Acupuncture for Period Pain and PMS
How Acupuncture Helps with Period Pain
Acupuncture for menstrual cramps is a great option for women with painful periods. During a session, small needles are placed in specific, predefined acupuncture points for period pain on your body. These points can help boost blood flow, treat inflammation, and tell your brain to release endorphins, your body’s natural way of easing pain. All these effects can help with cramping, bloating, and make your period feel more manageable.
It also helps keep your hormones balanced and your body and mind relaxed.When your body is relaxed, it can ease the tension and stress typically associated with your cycle. The muscles in your uterus can relax, and the pain signals your body sends might start to quiet down.
Acupuncture for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that acupuncture for period cramps is a safe and effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, which is the clinical term for painful menstrual cycles. This means it can be a helpful option for people who want to feel better without relying on medication.
Another study One shows that after three months of acupuncture for PMS treatment, participants reported less intense menstrual pain. The relief lasted up to a year after the treatment ended. These results support the idea that acupuncture for PMS doesn’t just offer short-term help – it can have effects when used regularly.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Menstrual Pain
Acupuncture therapy triggers the release of endorphins – your body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals help make the pain and related symptoms easier.
By stimulating certain acupressure points for menstrual cramps, acupuncture boosts blood circulation to the pelvic area. Better blood flow means less cramping and quicker healing in tissues that may feel tight before or during menstruation.
The tiny needle pricks may activate your body’s anti-inflammatory response. This helps with swelling and pressure that can contribute to pain.
Stress can worsen cramps and PMS. Acupuncture for period pain activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the part responsible for rest and recovery), which calms your mind and lower stress related hormones.
Some acupuncture points for menstrual cramps help the body ease tension in the muscles, including those in the uterus and lower back.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment
At your first acupuncture for period pain visit, it usually starts with an in-depth consultation. Your practitioner will ask how you’re feeling, what symptoms you’re dealing with, and how long they’ve been going on. They might ask about your sleep, mood, energy, digestion, or menstrual cycle – whatever helps them understand what’s going on with your body. They may also want to know if you’re taking any medications or going through other treatments.
After that, you’ll lie down and get comfortable. The practitioner will gently place very thin yet fine and sterile needles into specific points on your body. Most people barely feel them – maybe a light pinch or a dull pressure, but nothing sharp or painful. You’ll relax like that for about 20 to 40 minutes while needles stay in place to help you. Many people say they feel calm during the session, and some even fall asleep.
How often you’ll need to come in depends on your symptoms and your body. Over time, you may go from frequent visits to just maintenance ones to help keep up the progress.
Schedule a consultation here to find out!
Acupuncture for Menstrual Cramps at Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL
If period cramps are making life harder than it needs to be, Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL is here to help. Our integrative health clinic takes a full-body approach to care. That means we use treatments that work together to ease pain and help your body in a natural way. Acupuncture for cramps is one of the main tools we use, and it’s not about covering up symptoms – it’s about helping your cycle feel more manageable.
At Copper Wellness, you’ll get a care plan that fits your unique body and needs. Your practitioner takes time to understand your symptoms, your cycle, and how your cramps affect your life. Acupuncture for heavy periods sessions help improve blood flow, relax muscles, and calm your system so your body can handle things better. You won’t just be handed a one-size-fits-all plan – everything is based on you.
You can also add message therapy or chiropractor services if you need extra support. Many people find that combining these treatments works better.
If you need a gentler way to manage menstrual pain, reach out to Copper Wellness and see how we can make your life better.
Reviews About Acupuncture for Period Pain
I am moving from Chicago soon and truly going to miss this amazing clinic.
From the beginning, I was clear that billing transparency was important to me. Despite that, I ran into repeated issues with billing. The clinic charged me estimated amounts that didn’t ultimately match my Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from UnitedHealthcare, and when I brought up the discrepancies—with actual documentation to back it up—I was met with defensiveness rather than a willingness to resolve things collaboratively.
One particularly strange policy I encountered was that this clinic might charge a “clinic fee” if UnitedHealthcare doesn’t accommodate their cash rates. This seems to blur the lines between in-network and out-of-network billing.
Meanwhile, claims weren’t submitted to insurance promptly, which delayed payments and caused unnecessary confusion—none of which was my fault as the patient.
Bottom line: I paid what I was invoiced on time, asked reasonable questions when things didn’t add up, and was made to feel like I was the problem for doing so. I’ve since paused services until this can be sorted out—and I feel compelled to share my experience here.
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FAQs About Acupuncture for Period Pain and PMS
How Effective Is Acupuncture for Menstrual Cramps?
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for menstrual cramps by improving blood flow, relaxing pelvic muscles, and reducing inflammation. Studies suggest it may help decrease the intensity and frequency of cramping by regulating hormonal activity and calming the nervous system. Many patients report significant relief after a few sessions. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, acupuncture is offered as a natural option for managing menstrual pain and supporting overall reproductive health.
How Often Should You Get Acupuncture for Period Pain?
Acupuncture for period pain is typically recommended once or twice per week in the weeks leading up to your menstrual cycle. Regular sessions during this time can help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and ease cramping. For chronic or severe pain, a longer treatment plan may be needed. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, we create personalized acupuncture schedules to support hormonal balance and provide lasting relief from menstrual discomfort.
Does Acupuncture Help With Period Symptoms?
Yes, acupuncture can help relieve a variety of period symptoms, including cramps, bloating, mood swings, fatigue, and irregular cycles. It works by improving circulation, regulating hormone levels, and calming the nervous system. Many patients experience reduced pain and more balanced cycles with consistent treatment. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, acupuncture is used as a natural way to manage menstrual symptoms and support overall reproductive health.
How Does Acupuncture Work for PMS?
“Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body that influence the nervous system, hormones, and blood flow. This can help reduce PMS symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, and fatigue by promoting hormonal balance and calming stress responses. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, acupuncture is used as a natural option for menstrual and emotional wellness.
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When Is the Best Time to Have Acupuncture for PMS?
Acupuncture can be helpful at any point in the menstrual cycle, but many practitioners recommend starting during the follicular phase (around days 5–7) or in the week before your period begins. This timing supports hormonal regulation and may reduce PMS symptoms more effectively. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, acupuncture plans are tailored to your cycle to provide the best possible relief from PMS.
Is Acupuncture Safe for PMS?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed and qualified practitioner. Side effects are usually mild and may include slight bruising, soreness, or lightheadedness after treatment. For PMS, acupuncture offers a low-risk, non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms. At Copper Wellness in Chicago, IL, treatments are provided by trained professionals in a safe, supportive environment.
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