ACUPUNCTURE FOR MENSTRUAL HEALTH (aka PERIODS)

WE USE ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE TO HARMONISE YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE. WE HELP YOU SAY GOODBYE TO PERIOD PAIN, CRAMPS, PMS, IRREGULAR CYCLES, BLOATING, HEAVY BLEEDING, OVULATION PAIN, AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU WERE TOLD IS ‘NORMAL’.

At Vessel Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, we are dedicated to helping women and non-binary menstruating folk find more comfort, freedom, and ease in their hormonal cycles. 

EVIDENCE FOR ACUPUNCTURE & GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH

A recent (2025) meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials (considered the highest level of evidence) determined that moderate-to-high-quality evidence suggests potential benefit for Acupuncture in addressing gynecological conditions like chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, PCOS, and PMS (1).

Period pain acupuncture treatment

We use Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to optimise menstrual health. Optimal menstrual health involves regular cycles, no PMS, pain-free bleeds, consistent mood and energy throughout the cycle, and smooth (symptom-free) ovulation.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CYCLE WITH CHINESE MEDICINE

Chinese Medicine has a long and rich history of insight and clinical wisdom in Gynaecology. 

At Vessel, we believe that better menstrual health begins with better education. Our support starts here, empowering you to expand your knowledge of your cycle, including important events like ovulation. By becoming aware of your body’s natural rhythms, you become familiar with how best to support yourself through each phase of your cycle.

PHASES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

In Chinese Medicine, the menstrual cycle has four distinct phases. The natural forces of Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood govern each phase. This view is not counter to the biomedical model of the menstrual, follicular, and luteal phases—instead, it provides expanded depth.

A healthy menstrual cycle is one in which you are aware of the natural rhythms and fluctuations, but they easily transition from one to the next. No single phase causes particular discomfort or distress. How you experience each phase of your cycle helps us direct our treatment to be most effective. The period itself provides diagnostic information. It reflects your underlying health state; we think of it like a monthly report card that gives insight into hormonal health. 

AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH: HOW ACUPUNCTURE SUPPORTS HORMONES & PERIODS

From a biomedical perspective, Acupuncture influences the menstrual cycle in various ways.

Regulating Hormones

Acupuncture engages with our endocrine system (hormones) by regulating the function of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis and Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian (HPO) axis to support efficient ovulation and improve cycle regularity and associated cycle symptoms.

Acupuncture Relieves Pain and is Anti-Inflammatory

Acupuncture activates several of the body’s opioids (pain-relieving chemicals). It has also been found that acupuncture stimulation releases or regulates several other biochemicals involved in pain reduction, including ATP, adenosine, GABA, and substance P.

Acupuncture Strengthens The Digestive System
Digestion plays a crucial role in hormone clearance by facilitating the elimination of surplus hormones through the stool, primarily through the gut microbiome, which breaks down and metabolises hormones, particularly estrogen, preventing their reabsorption back into the bloodstream; a healthy digestive system with regular bowel movements is essential for proper hormone balance.

MENSTRUAL CONDITIONS WE OFTEN SUPPORT WITH ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE HERBS

  • Hormonal support as you transition off hormonal contraception like the pill (this looks like preparation before ceasing the pill, and working together to re-establish regular periods, and address the underlying causes that led you to choose the pill in the first place)

  • Light periods or heavy periods, short periods or lengthy periods

  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods, including endometriosis)

  • Amenorrhea (absent periods)

  • Irregular periods (including PCOS)

  • Mood fluctuations, including PMS and PMDD

For optimum results, we use a combination of modalities, including Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Chinese Dietary Therapy. We also collaborate with other members of your care team, such as pelvic physios.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT VESSEL ACUPUNCTURE, BRISBANE

At Vessel, we take an integrative, patient-centred approach to care. Your first visit includes a thorough consultation to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and health history. Based on this, we create a tailored treatment plan designed specifically for you.

YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

Acupuncture for menstrual health is most effective with regular sessions. Depending on your symptoms and health goals, we will recommend a weekly treatment course. As your body adjusts, we will reassess and adjust the frequency of your treatments accordingly. Most people experience gradual improvements in their symptoms after a few sessions, but lasting change often requires sustained treatment.

We also incorporate lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional guidance to support your menstrual health.

You can read more about our approach to treatment plans here, and the scientific evidence for acupuncture works here and here.