Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhoea, is common and can sometimes have a significant impact on daily life. Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back, fatigue, digestive problems or a feeling of tension may accompany the menstrual period.
Acupuncture may be offered as a complementary approach to support menstrual pain and the various discomforts associated with the cycle.
Acupuncture and menstrual pain
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, symptoms linked to periods are considered as a whole. The consultation therefore looks not only at the intensity of the pain, but also at the cycle, sleep, digestion, stress levels and general health.
During an acupuncture session for period pain, a personalised assessment helps to understand your situation and adapt the care.
Acupuncture may in particular be considered alongside medical follow-up in cases of:
- pain in the lower abdomen during periods;
- lower back or pelvic pain;
- tension before or during menstruation;
- fatigue associated with the cycle;
- digestive discomfort around periods;
- periods that are particularly difficult to cope with day to day.
The aim is to offer individualised support and to help improve comfort around the menstrual period.
Acupuncture and premenstrual syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may appear in the days before a period. It can show itself in different ways: fatigue, irritability, tension, tender breasts, bloating, headaches or mood changes.
Acupuncture for premenstrual syndrome can form part of a holistic approach aimed at supporting these various symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes into account all the symptoms and how they change over the cycle in order to adapt the session to each person.
Acupuncture and endometriosis
Very painful periods can sometimes be associated with a gynaecological condition, in particular endometriosis.
When menstrual pain is severe, has appeared recently or is getting worse, it is essential to look for the cause with a health professional.
When endometriosis has been diagnosed, acupuncture may be offered alongside medical and gynaecological follow-up, in particular to support certain pains or discomforts.
It does not remove endometriosis lesions and does not replace prescribed treatments.
What happens during an acupuncture session for period pain?
The session begins with a conversation to understand your cycle and your symptoms.
I look in particular at how regular your periods are, how long they last, the intensity of the pain, where it is felt, the symptoms that come before menstruation, as well as other factors such as sleep, digestion and stress.
This approach makes it possible to adapt the session to your situation rather than applying the same protocol to every woman.
Depending on your needs, acupuncture may be considered at different points in the cycle.
When should you seek advice for period pain?
Severe menstrual pain should not automatically be considered “normal”.
It is particularly advisable to see a health professional when the pain:
- prevents you from working or carrying out your usual activities;
- regularly requires painkillers;
- gets worse over time;
- appears after several years of periods with little pain;
- comes with pain during intercourse, digestive problems or significant pelvic pain.
A gynaecological assessment may then be needed to rule out or look for a cause such as endometriosis or another condition.
Acupuncture can then, if you wish, become part of complementary care.
Why choose acupuncture in Aix-en-Provence?
I offer acupuncture consultations in Aix-en-Provence, with an approach particularly focused on women’s health.
Support may cover period pain, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, fertility, pregnancy, the postpartum period or the menopause.
Each consultation is tailored to your situation and your needs.
Book an appointment
Do you suffer from period pain or significant symptoms before your periods and would like to try acupuncture as a complementary approach?
A first consultation is an opportunity to review your situation and decide on the most suitable support.
Acupuncture consultations in Aix-en-Provence.
FAQ: acupuncture and period pain
Can acupuncture help with period pain?
Acupuncture can be used as a complementary approach to support menstrual pain. It does not replace looking for a possible medical cause when the pain is severe.
When should you have acupuncture for menstrual pain?
Sessions may be considered at different points in the cycle. The choice depends in particular on your symptoms, how they develop and your needs.
Can acupuncture help with premenstrual syndrome?
Acupuncture can support some of the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, such as tension, fatigue, bloating or headaches, as part of holistic care.
Can acupuncture support endometriosis?
Yes, it can be used alongside medical follow-up to support some of the symptoms of endometriosis, in particular pain. It does not treat endometriosis lesions.
Is it normal to be in a lot of pain during your period?
Mild to moderate menstrual pain can be common, but very severe or disabling pain deserves a medical assessment. It may in particular be associated with endometriosis or other gynaecological causes.
How many acupuncture sessions are needed?
There is no set number of sessions. How often you come depends on your situation, how long you have had the symptoms and how they develop.
Can acupuncture and osteopathy be combined?
Acupuncture and osteopathy are based on different approaches and can, in some situations, complement each other. The approach offered depends on your reason for consulting and your needs.