NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) and birth control pills are the usually administered mainstream treatments for menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea. However, a small study recently conducted showed that acupuncture is a useful and effective means of treating this common female ailment.
In the study, as many as 13 out of 15 women participants experienced substantial relief of their symptoms. They found that less NSAID consumption was required following the acupuncture treatment (8 weekly acupuncture treatments carried out over 2 months, with needles inserted in applicable point locations for half an hour).
Those with Primary dysmenorrhea (without proven pelvic pathology/causation) experienced greater relief than those with secondary dysmenorrhea (cramps with pelvic pathology).
Along with acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulations are also seen to be effective for easing symptoms.
Gui zhi fu ling wan is a combination of 5 herbs which are effective in treating dysmenorrhea due to their ability to improve blood circulation and invigorate the person. These herbs are thought to be able to relive pain because of their ability to remove stagnation and blockages in the body. This formulation is also thought to be useful in treating ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
Source: Natural News
