Is Acupuncture Safe During Your Period? Should You Avoid It?

Author: Dr. Richard Zeng (acupuncturist Melbourne)

One of our regular patients recently asked today, “Hey Dr. Zeng, can I still get acupuncture when I’m on my period? Will it mess things up?”

The safety of acupuncture during menstruation has always been a hot topic. For women dealing with period problems like cramps, irregular cycles, or trouble getting pregnant, acupuncture can be a game-changer. But some folks worry that because acupuncture gets things moving, it might throw off their flow, leading to heavier bleeding or wonky cycles. That’s why some say it’s best to skip acupuncture during your period.

What the Research Says

A study from 2016 called “Thinking About Acupuncture During Your Period” in the “Acupuncture Research” journal weighed in on this. They found that based on lots of real-world experience and the latest in acupuncture know-how, there’s no hard-and-fast rule against acupuncture during your period. Those claims about acupuncture messing with your cycle? Turns out, they don’t have much solid evidence backing them up.

(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27323450/#:~:text=However%2C%20according%20to%20long%2Dterm,treatment%20of%20women%20during%20menstruation.)

My Take

In my opinion, getting acupuncture while you’re on your period won’t cause any surprises or extra harm if you’re in good health. Acupuncture works by kickstarting your body’s self-repair systems to help it heal. It’s all about bringing balance back to your body, so it only does its thing when things are out of whack. If everything’s already humming along smoothly, acupuncture won’t shake things up.

What to Keep in Mind

Those claims about acupuncture throwing your period out of whack? They’re probably not legit. But for some folks, acupuncture might feel a bit different when they’re on their period. If you’re getting acupuncture during Aunt Flo’s visit, just make sure:

Your acupuncturist picks the right spots.
They go easy on the needle action to avoid overdoing it.

Bottom Line

For the most part, going for acupuncture during your period is A-OK. If you’re thinking about it, team up with a seasoned acupuncturist and clue them in on your cycle and how you’re feeling. That way, you’ll make sure your session is safe and effective.

Acupuncture during your period isn’t usually a problem for your health. But to play it safe, your acupuncturist should use gentle techniques and pick the right spots. So, teaming up with a pro and sharing a bit about your cycle is a smart move.

Ovulation Bleeding and Acupuncture Chinese medicine

Women's health

Have you ever noticed a bit of spotting in the middle of your menstrual cycle, or even experienced what feels like “two periods” in one month? Well, that’s what we call “ovulation bleeding.” And guess what? Acupuncture and Chinese medicine might just have some insights into it!

Understanding Ovulation Bleeding:

Hanging Out with Hormones: Around days 14-16 of your cycle, you might see some spotting or light bleeding. This is due to the hormonal rollercoaster ride, especially the drop in estrogen after ovulation. It triggers a mini-shedding of the endometrium, resulting in light bleeding. You might even experience mild tummy cramps as a bonus.

What to Expect:

It’s not a full-on period; the bleeding is less than your regular flow.
The color might be dark red or brown, sometimes with a bit of mucus.
You might feel some mild cramping.
The good news? It usually calms down on its own after ovulation.

Handling It:

Most of the time, there’s no need to stress. But if the bleeding is more than you’d like, your doc might suggest a low-dose estrogen or short-acting contraceptives.

When Things Get Complicated:

If the bleeding seems excessive, it could signal other issues like hormonal imbalances or structural quirks. It’s a good idea to consult your doc for a closer look and some targeted care.

Exploring Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:

TCM’s Perspective on Ovulation Bleeding: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture takes centre stage to balance your qi, blood, and overall well-being.

Fun Strategies:

Boosting Qi and Blood Flow: Target spots like ST36, GV4, and CV4 to keep things flowing smoothly.
Warming Up the Body: Points like BL20, BL23, and CV4 help kick cold vibes to the curb.
Harmonising Yin and Yang: Specific points help balance the yin and yang energies.
Supporting the Spleen and Kidneys: Hit BL20 and BL23 to give these organs some love and address any deficiencies.
Double Nutrition Power: SP10 and CV6 points work together to nourish both qi and blood for a balanced boost.

Bridging TCM with Western Medicine:

Feeling intrigued by acupuncture and Chinese medicine for your ovulation bleeding? Why not chat with your gynaecologist and our TCM pro at Almond Wellness Centre? It’s like getting the best of both worlds—ancient wisdom and modern know-how.

Your body gets the care it deserves, and you get to explore what works best for you.

