The menstrual cycle often ends with days’ worth of pain and discomfort during your period but, what about those days in the middle of the cycle? Ovulation, to some, may be the time of the month when symptoms are non-existent. Others, however, experience intense symptoms during ovulation to include,

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

Acupuncture stimulates pressure points with the use of an acupuncture needle, which is the most common treatment method we utilize in office. However, acupressure can be used to stimulate these same points using a massage technique and no needle is used.

This therapy can be performed for patient who are needle sensitive but is most often taught to patients for continued stimulation at home. During these times, patients have enjoyed learning how to accomplish ovulation symptom relief outside of their appointments with us.  

Follow these Simple Steps to Address Ovulation Symptoms through Acupressure

We have curated a guide on how to apply acupressure while enjoying the comforts of your own residence!  It includes:

• 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. Start 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.
• Begin by massaging the "CV-6" pressure point, located 1 to 2 inches below your belly button. Press the point firmly with 1 to 2 fingers and move in a clockwise circular motion. The point may feel tender, do not worry, tenderness is normal and expected, just keep firm but consistent pressure on the point. This should go away or ease within a brief time. Massage for one minute.

• Next, massage the pressure point which is called "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. Use one hand for each point, 1 to 2 fingers and firmly massage in a clockwise motion. Massage for one minute

• Next, move to the "ST-36" pressure point, located just below the knee. Start with your finger in the hole on the outside of your knee cap. Then slide your finger down your shin bone, about 2 inches down, you will find a slight indent as you run your finger beneath the knee cap. Massage the point firmly 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 can be found 2-3 inches above the inner part of your ankle. Start at the bony protuberance on the inside of your ankle and slide 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.

• Continue to the next point, "LR-3" pressure point, which is located on the webbed part between your big toe and second toe. Firmly 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. Gentle pressure with one finger on each point can be applied to this point for one minute.

The acupressure and massage technique works well to reduce symptoms of ovulation by balancing the systems of the body. By using this at-home therapy guide and visiting your regular acupuncture appointments, you may find ovulation symptom relief including,

• Increase in energy.
• Increase in blood circulation, great for preventing inflammation and easing pain.
• Relief from pelvic and lower abdominal pain, most associated 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.