How to Regulate the Menstrual Cycle with Acupuncture

At Acupuncture Kelowna, we have extensive experience treating all types of hormonal disorders.

Regulating the Menstrual Cycle with Acupuncture

Treating and regulating the menstrual cycle with acupuncture has a long history in China. It's one of the areas where acupuncture and Chinese Medicine thrive. Little is known, from a western perspective, on how this happens. However, there have been some preliminary studies. They show that acupuncture can regulate the menstrual cycle via endogenous regulatory systems including the sympathetic nervous system, endocrine, and neuroendocrine system. For your curiosity here is a study that was done showing the "Efficacy of acupuncture on menstrual frequency in women with polycystic ovary syndrome." 

Let's get into the Chinese Medical Perspective on how to regulate the menstrual cycle with acupuncture.

5 ways you can regulate your menstrual cycle using acupuncture and Chinese medicine

1. Get Acupuncture – Acupuncture is one of the best things you can do to balance your bodies physiology. Acupuncture has a particular affinity for the Liver. Since the Liver plays such a major role in all parts of the menstrual cycle it makes sense that Acupuncture would have a profound effect on its regulation.
2. Chinese Herbal Medicine – Substance makes substance. Blood is clearly a major part of the menstrual cycle and if your body is lacking in blood you may need to supplement. My only word of caution is to get them from your TCM practitioner AFTER you have been properly diagnosed. Herbal formulas - like acupuncture - restore normal physiology and taking the wrong formula can increase or mask an imbalance.
3. Seed Cycling – This is one of my favorite at-home remedies for women wanting to regulate and nourish their cycle. Essentially in the first half of your cycle, you grind 1TB of Flax and 1TB of Pumpkin seeds and consume them daily. In the second half of your cycle grind 1TB Sesame seeds and 1 TB Sunflower seeds and consume them daily. For more information on why and how you can check out Dr. Neuzil’s website here.
4. Exercise – Getting the Blood and Qi moving on a regular basis helps the Liver Qi and Blood move and also strengthens the Heart. As always, I recommend working within your limits. Over-exercising takes a serious toll on their Kidneys and Blood.
5. Eat in ways that nourish your Blood

• Leafy Greens

• Small amounts of meat

• Avoid cold and raw foods

Here is a short video highlighting 3 IMPORTANT WAYS to eat in order to regulate your menstrual cycle and create healthy blood.

Please understand that hormones are complex. There is never just one answer. This information is intended to highlight a few key aspects of regulating the menstrual cycle with the use of acupuncture. It definitely does not and cannot cover the whole topic.

With Love from Kelowna, BC,

Paula