So, party on – with balance! 🎉

Premature Ovarian Failure Acupuncture Chinese Medicine

Women's health, Fertility

Navigating Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Premature Ovarian Failure, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, can throw a curveball into a woman’s life. It’s a condition where the ovaries call it quits earlier than expected, usually before the age of 40. This hormonal rollercoaster mimics menopause and can be quite the challenge to navigate. While it’s more common in women over 40, it can also catch younger women off guard, hitting them in their 20s or 30s.

Understanding Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

POF is like your ovaries saying, “See ya later!” which leads to a nosedive in estrogen levels and a slew of symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and discomfort during sex. Wrap your head around these symptoms, and you’re on your way to understanding POF.

Causes

The exact cause of POF is still a bit of a mystery, but it’s thought to be a combo of genetics, chromosomal quirks, autoimmune battles, treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, surgeries, environmental factors, infections, and even stress. It’s like a puzzle with many missing pieces, but each one matters when it comes to solving the POF mystery.

Adopting a Holistic Attitude

When POF throws you a curveball, it’s essential to adopt a holistic attitude. This means embracing a healthy lifestyle, filling up on nutrient-rich foods, considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and seeking emotional support to cope with the whirlwind of emotions that come with POF.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Enter Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic approach that’s been around for ages. TCM sees health as a harmony between your body and the world around it. It’s like giving your body a tune-up to get back in sync.

TCM zeros in on tonifying the kidneys, regulating qi and blood flow, and balancing yin and yang energies. Think of it as giving your body a gentle nudge to find its equilibrium again.

Premature Ovarian Failure Acupuncture

One of TCM’s star players in the POF game is acupuncture. It’s like hitting the reset button on your body’s energy flow. By sticking tiny needles into specific points on your body, acupuncture helps regulate hormones, improves blood flow to the ovaries, and dials down those pesky symptoms.

Premature Ovarian Failure Chinese Herbal Medicine

Then there’s Chinese herbal medicine, a sidekick to acupuncture. These specially selected herbs are like nature’s remedy for hormonal imbalance. Tailored to your unique needs, these herbal formulas can help restore balance, enhance ovarian function, and ease those bothersome symptoms.

ROF Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Melbourne Practice

At Almond Wellness Centre, we’re all about taking a holistic approach to managing POF. Our team of experienced practitioners creates custom treatment plans that combine acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary tweaks, and emotional support. It’s like having a personal wellness team in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way.

Contact Us

Living with POF is no walk in the park, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you or someone you love is grappling with POF, reach out to us at Almond Wellness Centre. Let’s work together to tackle POF head-on and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation. Together, we can work towards a brighter and healthier future, even in the face of Premature Ovarian Failure.

Menstrual Cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Women's health

Author: Dr. Richard Zeng (Chinese medicine)

A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 24 and 35 days, with an average length of 28 days. The duration of menstrual bleeding usually ranges from 3 to 7 days, with a normal volume of 30 to 50ml.

However, Traditional Chinese Medicine has a more nuanced perspective on what constitutes a normal menstrual period.

Normal Menstrual Cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

According to traditional Chinese medicine, a normal period should meet the following criteria:

should have no much pain;
the blood should be red in colour, not dark;
the flow should neither be too heavy nor too light;
there should be no presence of blood clots; and there should be no unusual odour.

In addition to these physical aspects, the absence of significant symptoms before and around menstruation is also considered indicative of a normal period. Such symptoms may include mood swings, sore or tender breasts, bloating, headaches, or migraines.

If a person’s period does not meet the aforementioned criteria, it may be seen as abnormal.

By examining various factors such as the menstrual cycle length, color, texture, volume, and odor, along with other general symptoms, one can gain insights into a woman’s overall health.

Pain

It’s tokay to feel a bit “discomfort” during your period, but if the pain is so bad that it’s keeping you from doing your usual stuff like work or school, that’s not normal.

Cycle Length

The menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of the period until its completion. If the cycle consistently starts 7 days earlier, or if there are 2 or more consecutive cycles with such early onset, it may indicate heat or blood deficiency. On the other hand, if the cycle is consistently delayed by more than 7 days, or if the cycle length is 40 to 50 days each time, it could suggest cold syndrome or Qi/blood deficiency (Qi/blood Xu).

Colour and Texture

The colour and texture of menstrual blood can provide clues about the underlying health conditions.

Light color or thin texture may indicate deficient syndromes such as qi/blood deficiency, spleen/kidney deficiency, or dampness.
Dark or purple color, thick texture, or the presence of clots may suggest heat, blood stasis, or Qi-energy stagnation.

