A new research study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology looks at the use of acupuncture to treat menstrual pains. They conclude that there is convincing evidence that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain.
“Around 40 – 50% of young women have experienced primary dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps, the cause of which is usually unknown (when the causes are known, it is referred to as ‘Secondary’ dysmenorrhea, eg. uterine fibroids, pelvic infection, endometriosis etc). For some women, the pain can become more severe or may last for longer as they grow older. There are also other related symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, migraine, backache and mood swings. Common treatments include exercise, applying heat onto the lower abdomen or the use of painkillers. The use of acupuncture to treat dysmenorrhea has in recent years been the subject of study but results have so far been inconclusive.”
Researchers from the Oriental Hospital at Kyung Hee University Medical Centre in Korea reviewed the use of acupuncture to treat menstrual pain. “They examined women of reproductive age with primary dysmenorrhea, comparing those who were treated with acupuncture with a control group, which included no treatment, placebo treatment, or pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments (eg. psychological interventions). The types of acupuncture evaluated were classical acupuncture, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, electrical auricular acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, auricular acupressure and acupoint injection.”
“According to researchers, the data reviewed showed that acupuncture was the preferred option for reducing pain when compared to pharmacological treatment or herbal remedies. The researchers observe that there is convincing evidence on the effectiveness of using acupuncture to treat pain as it stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin in the central nervous system.”
Many BioVeda Health and Wellness Center practitioners utilize Acupuncture methods to reduce or alleviate pain. Contact a provider near you to learn more!
Reference
“Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review.”
Cho S-H, Hwang E-W.
BJOG 2010; DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2010.02489.x.
Source
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
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