Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy where a licensed practitioner uses special needles to stimulate specific areas in the body to promote better health and help alleviate maladies. Researchers found evidence that acupuncture can alleviate pain, but there are many studies that show acupuncture does alleviate many conditions, like addiction, some gastrointestinal conditions, and more.
Doctors have also found that acupuncture therapy can help alleviate dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps, which affects about 75 percent of teen females and up to 50 percent of adult women. Researchers found that there may be evidence that acupuncture can help with pain associated with menstrual cramping, but further extensive studies are needed to make any real conclusions. They did conclude that using acupuncture to treat menstrual cramps doesn’t seem to have any adverse side effects, whereas pharmaceuticals for menstrual cramps hold many adverse effects.
According to Brazilian acupuncture practitioner, Dr. Hong Jin Pai, acupuncture can alleviate menstrual cramps by boosting levels of nitric oxide, which helps relax the responsible muscles. It also helps release endorphins and other pain-combating neurotransmitters.
Don’t suffer from menstrual cramps every month, try acupuncture. Try these natural alternatives before resorting to pharmaceuticals, which can have bad side effects.