menstrual health

“Cramping, bloating, mood swings, and low energy are just a normal part of having a period.”

Do you agree with this statement?

Just because a problem is common does not mean it is normal. At Gotham Holistic Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, we reject the idea that periods have to be painful, uncomfortable, and exhausting. Western medicine has little to offer for treatment of many period related complaints beyond birth control and pain medications. Fortunately, this is an area in which acupuncture and Chinese medicine excel. Through the lens of Chinese medicine, common period complaints like bloating, cramps, and mood swings are not “normal” but rather signs of imbalance that can be treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas. Any symptom that you experience is a clue that helps us understand subtle imbalances in your body.  With acupuncture and herbal medicine, we can gently nudge your body towards a healthier period. A healthy period is a comfortable, predictable period in which you feel like yourself. While the specific features of each individual’s period will vary, the common goal we have for all our patients is that their period is increasingly predictable and that you feel like yourself throughout your cycle.

Some of the symptoms we can address include:

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Menstrual Health and Happier Periods

Whether you just want to minimize cramps or you have a more complex history or health situation, we can help. Chinese medicine adjusts subtle imbalances and every treatment is custom tailored to you. Our treatments for menstrual health start with acupuncture and may include a number of other modalities as needed including Chinese herbs, infrared heat, and nutritional and lifestyle guidance. In the short term, we will address unwanted symptoms that occur in relation to your menstrual cycle. Over time, we’ll be able to improve hormonal balance for long-lasting improvements to your overall health as well as your menstrual cycle.

Some of the common patient stories and conditions that we have treated include:

Can Acupuncture Regulate Periods?

For many, acupuncture is a safe and effective way to regulate their menstrual cycle. Acupuncture can help to balance hormones and restore function to the reproductive system. In addition, acupuncture can help with stress and anxiety management, which is often a trigger for irregular periods. Chinese medicine is also an effective treatment for many related symptoms such as cramping, back ache, fatigue, mood swings, heavy periods, headaches, and constipation or diarrhea. In some cases Chinese herbs are also helpful and will be prescribed alongside acupuncture treatment. By alleviating pain and other symptoms, acupuncture can make periods more manageable for many. 

Find Better Menstrual Health at Gotham Holistic

Improve your period and your overall health with acupuncture and Chinese medicine at Gotham Holistic Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in NYC. To learn more about how we can help you, schedule your appointment online to meet with our licensed acupuncturist and receive a customized treatment plan.

Studies on Acupuncture for Menstrual Health

1. Jedel E, Labrie F, Odén A, Holm G, Nilsson L, Janson PO, Lind AK, Ohlsson C, Stener-Victorin E. Impact of electro-acupuncture and physical exercise on hyperandrogenism and oligo/amenorrhea in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Jan;300(1):E37-45. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00495.2010. Epub 2010 Oct 13. PMID: 20943753.
2. Cochrane S, Smith CA, Possamai-Inesedy A, Bensoussan A. Acupuncture and women's health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women's reproductive health. Int J Womens Health. 2014 Mar 17;6:313-25. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S38969. PMID: 24669195; PMCID: PMC3962314.
3. Zhang F, Sun M, Han S, Shen X, Luo Y, Zhong D, Zhou X, Liang F, Jin R. Acupuncture for Primary Dysmenorrhea: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Nov 21;2018:8791538. doi: 10.1155/2018/8791538. PMID: 30584456; PMCID: PMC6280308.
4. Liu T, Yu JN, Cao BY, Peng YY, Chen YP, Zhang L. Acupuncture for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Altern Ther Health Med. 2017 Dec;23(7):46-53. Epub 2017 Nov 7. PMID: 29112942.
5. Shen LY, Liang CM, Yang WJ, Pan L, Li H, Hu H. [Acupuncture Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients with Abdominal Obesity by Regulating Dai Meridian: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2018 Apr 25;43(4):255-9. Chinese. doi: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.170687. PMID: 29888581.