Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32357/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Acupuncture Treatment is Effective for Pain at the Start of Menstruation
Recently, many young patients from high school to college age have been visiting our clinic, complaining of menstrual pain. In hopes of alleviating their menstrual pain even a little, many people take painkillers or birth control pills daily. Those who do not find relief with Western medicine often turn to Chinese herbal medicine as well. When they do not see results after taking these medications for several years, they come to us hoping that acupuncture treatment will help.
Acupuncture treatment is effective in reducing or eliminating pain and can even be considered a specialty area. It has long been known that Eastern medicine, including acupuncture treatment, is effective for menstrual pain, but it may not be familiar to modern people.
Generally, menstruation lasts 4-5 days, with severe menstrual pain occurring on the first and second days. During this time, acupuncture treatment can reduce or eliminate the pain. For those struggling with menstrual pain who find no relief from medication, we recommend trying acupuncture treatment at the start of their period.
However, this approach is symptomatic treatment. For those looking to avoid drug treatment (internal medicine), it is a wise choice, but since it deals with the pain after it starts, it does not change the fact that you will feel pain. The difference is merely in the length of time the pain lasts.
If you wish to benefit from acupuncture treatment, it is a good choice to receive treatment the day before menstruation begins. You will likely feel little to no pain, or it will be much milder.
When Should Treatment Start for Those Who Can’t Determine the Day Before Their Period?
Treating the day before your period is a symptomatic treatment for menstrual pain, but some people are not clear about their menstrual cycle. A 28-day or 30-day cycle is common, but during the teenage years, the cycle may not be regular for some individuals.
Before menstruation, the secretion of female hormones (luteal hormone, progesterone) increases sharply due to ovulation. If the fertilized egg does not implant, menstruation occurs. At this time, the secretion levels decrease rapidly, and if the body cannot adjust to this change, it may disrupt the autonomic nervous system balance, leading to symptoms such as:
1. Headaches
2. Shoulder stiffness
3. Stomach pain
4. Irritability
5. Decreased concentration
Additionally, progesterone can cause the development of mammary glands, an increase in body temperature, and fluid retention in the body, which may result in:
1. Breast pain
2. Fatigue
3. Lower body swelling
Symptoms that appear 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation until it starts are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For those with an irregular cycle, you can predict your period from physical changes. By starting treatment every 2 to 3 days, 1 to 2 weeks before the predicted start of menstruation, it is possible to prevent or reduce menstrual pain.