Acupuncture for Period Pain
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea) is one of the most common conditions treated with acupuncture and one of the areas with the strongest clinical evidence. Research consistently shows that acupuncture significantly reduces menstrual pain intensity and duration compared to both no treatment and standard pain medication. In traditional Chinese medicine, period pain is understood as an obstruction to the smooth flow of qi and blood through the uterus — and removing that obstruction is the central treatment principle.
TCM Patterns
Blood stasis — the most common pattern. Fixed, stabbing pain, dark blood with clots, pain that improves once the flow is established. Often associated with endometriosis or fibroids. Cold in the uterus — cramping pain relieved by heat, pale blood, cold lower abdomen. Worsened by exposure to cold. Liver qi stagnation — cramping with distension, pain radiating to the lower back and thighs, mood changes before the period. Blood deficiency — dull aching pain after the flow has begun or after the period, with scanty flow and fatigue.
Acupuncture Treatment
A systematic review of 42 RCTs confirmed that acupuncture significantly reduces dysmenorrhoea compared to sham acupuncture, pain medication, and usual care. Key points include SP 6 (Sanyinjiao), SP 8 (Diji), LV 3 (Taichong), CV 4 (Guanyuan), and ST 29 (Guilai). Treatment is most effective when started before the period, addressing the stagnation before it becomes acute.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
For blood stasis, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang or modified Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. For cold patterns, Wen Jing Tang warms the uterus and moves stasis. For liver qi stagnation, Xiao Yao San with blood-moving additions. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
To discuss period pain treatment, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