For instance, the blood can be further classified as hot or cold. Hot blood is associated with a bright red color and a larger volume, while cold blood is characterised by a dark colour, small blood clots, and a cold appearance similar to black beans.

Flow

While the observation of menstrual flow is important, the volume of blood alone is not sufficient to determine the situation accurately. For example, a seemingly large amount of blood may actually be diluted by another component, indicating blood loss. Only when the colour is deep red and the texture is thick can it be considered hot. Similarly, when the flow is too light, considering the colour and texture in conjunction with the overall characteristics of the period can help determine the true state of Qi and blood.

Accompanying Symptoms

In addition to the nature of the period itself, the presence of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), diarrhoea, mood swings, and others before and after menstruation can also provide valuable information. For example, experiencing dizziness before and after menstruation suggests deficiency. Observing the period can serve as a good indicator in such cases. Additionally, if dizziness is accompanied by pale gums, a pale tongue, palpitations, fatigue, and other signs of weakness and fatigue, it may also indicate Qi and/or blood deficiency.

If symptoms include chest tightness, a heavy sensation in the head, poor appetite, increased vaginal discharge, and the presence of phlegm, it could indicate spleen deficiency. On the other hand, if dizziness, a small amount of bright red menstrual flow, irritability, weakness in the lower back, dry mouth and throat, and redness of the cheeks are present, it may suggest involvement of the liver and kidneys.

Distinguishing the actual condition of dysmenorrhea is also possible. If the pain occurs before or during menstruation and is alleviated when blood clots are discharged, it is likely caused by blood stasis or liver Qi stagnation. However, if the pain persists throughout the menstrual period, worsens, and is accompanied by a feeling of restlessness or heat, it is more likely a result of kidney deficiency and virtual blood.

Amenorrhea Fertility and Chinese Medicine

conditions treated, Women's health

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. Regular menstrual cycles generally indicate that ovulation is occurring. While not all cases of amenorrhea automatically mean infertility, amenorrhea can have implications for fertility. Amenorrhea can have various causes and may require different treatment and management. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) including acupuncture Chinese herbal medicine is a holistic approach, and treatment is tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Integrating TCM with conventional medicine may offer a holistic approach to support your reproductive health.

Types of amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea

This refers to the absence of menstruation in women who have not had a period by the age of 15-16 or within three years after the onset of secondary sexual characteristics (such as breast development) during puberty. Primary amenorrhea may be caused by various factors, including genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, or disorders affecting the reproductive organs. Fertility depends on the underlying cause and may require medical intervention.

Secondary amenorrhea

This refers to the absence of menstruation in women who have previously had regular menstrual cycles. Secondary amenorrhea is typically defined as the absence of menstruation for three or more consecutive cycles or six months in women who previously had regular periods. Common causes of secondary amenorrhea include pregnancy, hormonal imbalances (such as polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, Premature Ovarian Failure / early menopause ), excessive exercise, stress, weight changes, certain medications, or medical conditions affecting the reproductive system. Treating the underlying cause can often restore fertility.

Causes

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances, such as high or low levels of oestrogen, progesterone, or thyroid hormones, can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Treatment may involve hormonal therapy or medications to regulate hormone levels, as well as lifestyle changes to support hormonal balance.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular or absent menstruation. Lifestyle changes, such as weight management, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, are often recommended. Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives or insulin-sensitising drugs, may be prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Chronic stress, excessive exercise, drastic weight changes, and poor nutrition can all contribute to amenorrhea. Addressing these factors through stress management techniques, adequate rest and relaxation, balanced nutrition, and moderation in exercise can help restore menstrual regularity.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, such as iron, can affect menstrual function. Ensuring a well-balanced diet with sufficient intake of nutrients is important. In some cases, dietary supplements may be recommended.

Medication-Induced Amenorrhea

Certain medications, such as certain types of contraceptives or antipsychotics, can cause amenorrhea. Consulting with a healthcare professional or gynaecologist about alternative medications or adjusting the current treatment plan may be necessary.

Post-pill Amenorrhea

Amenorrhoea can occur after stopping the use of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). This is a common phenomenon known as post-pill amenorrhea. Here are some factors that can contribute to amenorrhea after discontinuing OCPs:

Hormonal Adjustment

Oral contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. When you stop taking OCPs, it may take some time for your body to adjust and regain its natural hormonal balance. This adjustment period can lead to temporary amenorrhea.

