and yang energies! While western medicine may look at PMS as an issue specific to the reproductive system, TCM looks closely at the other organs playing a role as well. Specifically, the kidneys, liver, and lungs. These channels carry energy throughout your body and imbalances within them can lead to imbalances elsewhere! Acupuncture can restore the energy flow throughout the whole body, and target the organs that may be causing PMS symptoms. 

All About the Flow! 

Acupuncture helps to restore blood flow, and healthy blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area is key to healthy menstruation! Anything from toxins, medications, dehydration, and stress can interrupt your blood flow. Acupuncture opens up the blood vessels and makes room for blood to flow more freely to wherever is lacking. When more blood makes its way to the uterine lining, the uterus gets stronger and is more prepared to menstruate. This means ovulation, regulated periods, and less pain!

Let’s Talk Ovulation

Ovulation is a key part of the female cycle! If communication in the body is off and we aren’t ovulating, your brain is going to keep trying to send hormones to get your ovaries working right. This can make you feel off. Think brain fog, fatigue, mood swings-not fun! Acupuncture can help your body ovulate naturally, without any harsh chemicals or medications that have long lists of unwanted side effects. With hormones balanced, stress reduced, and blood flowing freely, you can achieve a cycle where you still feel energized and healthy. 

It comes down to bringing your body back to its natural balanced state. It takes work, but you can get there. We all have the potential to heal our bodies. If you are looking to regulate your period, increase your fertility, and finally get rid of PMS- then it’s time to give acupuncture a try. Treatment length will look different for everyone, so talk to your licensed acupuncturist about your symptoms to find a treatment plan that works for you. Call us at Dedham Acupuncture or book your next appointment for more information!