Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods, is a common gynecological condition affecting many women of reproductive age. The term dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain and cramps that occur just before, during, or after menstruation. This condition can be debilitating and affect a woman's quality of life. Here we will discuss the causes and treatments of dysmenorrhea from both Western and Chinese perspectives.

Dysmenorrhea is caused by the release of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that are responsible for the contraction of the uterus during menstruation. Higher levels of prostaglandins can cause more intense and prolonged uterine contractions, leading to severe menstrual pain. Other causes of dysmenorrhea include endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Treatment for dysmenorrhea in Western medicine includes pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, hormonal contraceptives, and surgery in severe cases. However, some women may experience side effects from medication, and surgery may not be a feasible option for everyone.

Our approach to dysmenorrhea is using acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat dysmenorrhea.  

In Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea is caused by a stagnation of Qi and blood flow in the body, leading to menstrual pain and cramps. The condition is usually associated with a deficiency or excess of certain organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidney. Dysmenorrhea can also be triggered by external factors such as cold or dampness.

Chinese medicine has a long history of treating gynecological conditions, including dysmenorrhea. Many classical Chinese medicine texts, such as the Jin Kui Yao Lue (Han Dynasty around 220 A.D, by Zhang Zhongjing) and Fu Zhu Qing Nu Ke (Qing Dynasty around 1827 A.D by Fu Shan) have documented various treatment methods for dysmenorrhea. These treatments usually involve herbal medicine with many herbal formulas for different patterns of dysmenorrhea.  

Chinese herbal medicine can be an effective treatment for dysmenorrhea. Different herbal formulas are used depending on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, if the dysmenorrhea is caused by a deficiency of Qi and blood, the herbal formula Si Wu Tang may be prescribed. Si Wu Tang is composed of four herbs: Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma). This formula helps to nourish and invigorate the blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain.

If the dysmenorrhea is caused by cold and dampness, the herbal formula Wen Jing Tang may be prescribed. This formula is composed of herbs such as Yi Mu Cao (Leonuri Herba), Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizoma), and Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis), which help to warm the uterus, dispel cold, and promote blood circulation.

Acupuncture for Dysmenorrhea

Acupuncture is another effective treatment for dysmenorrhea. Acupuncture can help regulate the flow of Qi and blood in the body, relieving menstrual pain and cramps. Acupuncture points such as SP6 (Sanyinjiao), ST36 (Zusanli), and CV4 (Guanyuan) are commonly used to treat dysmenorrhea. These points help to nourish and invigorate the blood, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain.

here are some clinical research studies about the acupuncture effects on the treatment of dysmenorrhea:

1. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies in 2021 found that acupuncture effectively reduced the severity of menstrual pain and improved the quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
2. Another randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science in 2019 found that acupuncture effectively reduced menstrual pain intensity, improved mood, and reduced the need for pain medication in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
3. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2018 found that acupuncture effectively reduced the severity of menstrual pain and improved the quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
4. A randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2018 found that acupuncture effectively reduced menstrual pain and improved quality of life in women with endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea.
5. A randomized controlled trial published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2017 found that acupuncture effectively reduced menstrual pain intensity, improved mood, and reduced the need for pain medication in women with primary dysmenorrhea.

Here at Legend Acupuncture and Herbs, we will offer you comprehensive treatment for your condition of dysmenorrhea with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine.   Dysmenorrhea is a common gynecological condition that can be effectively treated with both Western and Chinese medicine.