Electroacupuncture may seem like a concept hailing from cutting-edge science fiction, but it’s a contemporary and scientifically proven derivative of age-old acupuncture. The best part? Its effectiveness is particularly established in addressing women’s health issues.
Let’s explore further.
Electroacupuncture has been described as ‘a marriage of traditional knowledge and modern technology,’ combining the ancient practice of acupuncture with the precision of electrical stimulation.This form of therapy involves applying a small electrical current to acupuncture points on the body using a device that generates continuous electric pulses.
It might sound startling to combine electricity and needles, but, in reality, it’s a gentle and effective treatment. The electrical stimulation enhances the acupuncture’s effect by promoting the flow of Qi (energy). This extended stimulation during electroacupuncture can produce a stronger effect than a single acupuncture needle stimulation.
Its applications are versatile, but for the purpose of this article, we’re focusing on how it benefits women’s health, particularly in the areas of period pain.
"Electroacupuncture is a fine-tuned adaptation of the original acupuncture procedure. It's shown stellar efficacy in the management of pain and enhancement of fertility. It could be transformative for women wrestling with debilitating menstrual pain or fertility hurdles."
Probably the most pronounced benefit of electroacupuncture within the ream of women’s health, is its impact on period pain and menstrual cramps. As anyone who’s experienced it can attest, period pain (fancily referred to as dysmenorrhea) can be considerably debilitating, and can often interfere with simple daily activities.
Though readily available over-the-counter drugs can provide temporary relief, their effect is short-lived and their long-term use may result in unwanted side effects. Thus, an increasing number of women today seek a safer and more effective alternative to soothing menstrual discomfort.
Period pain can results from an insufficient flow of blood to the uterus’s inner tissue, the endometrium, during the monthly bleed. Reduced blood flow can instigate a state of hypoxia, where there isn’t enough oxygen supply, causing the aches and cramps you might be familiar with. Electroacupuncture can effectively alleviate these discomforts by boosting blood flow. It does this by encouraging the production of nitric oxide in the body. This molecule is critical in controlling the flow and pressure of your blood. Whenever nitric oxide is present, blood vessels widen, facilitating a healthier volume of blood to reach both the uterus and the endometrium.
What’s more, when an electric current stimulates those tiny acupuncture needle it spurs your body into releasing endorphins – the feel-good chemicals that help tackle pain. These nifty little warriors connect with the opiate receptors in your brain, effectively turning down the volume knob on pain.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, electroacupuncture helps tone down the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, also known as prostaglandins. This, in turn, eases uterine contractions, discomfort and pain.
Delving deeper into the benefits of electroacupuncture, we find its potent efficacy in managing hormonal imbalances. The effects of such imbalances can be profound, manifesting as premenstrual tension and menstrual discomfort. By harmonizing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, electroacupuncture plays an integral role in modulating the secretion of hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones are pivotal for maintaining period regularity, promoting ovulation, and supporting fertility too. With electroacupuncture, we can mitigate the root causes of premenstrual tension, ease menstrual pain, and substantially improve women’s overall wellbeing.
Studies such as the one published in the “American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” have documented that electroacupuncture can effectively alleviate menstrual cramps, making it a lifesaver for many women worldwide (1).
In a study of 100 women, 90% reported a reduction in menstrual pain after electroacupuncture (2). The study also found that electroacupuncture was superior to pharmacological treatment, when the treatment duration lasted for three menstrual cycles. This is the minimum duration we recommend in a clinical setting, to be able to yield great, long-lasting benefits from treatment.
Electroacupuncture also offers promising relief to countless women grappling with endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterised by the growth of endometrial-like-cells outside of the womb, and it’s something that many women (approximately 176 million women worldwide) contend with. It brings with it an array of unwelcomed symptoms, like menstrual pain, chronic pelvic discomfort, excessive bloating, and even troubles with fertility – just to mention a few.
But, there’s an exciting and potentially life-changing discovery: electroacupuncture could provide some much-needed relief for these symptoms.
Among women who experience chronic pelvic pain, up to 70% are found to have endometriosis. This statistic highlights the significant role that endometriosis plays in chronic pain conditions among women.
Indeed, several research works have suggested that electroacupuncture can alleviate endometriosis-related discomforts (3). For instance, a noteworthy study published in The American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism reports that electroacupuncture may lessen the severity of endometriosis by inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels and reducing inflammation (4).
The said research depicts that the technique significantly improves conditions like endometriosis-induced hyperalgesia. This discovery symbolizes a major advancement, providing a beacon of hope for those women who are either unresponsive to conventional endometriosis treatments or are searching for non-invasive and drug-free alternatives to alleviate their symptoms and better manage the condition.
'Electroacupuncture is not just about relieving symptoms; it's about addressing the root cause of imbalance in the body.'
Electroacupuncture has also been found to be beneficial in managing other common women’s health issues. For instance, it may help to alleviate symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular periods, anovulation and difficulties conceiving. For women in their later stages in life, electroacupuncture may also be beneficial in managing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
So, when considering all the evidence, it is clear that electroacupuncture offers a promising, natural solution for women who are tired of coping with relentless period pain.
Your menstrual cycle shouldn’t have you curled up in discomfort every single month.
The promising results from numerous studies, like the ones mentioned above, showcase how this ancient practice, refined with modern electro-stimulation, could render you feeling relieved and revitalized. The key is consistent treatment over several cycles. With electroacupuncture, not only do you stand to gain relief from menstrual pain, but the ripple effects on your overall well-being could be immense.
Rather than the traditional symptom-based approach to hormonal balance, I address the underlying causes of your hormonal health by addressing the whole person, not just isolated symptoms.
Through a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition we look at how your body copes with stress, internal inflammation, your diet in additional to relevant medical history.
Find hormonal balance and re-establish your Perfect Period with these 3 key steps that are designed to help you take back control of your health, naturally:
Step 1 : Discover
Step 2 : Design
Step 3 : Direct
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