Acupuncture to treat primary dysmenorrhoea

What is primary dysmenorrhoea?

Primary dysmenorrhoea is menstrual pain without any identifiable pelvic pathology. Many of our patients suffer from severe menstrual pain; having their period without painkillers is unimaginable for them. Most women are affected sooner or later. Various studies show: Between 50% and 90% of all menstruating women suffer from primary dysmenorrhoea and almost half of them have to limit daily activities, for example by having to take sick leave.

How is primary dysmenorrhoea treated?

Commonly, non-prescription painkillers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are recommended to treat primary dysmenorrhoea. In addition, oral contraceptives («the pill») are often prescribed to relieve pain. However, the pain is not always reduced, and some patients also suffer from side effects such as nausea, indigestion, headaches or fatigue. Contraceptives are also not an option for women who want to become pregnant, and can also lead to weight gain, mood swings or intermittent bleeding.

How can acupuncture help with primary dysmenorrhoea?

Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce the severity and duration of menstrual cramps. Unlike painkillers, acupuncture not only combats acute symptoms, but also has a positive effect on future menstrual cycles.

In traditional Chinese medicine, period pain has three causes:

– liver Qi stagnation
– cold accumulation
– Qi and blood deficiency

Liver Qi stagnation can lead to pain in the lower abdomen. The reason for this is blood stasis. For example, during menstruation, blood is expelled in small clots. Women experience a strong, stabbing pain.

Cold accumulation often comes from overconsumption of cold foods and drinks, obstructing the flow of Qi and blood in the uterus, resulting in stabbing pain. Cold accumulation also causes the uterine muscles to contract, which increases the pain.

Women who are often ill, or are recovering from a major illness, suffer from a Qi and blood deficiency, as well as a deficiency of kidney essence. These are all important to supply nutrients to the uterus. Their lack causes a dull ache before or during menstruation.

TCM aims to tackle the cause of period cramps, hence focusing on treating liver Qi stagnation, cold accumulation and blood deficiency. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce menstrual pain by 50%.