Menstrual health is a cornerstone of overall well-being for many women, yet conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, luteal phase defect, and oligomenorrhea can disrupt daily life and impact fertility. At Acupuncture Denver, we specialize in using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address these complex conditions, providing natural, evidence-based solutions to restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life.
The TCM Approach to Menstrual Health
TCM views menstrual disorders as imbalances in the body’s energy flow, or Qi (氣), and other critical elements such as Blood (血), Yin (陰), and Yang (陽). These imbalances can manifest as stagnation, deficiency, or excess within specific meridians or organ systems, particularly the Liver, Spleen, and Kidneys. By addressing the root cause of these imbalances, acupuncture and herbal medicine can:
- Regulate the menstrual cycle
- Alleviate pain and inflammation
- Support ovulation and hormonal harmony
- Enhance blood circulation to the reproductive organs
Common Menstrual Disorders We Treat
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Acupuncture has been shown to regulate ovulation and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS. A study published in The American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism (2011)found that acupuncture improved insulin sensitivity and ovarian function, supporting its role as a complementary therapy for PCOS.
Endometriosis: Known for causing severe pain and infertility, endometriosis responds well to TCM treatments. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by modulating the nervous system. Research in Pain Medicine (2020) highlights acupuncture’s effectiveness in lowering prostaglandin levels and improving quality of life for women with endometriosis.
Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods): Acupuncture is a recognized treatment for dysmenorrhea. A meta-analysis in PLOSONE (2016) reported that acupuncture significantly reduced menstrual pain intensity compared to placebo, with long-lasting effects.
Amenorrhea (Absence of Periods): For women with amenorrhea, TCM works to nourish Yin and Blood, stimulate ovulation, and restore regular cycles. Studies in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2018) show acupuncture’s ability to promote hormonal balance and improve reproductive health.
Luteal Phase Defect: Acupuncture supports the luteal phase by enhancing progesterone levels and uterine lining health. Research suggests it improves blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, fostering conditions ideal for implantation.
Oligomenorrhea (Infrequent Periods): For irregular or infrequent cycles, TCM uses acupuncture and herbal remedies to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, promoting consistent ovulation and cycle regularity.
How Our Treatments Work
Acupuncture: By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture influences the nervous system, reduces inflammation, and enhances blood flow. Points like SP6, LV3, and CV4 are commonly used to address menstrual disorders by balancing the Liver and Kidney meridians and regulating Qi and Blood.
Herbal Medicine: Custom herbal formulas target individual patterns of imbalance. We can create a unique formula, customized to your specific diagnosis.
Dietary Supplements: Certain supplements can play a critical role in managing menstrual disorders. Depending on your specific condition, we may recommend:
- Omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation and pain associated with dysmenorrhea and endometriosis.
- Magnesium to help alleviate muscle cramps and improve blood flow.
- Vitamin D to support hormonal regulation, particularly for PCOS.
- B-complex vitamins to enhance energy production and regulate mood swings during PMS.
Dietary and Lifestyle Guidance
TCM emphasizes a holistic approach. We provide recommendations for diet, self-care strategies, stress management, and guided meditation to enhance treatment outcomes.
We can help...
● Improve cycle regularity
● Reduce pain and PMS symptoms
● Enhance fertility outcomes
● Manage hormone-related conditions