Period pain, can acupuncture help?

Evidence and Mechanism of acupuncture in primary dysmenorrhea

Keith Kwan
Aug 28, 2017 · 3 min read

It’s unpleasant to see that someone you care about got their daily life affected monthly. Can acupuncture help?

Period pain (primary dysmenorrhea) is a common gynecologic complaint that affects 55–80% of women who have had their first period. The pain is often managed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), prostaglandin antagonists, and antispasmodic drugs, which will accompany with a number of side effects. Acupuncture offers an effective, safe treatment that is free of side effects.

Evidence on pain relief

A study published in Pain Medicine showed that a single point acupuncture can offer significant pain reduction within 30 minutes. Acupoints used were SP6 (SanYinJiao), GB39(XuanZhong) and a non-acupoint near GB39.

Another similar study also showed significant effect of SP6 on pain reduction.

Mechanism

Period pain is often caused by an excessive production of prostaglandin (PG), the high level of prostaglandin will cause the uterine to contract excessively, and reduce uterine blood flow, which will eventually cause pain.

A study used ultrasound to investigate whether acupuncture of SP6 would increase uterine blood flow and reduce pain, and the result is affirmative.

When compared to GB39, SP6 significantly improved blood flow of uterus.

SP6 with no needles

Another study suggested that stimulation of SP6 also works without needle.

A 5 minutes each leg, 10 minutes total protocol was studied. Pressured was applied to SP6 in a six second pressure two second rest routine. Pressure was applied as far as the subjects were tolerable.

Conclusion

If you are looking for ways to help a lady from period pain, acupuncture/acupressure might offer a convenient, effective, and side-effect free alternative.

References:

A Comparative Study on the Immediate Effects of Electroacupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuanzhong (GB39) and a Non-Meridian Point, on Menstrual Pain and Uterine Arterial Blood Flow, in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients

Immediate Analgesia Effect of Single Point Acupuncture in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The effect of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point (SP6) on primary dysmenorrhea in students resident in dormitories of Tabriz.

Immediate Effect of Acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Xuanzhong (GB39) on Uterine Arterial Blood Flow in Primary Dysmenorrhea

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Keith Kwan

Written by

Learning AI and systems biology. Chinese Medicine Student

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