A study published this month in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture for menstrual cramps (aka. dysmenorrhea). The randomized study involved 80 women who were followed over the course of 3 menstrual cycles. Treatment with acupuncture prior to the menstrual period ("preconditioning acupuncture") was found to significantly reduce symptoms and the duration of symptoms more effectively than either "immediate acupuncture" during menstrual cramps or no acupuncture.  The results confirm that acupuncture can be an effective modality for treating menstrual cramps, and that treating before the menstrual period is more effective than only treating while the symptoms are presenting.

To find out more about effective strategies to improve menstrual cramping see your Naturopathic Doctor. A Naturopath can help put together an individualized plan that meets your health goals.

Dr. Tara Andresen is a registered Naturopathic Doctor (ND) practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She follows an evidence-based approach to naturopathic medicine, incorporating the latest scientific research into effective treatment plans for a wide variety of health concerns.