Does Acupuncture Help Gynaecological Conditions?

By Steven Clavey

In the area of gynaecology, acupuncture has traditionally been used for a wide range of problems, including period pain, irregular periods, amenorrhea, mood swings related to periods, fibroids, and infertility. Acupuncture is also employed for some common conditions during pregnancy, where it is used to stop pain [see pdf on Pain in pregnancy], reduce nausea, help sleep, reduce functional disability [see research on acupuncture in pregnancy], correct breech presentation [see research on moxibustion and acupuncture for breech presentation] and gently prepare the body for labour [see research on acupuncture and induction of labour]. Acupuncture helps to increase energy levels, improve sleep and enable the body to deal better with stress.

In Chinese medicine a dynamic balance between yin and yang and a smooth flow of qi is necessary for health. When this becomes unbalanced or blocked, illness can result. Imbalance and disruption to the flow of qi can be caused by changes in the external environment, such as weather conditions, viruses, or injury, or internally from emotions, poor nutrition, or a constitutional predisposition. Chinese medicine recognises a strong link between the reproductive system and the mind and emotions, and it follows that anxiety and stress can contribute to menstrual problems and infertility.