Natural and Alternative Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain/Cramps) Treatment Options

Chinese Medicine and acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of menstrual/hormonal, endocrine and fertility issues.  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common problem affecting approximately 1 in 15 women and can cause fertility problems, menstrual issues as well as complex health issues such as diabetes.

Researchers from Northern Khorosan University in Bojnoord Iran recently conducted a study evaluating the effectiveness of acupressure in menstrual pain/cramps.  Researchers recruited 86 students who were experiencing menstrual pain/cramping (dysmenorrhea).  Acupressure was utilized on the acupuncture point san yin jiao (SP 6) and pain levels were assessed before intervention, at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour and at the 3 hours following t

Clinically acupuncture is used for the full range of women's menstrual issues. Irregular cycles, PMS, painful cramps, fertility issues, fibroids, etc. are all commonly treated. With dysmenorrhea (cramps/menstrual pain) women are likely to come in for treatment at the peak of their symptoms.

Iranian researchers from the Kashan University of Medical Sciences recently conducted a study exploring the effects of acupressure for dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain/cramps).  30 young female college students with primary dysmenorrhea were selected and randomly assigned to either a acupressure treatment group or a control (n = 15).  Using a visual analog scale of pain researchers looked at pain levels prior to acupressure, immediately with acupressure, and then at 30

There are an increasing number of studies with acupuncture looking at the functions of a single point.  While technically acupuncture is not a point to condition modality, these studies are helpful to understand certain functional mechanisms.  These studies help to create a dialog between eastern and western viewpoints.

Acupuncture is used to regulate a number of women's health issues including the entire range of menstrual abnormalities (cramping/dysmenorrhea, PMS, heavy periods, irregular menstruation, etc.) as well as fertility issues and other associated problems.  A meta-analysis recently released from the Kyung Hee University Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea looked at a collection of studies looking at the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).