Research Update: Acupuncture Decreases Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea) This study was performed on fifteen women ages 14-35 who did not respond to traditional medical treatment for their menstrual pain. The study was done in Milan, Italy at the Mangiagalli-Regina Elna Hospital and reported on eCAM March 9, 2007. All women suffered from severe menstrual pain for a minimum of one year. They each received acupuncture once per week for eight weeks. The results showed that 13 of the 15 women experience a substantial reduction in their menstrual pain by up to 69%. Seven of the women were able to completely discontinue use of all conventional pain medications and they still had no pain six months after the acupuncture treatments. Dr. Martin’s Comments: PMS and Menstrual Pain are one of the easiest problems to treat, based on my experience. For most women, if they start treatment using acupuncture either twice per month or weekly, for three menstrual cycles, their pain will either be gone completely or at least substantially reduced at the end of that 3 month period. After that time, usually they only need one treatment per month to keep the cramping away. My experience shows that results are even faster if the women also take fish oils, and other oils such as black current seed or flax seed, and also increase their intake of Magnesium and Calcium, and eliminate all raw, cold and frozen foods beginning at least one week before their period starts. Additionally, the Chinese herbal combination of Tang Quai and Peonia or Tang Quai and Bupleurum helps quite a bit, and the homeopathic remedies Colocynth and Magnesium phosphoricum also will help a lot. A good multiple mineral vitamin combination, such at Clinical Nutriients for Women, is also very helpful. This is an age and gender specific supplement, geared especially for women’s health and well-being. I recommend the use of the amino acids GABA, L-Theanine and 5-HTP, along with P5P (Vitamin B-6) beginning a couple of days before the period begins, to ensure the ready flow of endorphins. Finally, I like women to take my liquid Calcium/Magnesium formula to assure they have adequate minerals to relax the lining of the uterus.
