Symptoms like bloating, mood changes and period pain can have a significant effect on your everyday life – not just when you're on your period. Acupuncture offers a natural approach to menstrual health, helping to ease symptoms and support a more comfortable, balanced cycle.
Conditions –
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PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
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Heavy periods
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Irregular cycles or absent periods
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Menstrual headaches or migraines
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Cycle-related digestive issues
How acupuncture can support menstrual health
For centuries, acupuncture has been employed to support menstrual health by helping to balance hormones, regulate cycles, and improve circulation to the reproductive organs.
How acupuncture can support menstrual health:
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Regulating hormones via the brain–endocrine axis.
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Increasing blood flow to the pelvic organs.
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Relieving pain by stimulating the release of endorphins.
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Supporting regular menstruation and healthy ovulation.
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Calming the nervous system and reducing stress.
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Improving sleep, energy and emotional wellbeing.
At my Lewes clinic, I offer personalised acupuncture treatments alongside techniques such as acupressure, moxibustion and abdominal massage. Your treatment is tailored to you and may be adapted throughout your cycle depending on your symptoms and needs.
What to expect from your treatment
Consultation
Your first session begins with a relaxed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle and goals. This gives me the opportunity to understand the wider picture and develop a personalised treatment approach.
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis
You’ll then lie comfortably while I take a look at your tongue and feel your pulse. These are traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic techniques that help me build a fuller picture of your health and identify patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Bodywork & Acupressure
I begin your treatment with some gentle stretches, acupressure or bodywork. These techniques can help me further assess areas of tension and imbalance, while also helping you to settle into a relaxed state before the acupuncture.
Gentle Needle Insertion
I then insert ultra-fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture needles are very fine, and insertion is usually painless. You may experience sensations such as warmth, heaviness, tingling or a gentle dull ache around the needles.
Time to Relax
Once the needles are in place, you’ll have time to rest comfortably for around 20–40 minutes. Many people find this part of the treatment deeply relaxing and may even drift off to sleep.
Additional Techniques
Depending on your individual needs, I may also incorporate other techniques into your treatment, always with your consent. These might include Shiatsu, moxibustion, cupping or gua sha.
Your Treatment Plan
At the end of your session, we’ll discuss what I’ve found and talk through your personalised treatment plan. Where appropriate, I may also suggest supportive exercises, lifestyle changes or other recommendations that can complement your acupuncture treatment.