How does acupuncture for painful periods help?
In terms of Chinese medicine, pain occurs when the normal flow of energy becomes blocked around the time of menstruation. This means that the breakdown of the endometrial lining and the start of menstruation doesn’t happen as smoothly as it should, causing sluggish blood flow and clot formation.
Acupuncture for painful periods has a direct effect by stimulating the flow of blood and the production of beta endorphins and natural opiates which relax the body and mind and relieve pain. Treatment is usually given in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Within a few months the pain is usually manageable without resorting to painkillers.