Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful periods that many women suffer from. It can be described as pain or cramping that arises before, during or after menstruation. Pain can be felt in the abdomen or lower back. Some women will also experience nausea, vomiting and/or headaches. Acupuncture has been effective in the treatment of painful menstrual periods.Scientifically speaking, the symptoms are caused by prostaglandin, a hormone produced by cells in the uterine lining. Prostaglandin levels increases during the second half of the menstrual cycle. When a woman’s period begins, the cells in the uterine lining release prostaglandin. Women who suffer from dysmenorrhea have considerably higher prostaglandin levels than those who do not suffer from dysmenorrhea.
When treating dysmenorrhea with Acupuncture there are several factors to consider to reach an accurate diagnosis. The diagnosis helps the Acupuncturist determine the method of treatment and points used. Each case is different depending on the presentation. You will be ask about:
Emotions -Do you feel: depression, anger or sadness
Type of Pain – Is it stabbing, dull, aches? Does it feel better or worse with pressure, heat, or cold?
Timing of Pain – Is it before, during or after menstruation?
Digestion – Do you bloat? Does your hunger increase? Does eating make you feel nauseous? Do you have particular cravings?
Your Cycle – Are you regular? Late? Early?
Once the pertinent questions are answered, a Tongue and Pulse diagnosis is then taken. This gives the therapist a clearer understanding (in respect to Traditional Chinese Medicine) on what is imbalanced. The therapist can then begin Acupuncture treatment and suggest lifestyle changes to compliment the treatment.
Studies have shown that Acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of Dysmennorhea. http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/nem020v1
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