A meta-analysis of PMS acupuncture research concluded that acupuncture and Chinese herbs significantly relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Eight acupuncture studies and eleven herbal medicine studies showed a success rate of 80 percent or higher for PMS reduction and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). There were no reports of adverse side effects. Based on these impressive results, the researchers concluded that acupuncture and herbal medicine are both safe and effective.
Premenopausal Syndrome and Acupuncture
PMS occurs during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Up to 25 percent of women report moderate to severe premenstrual symptoms. Approximately 5 percent of women report severe symptoms. Acupuncture demonstrated the ability to reduce symptoms by 80 percent within four treatments.
Acupoints used in this PMS acupuncture research included DU20, LI4, HT3, CV3, CV4, CV6, PC6, GB34, BL23, and ear Shenmen. Acupuncturists treated patients once a week and retained needles for 30 minutes. Notably, there were no differences in treatment outcomes between acupuncture treatments given during the follicular (first half) and luteal (second half) phases. The researchers concluded that acupuncture treatments “need not be limited only to the luteal phase.”
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Safe
As with acupuncture, patients reported no adverse events with the herbal medicines used in the study. Chinese herbs were effective in relieving PMS. Formulas included Jia Wei Xiao Yao San and Xiao Yao San. Groups treated with acupuncture and Xiao Yao San both demonstrated over an 80 percent improvement in the reduction of PMS symptoms.
Xiao Yao San also demonstrated an overall reduction in fatigue by 70 percent and a 75 percent improvement in the reduction of insomnia. This famous Chinese herbal formula also proved highly useful for the relief of anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and depression. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine demonstrated significant improvements over placebo controls.
PMS Acupuncture Research
This PMS acupuncture research study provided background into the current use of complementary, traditional, and alternative medicines for PMS treatment. A US survey documented that 80 percent of women “preferred non-pharmacological interventions”, including vitamins, supplements, and other alternative modalities, including acupuncture.
Conventional medical treatments for PMS include antidepressants, diuretics, psychotropics, progesterone, estrogen, and oral contraceptives. However, most women prefer “dietary changes, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and complementary and alternative medicine”.
In related research, investigators found that acupuncture combined with cupping treated menstrual pain quite effectively. The study had sixty-six participants suffering from dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). The pain was significantly reduced in all sixty-six patients with a combination of acupuncture and cupping within 2 to 6 treatments.
The primary acupoints used in this PMS acupuncture research study included CV4, SP10, K3, SP8, and SP6. Acupuncturists established a differential diagnosis for each patient. They added cupping as an adjunctive technique where needed.
Another study found acupuncture at acupoint SP6 useful for the treatment of menstrual pain. Researchers took blood samples of participants during the study. The analysis showed that prostaglandin changes in the bloodstream did not mediate the SP6 acupoint analgesic effect. In other words, The acupuncture point SP6 was the key factor in relieving pain, not the hormonal changes.
Treating PMS At Raleigh Acupuncture
We have successfully been helping women reduce their PMS symptoms for over 15 years. Treatments are safe, natural, and provide long-lasting relief. If you, or someone you love, suffer from PMS, come in and try acupuncture.
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References
Jang, Su Hee, Dong Il Kim, and Min-Sun Choi. “Effects and treatment methods of acupuncture and herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder: systematic review.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine 14, no. 1 (2014): 11.
PMS Gone With The Wind
These PMS acupuncture research studies mirror our own experience treating PMS. You don’t have to put up with discomfort before your period. Many of our patients have gotten entirely off their medications. This includes birth control pills to prevent PMS as well as pain medications. Discover natural pain relief with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
What our Clients are Saying
Raleigh Acupuncture is absolutely the best acupuncture clinic I’ve ever been to. Jade and Mark are amazing practitioners, caring, professional and wise. They resolved my PMS and painful periods. Now my entire family goes to them for care. I love acupuncture and I love them!!
I had the world’s worst PMS. Raleigh Acupuncture cured it. It took three months, but it was worth it. Now — no pain, no bloating, I don’t feel like I’m losing my mind every month. What a relief. Thank you Raleigh Acupuncture!!