Withdrawal of Hormonal Influence

OCPs provide a consistent level of hormones that suppress ovulation and control the menstrual cycle. When you stop taking the pills, there is a withdrawal of this hormonal influence, which can disrupt the normal functioning of the reproductive system and temporarily halt menstruation.

Individual Variations

Every woman’s body is unique, and the time it takes for the menstrual cycle to resume after stopping OCPs can vary. For some women, menstruation may return promptly, while for others, it may take several weeks or even months for the cycle to regulate.

Dealing with Post-Pill Amenorrhea

If you experience amenorrhea after discontinuing OCPs and you’re concerned about it, here are a few things you can consider:

Give It Time: In most cases, post-pill amenorrhea is temporary, and the menstrual cycle will resume naturally. It’s normal for the body to take some time to readjust after hormonal contraception.
Track Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes or symptoms you experience after stopping OCPs. This can include the length of time without menstruation, any associated symptoms, or other noticeable changes in your body. If you notice any concerning or persistent symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you have been experiencing prolonged amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for several months), or if you have other concerns about your menstrual health, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor or Chinese medicine practitioner. They can evaluate your specific situation, perform any necessary tests, and provide personalised advice based on your individual needs.

Post-Pill Amenorrhoea Chinese medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), amenorrhea can be seen as a disruption in the body’s energy flow and balance. TCM practitioners may approach this condition by aiming to restore the harmonious flow of qi (energy) and blood throughout the body. Here are some TCM principles and approaches that may be considered for post-pill amenorrhea:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a commonly used TCM technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. TCM practitioners may target acupuncture points related to reproductive health and hormonal regulation to support the restoration of menstrual cycles.

Chinese herbal Medicine

TCM practitioners may prescribe specific herbal formulas tailored to an individual’s needs. These formulas often include a combination of herbs that are believed to nourish the blood, regulate hormonal balance, and promote the flow of qi. Some commonly used herbs in TCM include dong quai (Angelica sinensis), peony (Paeonia lactiflora), and Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus).

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

TCM practitioners may also offer dietary and lifestyle advice to support the restoration of menstrual cycles. This may involve recommendations to eat a balanced diet with nourishing foods, manage stress levels, get adequate rest, and engage in moderate exercise.

Scientific research regarding the effectiveness of TCM for amenorrhea including post-pill amenorrhea is on going and more research is needed. If you have been diagnosed amenorrhea and want to know if acupuncture Chinese herbal medicine can be benefit to your health, please feel free to contact us.

Almond Wellness Centre Coburg and Ringwood clinics

Almond Wellness Centre located in Victoria’s Coburg and Ringwood area, is a multidisciplinary clinic dedicated to promoting wellness. At our clinics, we emphasise the importance of comprehensive healthcare that considers the entirety of an individual. Our approach involves treating each person as a unique individual, taking into account your lifestyle, diet, environment, emotions, and attitude.

All practitioners have comprehensive training in reproductive health including TCM gynaecology and obstetrics, fertility IVF acupuncture support, and pre/ post natal treatment. We have extensive knowledge in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern medicine, specifically related to women’s health and fertility.

As each person is different, if you or someone you care about is experiencing menstruation period or fertility issue and would like to explore the potential benefits of Chinese medicine acupuncture, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our fully qualified registered acupuncture Chinese medicine practitioners in both Coburg clinic and Ringwood clinic are here to provide information and assistance. We will assess your specific condition, take into account your medical history, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What the Research Says

My Take

What to Keep in Mind

Bottom Line

More to read

Understanding Ovulation Bleeding:

What to Expect:

Handling It:

When Things Get Complicated:

Exploring Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture:

Fun Strategies:

Bridging TCM with Western Medicine:

Navigating Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Understanding Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Causes

Adopting a Holistic Attitude

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)

Premature Ovarian Failure Acupuncture

Premature Ovarian Failure Chinese Herbal Medicine

ROF Chinese Medicine Acupuncture Melbourne Practice

Contact Us

More to read

Normal Menstrual Cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Pain

Cycle Length

Colour and Texture

Flow

Accompanying Symptoms

More to read

Types of amenorrhea

Primary amenorrhea

Secondary amenorrhea

Causes

Hormonal Imbalances

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Nutritional Deficiencies

Medication-Induced Amenorrhea

Post-pill Amenorrhea

Hormonal Adjustment

Withdrawal of Hormonal Influence

Individual Variations

Dealing with Post-Pill Amenorrhea

Post-Pill Amenorrhoea Chinese medicine

Acupuncture

Chinese herbal Medicine

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

Almond Wellness Centre Coburg and Ringwood clinics

More to read