Top 10 Women's Health Reasons to Try Acupuncture

The earliest Chinese Medicine text devoted to women’s health and gynecology is The Complete Book of Effective Prescriptions for Diseases of Women. According to historical research, the book was published in 1237 AD and describes the treatment for several gynecological conditions including infertility, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), hot flashes, morning sickness, and other pregnancy-related conditions. Women’s health and gynecology subjects are also included in Chinese medical texts published over 2,000 years ago.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of medicine that includes Chinese herbal medicine, gua sha, tui na, cupping, moxibustion, and acupuncture. The goal of Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture treatments is to address the root cause of the condition while ameliorating debilitating symptoms. Acupuncture is uniquely suited to treat many issues related to women’s health. Acupuncture treatments for women are customized according to their symptoms, gynecological history, as well as where they happen to be in their menstrual cycle.

At OMBE, I combine acupuncture with nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, functional medicine testing, as well as other lifestyle modifications. These customized plans of care are beneficial for a wide range of gynecological, gastrointestinal, and autoimmune conditions affecting women and their families. Here are my top ten reasons for women to choose acupuncture according to research and my clinical experience:

1. Infertility

In 200 AD, the earliest mention of infertility treatment is noted in the ancient Chinese text, Treatise on Febrile Diseases. Modern research has contributed to this wealth of clinical observation indicating what acupuncturists have long understood. Studies show that acupuncture improves both male and female fertility, restores ovulation, and improves blood flow to the uterus. Additional literature reviews suggest that acupuncture improves anxiety, reduces stress levels, improves IVF outcomes, and impacts immunological factors impacting fertility.

Furthermore, research also validates the integration of other therapies typically combined with acupuncture in a clinical setting. It seems that the combination of acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, and other lifestyle modifications is even more effective in improving fertility outcomes. These findings are significant due to the fact that this study design closely represents how Chinese medicine and acupuncture is practiced in offices today.

Another meta-analysis examining the use of Chinese herbal medicine alone, concluded that Chinese herbal medicine doubled pregnancy rates within a three to six month period compared with Western medical drug therapy. In summary, if you are struggling with infertility try acupuncture. If possible, include Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, and other lifestyle modifications to improve your chances of conceiving in the shortest period of time.

2. Amenorrhea & Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Whether patients are trying to conceive or not, amenorrhea (the absence of a period) or an irregular menstrual cycle can be both frustrating and concerning. For teenage girls and women in their early twenties, the absence of a period or an irregular menstrual cycle can lead to bone loss. This is a critical issue for young women as this developmental period is considered to be the “bone-building years”. This is a time in which women are able to build the bone mass that they will need for the rest of their life. When estrogen levels are too low, the building of a strong bone matrix can not occur. This can lead to early stress fractures, early osteopenia, and a higher risk for osteoporosis.

However, multiple fertility studies indicate that several measurable factors related to cycle regulation improve with acupuncture. These factors include: improved ovulation rates, higher cervical mucus scores, improved basal body temperature patterns, and improved endometrial lining. Other studies have examined the effects of acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition notable for irregular or absent periods. These studies show that acupuncture restores ovulation and regular menstrual cycles in addition to improving a variety of hormonal imbalances thought to contribute to this condition.

3. Endometriosis & Painful Periods

Endometriosis is a painful condition in which uterine tissue develops outside the uterus, typically on the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or along the intestines. Infertility, heavy periods, and painful periods are just a few of the debilitating symptoms that women experience. Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose. Laparoscopic surgery is considered to be one of the only ways to definitively say whether endometrial tissue is present outside the uterus. Western treatment strategies include the surgical removal of endometrial growths as well as prescription medications to regulate hormones contributing to endometrial pain and tissue growth.

The good news is that research shows that acupuncture and other integrative therapies are effective in treating painful periods, reducing endometrial growths, and decreasing chronic symptoms. Additionally, other preliminary studies find that acupuncture reduces pain and CA-125 blood levels. What is CA-125 or Cancer Antigen 125? CA-125 is a glycoprotein biomarker that may be helpful in screening some women for endometriosis according to initial research. These findings suggest that CA-125 levels higher than 30 u/ml may be helpful in diagnosing endometriosis for women experiencing infertility and related symptoms. Whether CA-125 becomes a helpful screening tool for endometriosis remains to be seen. However, it is clear that acupuncture improves both endometriosis symptoms and related biomarkers.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a chronic gynecological condition often characterized by an irregular cycle or amenorrhea (the absence of a period). Women with PCOS may struggle with cystic ovaries, infertility, hirsutism (the growth of excessive, coarse hair in unexpected areas), as well as an increased risk of anxiety and depression. PCOS is also linked to other health conditions associated with insulin resistance such as type II diabetes and heart disease.

Studies with anovulatory women with PCOS show that electroacupuncture can restore ovulation. For women already undergoing IVF, the data is also promising. A meta-analysis found that acupuncture improves ongoing pregnancy rates and reduces the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Additionally, the combination of acupuncture with specific dietary therapies and lifestyle modifications create a very effective formula to improve fertility and manage this complex condition.

5. Morning Sickness

First trimester woes including morning sickness, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fatigue are just a few of the conditions that respond well to acupuncture. Research has long established acupuncture as an effective treatment for nausea regardless of the cause. One of the most frequently researched acupuncture points is Pericardium 6 (PC6) as ancient texts indicate this point for its effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting.

