Acupuncture is a holistic practice used to treat the whole body. Research on acupuncture’s effectiveness is constantly happening to better understand how it works. There are so many studies on how acupuncture improves ovarian health. A recent study from Huazhong University of Science and Technology found that “acupuncture may improve ovulation by modulating the central and peripheral nervous systems, the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, the ovarian blood flow, and metabolism.
If you menstruate, acupuncture can help, here’s a few ways how:
Regulate Hormones
Regular periods are an essential aspect of ovarian health. When periods are irregular, a cascade of health issues can occur, from cramping to difficulty getting pregnant. Acupuncture evens out the communication between the brain and the ovaries, called the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis. This feedback loop triggers the release of hormones that tells the body to begin ovulation. When the HPO axis is communicating properly, periods happen regularly.
Improve Blood Flow
Acupuncture effectively calms the nervous system and stimulates blood flow overall which also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. When the body is stressed, it diverts resources and constricts blood flow. By calming the nervous system, blood vessels dilate, encouraging more blood flow to the reproductive system. Adequate blood flow to the uterus ensures the endometrial lining is able to grow to an appropriate thickness to allow for menses.
Promote Ovulation
When hormones are regulated and uterine blood flow is improved, the body is set up for regular ovulation. Regular ovulation makes life easier in general and also improves the outcome of pregnancy attempts whether through natural methods or IVF-ET. Getting acupuncture will also regulate the timing and ease the severity of menstruation.
Acupuncture is a great way to support the body.
Calming the nervous system leads to improving the body’s ability to communicate and self-regulate which allows the body to do what it does naturally. Stress is one of the worst components of our current culture and it wreaks havoc on the body’s internal regulations. By easing the nervous system, acupuncture can make a big difference and women’s health is a great example of the cascade of systems that benefit from calming the overall body.
