“Primary dysmenorrhea, a painful condition, is one of the major indications for acupuncture in the field of gynecological disorders. The beneficial effect of acupuncture on this condition has been repeatedly reported in controlled trials. Acupuncture relieves pain and also regulates the motility of the uterus to facilitate menstrual discharge and further alleviate the pain” 

“Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by cyclical mood changes and is a common condition in women of fertile age. Acupuncture seems to be helpful to patients with this syndrome, In a controlled study, the majority of the patients receiving acupuncture gained relief from symptoms and no recurrence in the six-month follow-up.” 

The National Institute of Health (NIH 1997 consensus report recommended acupuncture as effective in the treatment of menstrual cramps, and other symptoms associated with PMS. 

Fertility: 

Acupuncture can help whether you are struggling to get pregnant naturally or in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. 

A study published in Human Reproduction Journal, found that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system thereby “quieting” the uterus allowing blood to flow. 

Relaxing the uterus while increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining. A study published in the journal Fertility & Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Findings included:

Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall 

• Reduce anxiety, stress and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility 
• Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome 
• Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility 
• Regulate menstrual cycle

In the World Health Organization’s (WHO) landmark study “Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials” made the following statement with regards to acupuncture and the treatment of Fertility:

“Although acupuncture was reported to be effective in the treatment of female anovular infertility, no methodologically sound, controlled trials have been reported. However, the mechanism of acupuncture in regularing abnormal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary- ovulation axis has been demonstrated in experimental studies. The data suggest that electric acupuncture with relative specificity of acupuncture points could influence some genetic expression in the brain, thereby normalizing the creation of certain hormones, such as gonadotroing-release\ing hormone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol. Acupuncture is also worth trying in the treatment of female infertility due to inflammatory obstruction of the fallopian tubes, where it seems to be superior to conventional therapy with intrauterine injections of gentamicin, chymotrypsin and dexamethasone.”

Pregnancy Support: 

Acupuncture is proven to be extremely beneficial, effective and completely safe during pregnancy when performed by a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. 

In the first trimester acupuncture helps to maintain a pregnancy, nourish the body and alleviates early symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and heartburn as well as such later symptoms as aches and pains, back pain and sciatic pain, constipation, and swelling/edema. One of the most important times to have acupuncture during pregnancy is the third trimester, in order to help prepare the body for labor. Studies have even demonstrated greater success to correct abnormal fetal position during the last three months of pregnancy that that of spontaneous version or in groups treated with knee-chest position. 

After your baby has arrived, acupuncture can help you regain your strength and energy, boost your body’s immune system, reduce pain, feelings of fatigue and postpartum depression and reset when it is time regulate your menstrual cycle. Randomized controlled studies have even demonstrated that acupuncture can stimulate milk secretion by elevating the blood prolactin levels. 

Menopause: 

Acupuncture during menopause has numerous benefits. Acupuncture does not just treat the symptoms but looks at the whole picture. Beyond regulating roller-coaster hormone levels, acupuncture can help to increase energy levels, improve appetite and sleep patterns relieve depression, improve cardio-pulmonary function and relieve muscle aches. Typically, the onset of menopause is between ages 49-51, however, for some women it is earlier and other later. If you are hoping to avoid hormone replacement, it is best to start early in your mid-40s. Doing so can eliminate or significantly reduced the intensity of symptoms. 

At Eastern Shore Acupuncture we can get to the root of your health issues by taking into account all the factors that may be contributing to determine the underlying causes of your issue. If you have further questions or would like to discuss your health concerns with our acupuncturist, please feel free to call or email for an initial consultation.