Women have turned to Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to help with all aspects of their health and wellness needs.  Many women turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine for its holistic and individualized approach, which complements their broader wellness routine. New York-based Acupuncturist Megan Crouse, LAc, shares her experience of supporting menstrual comfort and hormonal balance through the natural healing powers of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.

Sorry to burst your hot water bottle bubble, but Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are even better at supporting menstrual comfort and hormonal balance …

I know, because growing up, I had the worst cramps. I dreaded my period each month, but I accepted cramps as a “normal” part of womanhood, as did my sisters and many of my friends. It wasn't until an Acupuncturist explained to me that cramps, pain, and discomfort during my period weren’t “normal”… that cramps were a message from my body telling me that I was out of balance, hormonally and energetically. She explained that a healthy and balanced body should have a relatively comfortable period, cramp-free.

This news shocked me.

Even more shocking was that after 3 months of acupuncture and  Chinese herbs, I noticed a significant improvement in how I experienced my cycle. Inspired, I decided to earn my degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to focus on treating women's health conditions with Acupuncture. Now,I love being able to share with other women that there may be more natural and holistic ways to support a more comfortable cycle.

Your Hormones, Meridians, Qi & Acupuncture

The menstrual cycle is a delicate process that is easily disrupted by stress, overwork, fatigue, and diet. A woman’s cycle involves a number of hormones working in harmony, and if one hormone is out of balance, it creates a cascade of imbalance that can result in cramps, pain, and symptoms of PMS.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, there are "meridians" (energy pathways) that flow to the female reproductive organs. For the ovaries and uterus to be in balance, the kidneys, liver, and spleen meridians must also be in balance.

Additionally, for natural hormonal transitions to occur throughout the menstrual cycle, our Qi (energy) and blood need to circulate smoothly. When Qi and blood circulation are sluggish or obstructed, our hormone transitions become disrupted, causing significant discomfort.  

Acupuncture is traditionally believed to support natural energy flow and overall balance during hormonal transitions. It also stimulates the body’s own healing process and natural production of hormones, helping to restore health and harmony to the entire reproductive system. Chinese herbs are often used to complement acupuncture as part of a holistic wellness plan.

Six Additional Recommendations to Support Your Qi & Your Cycle

In addition to getting regular Acupuncture treatment and taking Chinese herbs when prescribed, here are some suggestions to make your period a more comfortable, less dreaded time of the month:

1.     Get regular cardio exercise, especially during the week before your period. This moves Qi and blood and smooths hormonal transitions.

2.     Avoid alcohol, coffee, salt, and processed foods, especially during the week before your period. This is believed to support a healthy internal balance.

3.     Eat plenty of vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables and dark leafy greens. Prioritize unsaturated fats such as olive oil and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. This ensures healthy hormone production.

4.     Apply castor oil packs to your lower abdomen before and during your period to support circulation in the abdominal area, which many find beneficial during their cycle.

5.     Talk to your healthcare provider about supplements like magnesium, vitamin B6, fish oil, and turmeric, which are commonly used to support menstrual comfort and hormonal balance. 

6.     Whether for fertility planning or to provide a more natural, peaceful, and predictable monthly cycle, the Women’s Monthly Kit by DAO Labs pairs features two traditional herbal formulas designed to support balance throughout your monthly cycle—one to help ease emotional tension before your period, and one to support energy and recovery afterward.

• Free & Easy Wanderer is traditionally used to help support emotional balance and overall well-being during the days leading up to a menstrual cycle. Many find it helpful for promoting a sense of calm and ease during this natural phase.
  
• After the menstrual phase, Four Substance is traditionally used for a few days to support natural restoration, balanced energy, and a smooth transition into the next phase of the cycle

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 at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Megan Crouse, L.Ac. is a board-certified acupuncturist with a Master's degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Her passion is women's health: She specializes in treating gynecological conditions, infertility, discomfort in pregnancy, PMS, and menopause, and takes particular joy in helping couples conceive naturally. Learn more about Megan and Modern Roots Acupuncture at modernrootsacu.com.