Menstrual Problems
Acupuncture can be a useful and effective way of treating many menstrual disorders, such as painful or heavy periods, scanty or missed periods, PMS, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Many women who experience menstrual problems suffer for many years, often not realising that things could be better - periods should not have to be a monthly curse.
Period Pain
Painful periods are one of the most common gynaecological conditions that women face, and for some can be extremely debilitating. Unlike painkillers, which provide symptomatic relief (ie they treat the pain as it is experienced), acupuncture treats not only the pain but also the cause of the pain, thus helping to provide a lasting solution.
The Evidence
A 2010 study which examined data from 27 different Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) concluded that acupuncture was the preferred option for reducing pain when compared to pharmacological options or herbal remedies.
A 2008 German study of women with period pain concluded that acupuncture can help to relieve menstrual pain and improve quality of life. The study found that those who received acupuncture had pain scores of 3.1 out of ten after three months, compared to 5.4 for those who had not, which is a reduction of more than 40%.
A 1999 review by the British Acupuncture Council concluded that acupuncture could be highly effective in the treatment of period pain, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and pelvic inflammatory disease, often helping over 80% of patients.
When treating any gynaecological disorder it is recommended to have treatment for at least 3 cycles. It is useful to have weekly or fortnightly treatments in the first cycle, reducing the frequency of treatments as improvements are seen.
Call 07531 221451 or email info@charlotte-ashton.co.uk
(Formerly charlotte walter acupuncture)
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