It’s entirely natural for everyone’s hormones to fluctuate over time, but it can be difficult to navigate as certain symptoms may arise as a result, symptoms that can affect our quality of life, everything from headaches and fatigue to anxiety, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating and even premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Issues with hormones are among some of the most common reasons that women come and see us here at AcuRestore, keen to see whether acupuncture can provide them with some relief.
A form of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has supported women’s health for thousands of years, with specific points on the body stimulated by the insertion of fine needs to improve the flow of Qi, the body’s natural energy.
If this becomes blocked, for whatever reason, illness and disease can occur.
How can acupuncture help regulate periods?
Not knowing when your next period will arrive can be very trying, particularly if you’re trying to conceive – but acupuncture has the potential to help regulate periods by balancing hormones like testosterone, oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormones and anti-Mullerian hormones.
Typical menstrual cycles range from between 28 to 29 days. Irregular cycles are either longer than 35 days or shorter than 23 days, with causes including:
- Stress
- Perimenopause
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid glands)
- Side-effects of the contraceptive pill
Primary acupuncture points to help regulate periods include:
- Spleen 6, found on the inner lower leg, just above the ankle bone
- Liver 3, found at the top of the foot between the big toe and the second toe
- Conception Vessel 4, found on the lower abdomen just below the navel
- Stomach 36, found on the lower leg just below the kneecap
How can acupuncture help reduce PMS?
PMS is the term used to refer to the range of different symptoms that women can experience in the weeks leading up to their period.
Symptoms of PMS include:
- Mood swings
- Fatigue/insomnia
- Feeling upset or emotional
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Greasy hair
- Spotty skin
- Food cravings/appetite changes
- Bloating/cramping
- Constipation/diarrhoea
Research suggests that acupuncture and acupressure alike have the potential to improve both the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS.
Primary acupuncture points to help with PMS include:
- LI4, found in the webbing between the thumb and index finger
- PC6, found just above the wrist crease between the two tendons
- SP8, found just below the knee on the inside of the leg
- SP10, found on the inner thigh just above the knee cap
Rest assured that every acupuncture session is tailored individually to suit your specific concerns, helping to address your specific symptoms and health conditions.
Aside from period regulation and PMS, acupuncture can also help with painful periods, heavy or prolonged balance, light or absent periods, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can help support you throughout the various stages of womanhood, book a consultation with the friendly and experienced team today.