Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are excellent and effective ways to help regulate the menstrual cycle, whether it’s irregular cycles, painful periods, delayed or early menstruation, and/or no period at all and it’s simply support for overall cervical and uterine health.
Studies have shown how Chinese herbal medicine has been widely used for thousands of years for relieving menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) with limited side effects. The current studies do so by diving into the biodynamics of individual herbs or formulas.
Scientific research shows that menstrual pain is caused by an increase in prostaglandins in the body, which causes uterine contraction, spasm, and sensitivity of the peripheral nerves to pain. (1) Also, there might be increased oxytocin levels in folks with menstrual pain, which can directly act on uterine muscle cells to cause uterine contraction and stimulate the release of more prostaglandins. (1) Chinese herbs can be a noninvasive and safe way to help manage these pain levels and is a supported therapy for dysmenorrhea by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (1)
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is a classical Chinese herbal formula that is used for many gynecological conditions. Studies have shown that the Chinese herbal formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is highly effective at relieving menstrual pain by preventing spasm of smooth muscle in the uterus. (1) It is no surprise to an herbalist the power of this 5 ingredient formula- that focusing on invigorating blood, transforming blood, and resolving masses in the lower abdomen. It’s gynecological functions are plentiful. Other studies have even shown that Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan could possibly inhibit the progression of cervical dysplasia by balancing the cells in the extracellular matrix of the cervix and preventing invasive cells from causing damage to the head of the cervix. (2)
It’s very important to consult an acupuncturist before taking a Chinese herbal formula because each person has a unique pattern that needs to be tailored to and each formula is better when individualised. Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed to be holistic in restoring this balance back into the body. And much of a licenced acupuncturist’s focus is to help facilitate healing through the interplay between yin and yang. What does all this mean?
Many things! Here is a little crash course on how traditional Chinese theory can interact with regulating the menstrual cycle.
In the cycle, there is both yin and yang - with the Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Day 16) considered to be the most yin time and Luteal Phase (Day 16 to Day 28) being associated with yang. The yin is the more resting and nutritive time, with the yang being the more active and moving part. While yin and yang might seem like opposites - they actually transform back and forth into each other and a smooth flow between yin and yang could help you move more easily through your cycle, especially causing less pain or irregularity.
In the days after bleeding (yin phase), it’s an important time for folks to focus on rebuilding yin and blood. They can do this by supporting their body with rest and nutrition. This is especially true if a person with a uterus finds that they typically have fatigue, muscle weakness, anxiety, or lack of appetite following their period. One then might need to boost their yin and blood. Beets are excellent blood builders - along with dates, goji berries, and bone broths. Restful, restorative time with oneself is very important always- but especially in their time period.
In the days after day 16, it's important to focus on movement and warming one’s yang. Folks can do this by incorporating more activity into the day to day or by adding warmth to the diet. Think: warm ginger tea and adding cinnamon to your sweet potatoes. This is especially true if a person with a uterus experiences cramps, headaches, or PMS symptoms because it might be a sign that there is underlying stagnation in the body that needs to move. Acupuncture during this time period can be really helpful since it can help facilitate more movement in the body. Plus, a licenced acupuncturist can warm you right up with a heat lamp to the low abdomen.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective your body is willing and ready to work with you. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be safe and effective ways to rebalance the body and manage your menstrual cycle. Come join us at Dynamic Acupuncture for an appointment - we would love to support your cervical and uterine health!
Note: you heard me using language such as folks and people/person with a uterus rather than women because it’s important to note that not all folks that menstruate identify as women and not all women menstruate. Trans and nonbinary folks face a lot of health disparities and inclusivity in language and in practice are extremely important.
(1)Xu L, Xie T, Shen T, Zhang T. Effect of Chinese herbal medicine on primary dysmenorrhea. Medicine. 2019;98(38). doi:10.1097/md.0000000000017191
(2) Yao Z, Shulan Z. Inhibition effect of Guizhi-Fuling-decoction on the invasion of human cervical cancer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2008;120(1):25-35. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.044