Understanding Period Pain & PMS Through Traditional Chinese Medicine
Menstrual pain and PMS are incredibly common, yet often dismissed as just part of being a woman. But should they be? Studies suggest that up to 80% of women experience period pain at some point in their lives, with 5-10% suffering from severe dysmenorrhea that disrupts daily activities. Meanwhile, nearly half of all women experience PMS symptoms, ranging from mood swings and fatigue to bloating and headaches.
While conventional medicine often turns to painkillers or hormonal treatments for relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a different approach—one that seeks to restore balance and address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
How TCM Understands the Menstrual Cycle
In TCM, a healthy menstrual cycle is a reflection of smooth Qi and Blood flow. Pain, mood swings, or other discomforts signal an imbalance in this natural rhythm. Some common patterns that can contribute to menstrual pain and PMS include:
Liver Qi Stagnation – Often triggered by stress, frustration, or emotional tension, this pattern leads to PMS symptoms like mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, and cramping that improves once bleeding starts.
Blood Stagnation – If blood flow is blocked, it can result in severe, stabbing menstrual cramps with clotting.
Spleen Qi Deficiency – When the digestive system is weak, it may lead to fatigue, bloating, and heavy periods.
Kidney Deficiency – The Kidneys are deeply connected to reproductive health, and a deficiency can cause irregular cycles, lower back pain, and exhaustion.
Rather than viewing period pain as something women must endure, TCM sees it as a sign that the body is out of balance—and something that can be improved.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools in TCM for supporting menstrual health. By stimulating specific points on the body, it helps:
Relieve pain – Acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and improves blood circulation, reducing cramping.
Regulate hormones – Research suggests acupuncture can influence the endocrine system, helping to balance hormone fluctuations.
Reduce stress and emotional symptoms – By calming the nervous system, acupuncture can ease anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
Improve overall cycle health – Whether your periods are too heavy, too light, irregular, or painful, acupuncture works to restore balance.
Most women notice changes after just a few treatments, with improvements in both pain levels and overall cycle regularity.
Beyond Acupuncture: Lifestyle & Dietary Support
In addition to acupuncture, TCM recommends other strategies to support a smoother cycle:
Dietary Adjustments
Eating with the menstrual cycle in mind can be transformative. TCM encourages:
Warm, cooked foods – Cold or raw foods (like salads and iced drinks) can slow circulation and worsen cramps. Instead, opt for nourishing soups, stews, and warm herbal teas.
Iron-rich foods – Dark leafy greens, dates, and black beans help replenish Blood.
Healthy fats – Nuts, seeds, and avocados support hormone balance.
Avoiding excess caffeine, sugar, and dairy – These can contribute to stagnation and inflammation.
Lifestyle & Stress Management
Since Liver Qi stagnation is a major culprit in PMS and painful periods, managing stress is key. Practices like yoga, meditation, Qi Gong, and gentle movement can help keep Qi flowing smoothly.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal remedies are sometimes used alongside acupuncture to support menstrual health. While I don’t prescribe herbs, acupuncture alone can be highly effective in addressing period pain and PMS.
A Holistic Approach to Menstrual Health
TCM sees period pain and PMS not as inevitable, but as signs that the body needs support. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or simple dietary and lifestyle shifts, Chinese medicine offers a comprehensive approach to menstrual health—one that empowers women to feel balanced throughout their cycle.
If you experience painful periods or difficult PMS, working with a qualified TCM practitioner can help tailor a plan for your unique needs. Instead of simply enduring monthly discomfort, you may find that with the right support, your cycle can become a time of ease rather than struggle.
Sources
Prevalence of Period Pain (Dysmenorrhea): studies indicate that the prevalence of dysmenorrhea ranges from 16% to 91% among women of reproductive age, with severe pain reported in 2% to 29% of cases. (imrpress.com)
Prevalence of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): approximately 40% of women experience PMS symptoms, with 5% to 8% suffering from severe forms. (fingertips.phe.org.uk)
Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Menstrual Pain: research has shown that acupuncture can reduce the duration and intensity of menstrual pain, with effects lasting up to 12 months after treatment. (acaom.edu)
Acupuncture and Hormonal Regulation: acupuncture has been found to influence hormonal regulation, which can be beneficial for menstrual health. (acupunctureassociation.org.uk)