Modern research also suggests that women undergoing acupuncture treatment experience less nausea, less dry heaving, and find that these unpleasant symptoms subside earlier in their pregnancies. For women with hyperemesis gravidarum, the research is equally promising as this condition can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other side effects. Even when compared to traditional treatments such as vitamin B12 supplementation and Reglan, it seems that acupuncture performs well to help expecting moms feel better.

6. Breech Presentation & Labor Induction

One of the most fascinating acupuncture points is the last point on the longest channel of the body: Bladder 67 (BL 67). Bladder 67 is located on the lateral corner of the fifth toenail. In ancient texts, the point indication for BL 67 is: malposition of the fetus, difficult labor. In other words, this tiny point on the edge of the baby toe has been used for correcting breech presentation for centuries.

Modern research also suggests that manual acupuncture, moxibustion, or laser acupuncture is effective in turning breeched babies. Moxibustion is another form of Traditional Chinese medicine in which the herb, Artemisia vulgaris, is warmed over Bladder 67. This technique can be combined with acupuncture and performed at home once expectant moms receive a tutorial from an acupuncturist.

Similarly, acupuncture is an effective tool for labor induction. The classic point combination mentioned in ancient texts, Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) and Spleen 6 (SP 6), have been established in research to reduce labor times. Other literature suggests that acupuncture reduces labor pain, decreases the need for pain medications, and decreases the risk of forceps and vacuum-assisted births. All of these studies suggest that acupuncture is an incredibly helpful tool for moms during their third trimester as they prepare for childbirth.

7. Menopause & Hot Flashes

According to statistics, approximately 85% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Hot flashes seem to last about 5 years on average with 25% of women experiencing hot flashes for longer periods. According to other studies, hot flashes the most common symptom that women experience closely followed by night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, mood disorders, and weight gain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has also been used for centuries to treat menopausal. Treatments have been known to reduce the severity and length of time women experience hot flashes and other symptoms. Modern research suggests that acupuncture is an effective tool for treating hot flashes as well as the other symptoms that women commonly experience. Perimenopausal and postmenopausal women in one study had a 50% reduction of their symptoms following just eight weeks of acupuncture.

8. Chronic Pain

Research has established acupuncture as an effective treatment for several types of chronic pain: headaches, carpal tunnel, shoulder injuries, degenerative disc disease, knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, pelvic pain, and the list goes on. Acupuncture has multiple effects on the body that help to improve circulation, reduce pain, and restore injured tissues.

Decades of research have been completed on acupuncture and its use for chronic pain. Studies have examined the use of acupuncture as a stand alone treatment as well as a comparison to traditional treatments such as physical therapy or pain medications. Carpal tunnel studies suggest that acupuncture improves symptoms and should be included in conservative treatment plans. Knee osteoarthritis research shows that acupuncture can reduce pain and improve function. Research has also established acupuncture as an effective treatment for low back pain and pelvic pain. In some cases, acupuncture outperforms traditional treatments.

9. Autoimmune Conditions

While autoimmune conditions affect both men and women, statistics suggest that women are diagnosed with these conditions twice as often. Some of the most commonly diagnosed autoimmune conditions include Crohn’s disease, thyroid conditions (Graves’ and Hashimoto’s disease), Lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis (and psoriatic arthritis), and rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture is uniquely suited to treat these conditions according to research because of its effectiveness in regulating inflammation, pain, other other immune factors. Preliminary studies on rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, and thyroid disorders arrive at similar conclusions:

Acupuncture is a promising treatment strategy for these conditions due to its ability to regulate inflammation and immune system pathways that contribute to these complex conditions.

10. Gastrointestinal Conditions

In ancient Chinese texts and modern clinical practice, Chinese medical theory suggests that the digestive system is the most important body system and the root of most chronic conditions. During my clinical training, I often remember instructors asking about the patient’s appetite, digestion, and bowel movements before any other question. It did not matter whether the patient was there for shoulder pain or infertility. An assessment of the digestive system first was always considered first and foremost.

Emerging research on the microbiome seems to be just catching up with Chinese Medicine. Research studies now indicate that our unique gut flora is connected to potential gastrointestinal disorders as well as mental health conditions, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

Preliminary acupuncture studies are promising. Findings suggest that acupuncture regulates gastrointestinal motility, the brain-gut axis, and the gastrointestinal barrier. Research also clearly shows that acupuncture is an important tool for reducing inflammation in the case of ulcerative colitis. Other studies suggest that acupuncture is similarly effective in the management of Chrohn’s disease. Acupuncture treatment results in long-term symptom reduction, positive changes in the intestinal mucosa, and improved inflammatory markers such as CRP. A meta-analysis on the effects of acupuncture and irritable bowel syndrome show that acupuncture results in a significant improvement of symptoms.

If you found this article helpful, you may also enjoy Integrative Medicine & Pediatrics as well as How Does Acupuncture Work?

More About OMBE

OMBE is celebrating 15 years of service in Massachusetts! Additionally, we are now scheduling in-person acupuncture sessions for our South Shore and Cape Cod clients. Telehealth consultations are available for all of our Massachusetts clients living in the Boston area, North Shore, and Western Massachusetts.

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