If you’ve ever suffered from severe period pain, you know that there can be days when you can’t even get out of bed, let alone take care of your responsibilities. According to researchers at the University of Auckland and Western Australia University, acupuncture can significantly reduce the severity and duration of period pain, as well as the associated headaches and nausea.
Known in the medical community as primary dysmenorrhea, severe period pain is most common in women 25 years old and younger. It is the most widespread gynecological problem for women, by far, with four of five women suffering from it during the reproductive years.
The small pilot study of 74 women aged 18 to 45 found that as much as 50 percent of the women displayed a reduction of about half in the severity of their periods after undergoing acupuncture treatments for three months. These positive effects lasted up to a year.
In addition to reducing their period pain, many of the women participating in the study also reported that they no longer needed painkillers to manage their severe period pain. Some of the women also said that secondary symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, also saw improvement.
The women involved in the study also reported significant reductions in “peak pain,” the highest level of pain during the first three days of a period, and lower average pain throughout the period. Many also reported a reduction in PMS-related symptoms, such as mood swings.
What This Study Means for Severe Period Pain
What this study shows us is that women no longer have to suffer through their severe period pain or take harmful painkillers to get through the day. Undergoing acupuncture three to four times per week for as little as three months can greatly reduce the severity and duration of period pain and associated symptoms.
Do you suffer from severe period pain? Don’t suffer through it anymore! Get in touch with us at Longevity Acupuncture. We offer an introductory consultation with the Acupuncture Physician to customize your treatment plan. Call 305-772-4386.