The menstrual cycle concludes with days of pain and irritability. But let’s talk about the days in between the cycle. For some people, ovulation may be the time when no symptoms appear. . Others, however, experience intense symptoms during ovulation to include,

• Bloating
• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings

Acupuncture uses an acupuncture needle that stimulates pressure points, common treatment method followed in our office. However, these points can be stimulated by acupressure with a massage technique instead of a needle.

This therapy is used for patients who have a phobia for needles but is mainly instructed for patients so they can do their own stimulation at home. This has helped patients to get relief from their ovulation symptom without booking an appointment with us. 

Follow these Simple Steps to Address Ovulation Symptoms through Acupressure

We have designed a guide that explains the correct application of acupressure while staying comfortable at your home:

• While sitting or lying down, whichever is more comfortable for you, begin your at-home therapy by meditating. Meditating is a great form of relaxation, which can bring your body and mind to ease. Begin by closing your eyes and breathing deep and long for at least 10 minutes.
• You will now begin to massage your pressure points. If at any time you feel more than minor discomfort, discontinue the at-home therapy, and consult with your acupuncturist.
• Start by massaging the "CV-6" pressure point, situated 1 to 2 inches beneath your belly button. Press the point gently with 1 to 2 fingers and go in a clockwise circular direction. The point may feel tender, do not worry, tenderness is normal and expected, just keep firm but consistent pressure on the point. This provides relief within a brief time. . Massage for one minute.

• Next step is to massage the pressure point known as "San Jiao Jiu." This is actually 2 points which are located on the abdomen. To find the points imagine a triangle, with the top of the triangle being your belly button and the bottom 2 corners of the triangle are these points. For each point, use one hand, 1 to 2 fingers and gently massage in a clockwise direction. Massage for one minute

• Next, move to the "ST-36" pressure point, located just below the knee. Begin by placing your finger in the hole on the outside of your knee cap. Then move your finger down your shin bone, approximately 2 inches down, you will find a little indent as you slide your finger under the knee cap. Massage the point softly and continue pressure down the shin bone toward the ankle for one minute. Alternate to opposite leg and repeat.

• Next, the "SP-6" pressure point is present 2-3 inches above the inner part of your ankle. Begin at the bony protuberance on the inside of your ankle and move your finger up the inside of the leg. You will find a small indentation. Firmly massage this area in a circular motion for one minute. Alternate to opposite ankle and repeat.

• Proceed to the next point, "LR-3" pressure point, which is situated on the webbed part between your big toe and second toe. Gently massage while pressing inward, toward the ankle. Massage for one minute, then alternate to the opposite foot and repeat.

• Last, massage the "UB2" pressure point. This point is located at the start of each eyebrow, there is a small indentation. Both points can be pressure with one hand at the same time. Apply gentle pressure with one finger on each point for one minute..

The acupressure and massage technique is excellent to provide relief from symptoms of ovulation by bringing a balance to the systems of the body. With the help of this at-home therapy guide and your regular acupuncture appointments, you may find reduce ovulation symptoms including,

• Increase in energy.
• Increase in blood circulation, great for preventing inflammation and easing pain.
• Reduced pelvic and lower abdominal pain, mostly linked with ovulation.
• Decrease in bloating.
• Decrease in unbearable breast tenderness.
• Balance of hormones for emotional responses

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations  from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us on hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Deanna Carell Acupuncture knows that feeling your best during your Menstrual Cycle can be a game changer when it comes to fertility. We specialize and focus on maintaining women’s health no matter where in the process one might be. From periods, to ovulation, to conception and beyond, Acupuncture is here to help you find your happiness, whatever that may be in your journey to a healthy life!

Deanna Carell is a licensed acupuncturist and owner of Deanna Carell Acupuncture located in Nutley, NJ. She is also the co-owner of Microessence, LLC a company specializing in microneedling courses, devices and natural skin care. Deanna most recently received her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DAOM) from the Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego and she received a Master’s degree from the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine where she studied TCM and Kiiko style Japanese acupuncture.