Acupuncture for PMS

Most women are all too familiar with PMS. From mood swings, cravings and anxiety to swelling, bloating, headaches and fatigue, the list of symptoms is long and uncomfortable—sometimes even debilitating. The good news is that acupuncture is one of the best ways to minimize, relieve and even prevent PMS symptoms!

Since 2002, 19 scientifically recognized studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective in treating PMS. In one, acupuncture patients saw a 77.8% reduction in symptoms. That’s a pretty great number. 

Most healthcare professionals believe PMS symptoms are caused by hormonal imbalances during a woman’s menstrual cycle, which makes acupuncture a great holistic approach to rebalancing and finding relief. It also means acupuncture is beneficial for PCOS and infertility.

We’ve talked about how each acupuncture treatment is unique, and treating PMS is no different. Your acupuncturist will ask about your symptoms and build your treatment around them, focusing on both immediate and underlying causes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PMS symptoms are treated by unblocking or focusing your Qi at specific points. 

More generally, acupuncture can help you relax and focus, which also can help ease some of your symptoms. And something as simple as taking off your bra as often as possible can help with your body’s natural balance and provide some at-home PMS relief. 

Many patients ask me how soon they should feel relief, and that’s always dependent on the person and the severity of symptoms. Some people feel great as soon as the acupuncture needles are removed, while others need several weekly appointments to start seeing the benefits. In those cases, we work together to gradually wean down to every other week, then every three weeks and finally once a month. It’s always important to remember that long-term relief means a long-term relationship—just like any health and wellness routine! I recommend monthly sessions to address hormone imbalances and set you up for long-term relief.

In between visits, a healthy diet based on your individual needs can help you maintain the hormone balance we’ve started to work on during your appointment. And try to get in gentler exercise during menstruation, which will help improve circulation, mood and more.

In health and wellness, Julie