Dysmenorrhea is categorized into primary and secondary types. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to lower abdominal cramping pain before and during menstruation without any other disease, affecting up to 90% of women. The most common cause of secondary dysmenorrhea is endometriosis. Acupuncture has been found to be effective in alleviating pain associated with dysmenorrhea, particularly for primary dysmenorrhea.
For primary dysmenorrhea, acupuncture treatment typically starts a week before menstruation and is administered daily or every other day, with intensified daily treatment during the menstrual period, continuing for several months. For endometriosis and the resulting secondary dysmenorrhea or menstrual irregularities, the treatment is generally every other day or twice a week. During periods of intense abdominal cramps, additional non-specific pain relief points like Hegu (LI4) can be stimulated strongly. Auricular points such as Uterus, Kidney, and Endocrine can also be used with acupressure, alternating ears every three days.
The effect of acupuncture in treating primary dysmenorrhea is rapid and has been shown to be sustainably effective over the long term.
For endometriosis and associated secondary dysmenorrhea or menstrual irregularities, combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine can enhance treatment efficacy. This integrated approach addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes, offering a holistic solution to these gynecological issues.