Acupuncture For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Undoubtedly, the duration for treating chronic diseases or conditions, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be challenging and lengthy, and it may take up to a few months or sometimes years to cure the disease completely. Studies show that PCOS treatment requires at least 6 to 9 months before improvement can be seen.
Sometimes patients get frustrated with long-term treatments and wish to see results or pain relief instantly. In addition to taking medical treatments for chronic diseases, like PCOS, trying traditional medicines to stimulate the body’s natural response to illness and pain is an effective way to achieve fast outcomes.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes natural healing by stimulating the release of pain and inflammation-relieving hormones. It improves blood flow to the affected areas, providing proper nutrients to the damaged organs, and helping in relieving the disease naturally.
Acupuncture can be used with or without other treatments, and has minimal to no side effects if performed by a trained and experienced practitioner.
In this blog, we will discuss everything about how acupuncture helps treat polycystic ovarian syndrome, its benefits, mechanism, and effects on PCOS, how long it takes to work, and more. So, let’s get started.
What Is Acupuncture, And How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of very thin needles, with pressure, heat, or electricity on specific points of the skin to restore the flow of balance and energy in the body. The affected areas where needles are inserted are known as acupuncture points.
Traditional Chinese medicine believed that our body contains energy called “Qi” that flows through specific pathways known as meridians. So, when there are any disruptions or imbalances in the flow of energy or Chi, it leads to illness and pain. Acupuncture works by restoring the proper flow of energy by stimulating specific points in the body.
Acupuncture also stimulates the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, endorphins, and norepinephrine, which helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and promotes relaxation and improves mood.
What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a group of symptoms that is mainly characterized by the formation of numerous cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. PCOS may cause inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormone imbalances.
There are three main features (symptoms) of PCOS. If a patient has at least two or all of these symptoms, it means they may be diagnosed with PCOS.
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Abnormal production of male sex hormones known as androgens (testosterone) in females, which shows symptoms like excessive body or facial hair.
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Irregular periods (menstruation).
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Enlarged ovaries, or the development of many fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. This is known as polycystic ovaries.
Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The common symptom of PCOS include:
Irregular, missed, or no periods.
- Excessive hair growth, commonly on the face, buttocks, chest, or back.
- Acne or oily skin
- Weight gain
- Infertility (difficulty in getting pregnant).
How Does Acupuncture Work For PCOS?
Acupuncture works by increasing blood flow to the ovaries, which helps in reducing the number of ovarian cysts and relieves swollen ovaries. Moreover, increasing circulation and blood flow to the reproductive organs helps regulate menstruation, increase egg quality, and promote the chances of ovulation naturally.
The insertion of needles on specific points on the skin stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins (the body’s feel-good hormone) and pain-relieving hormones, which help reduce stress, pain, and inflammation associated with PCOS.
With acupuncture and other treatments, exercising and controlling diet is crucial for treating PCOS. A combination of acupuncture and physical exercise helps lower androgen levels faster, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase menstrual frequency and ovulation.
Benefits Of Acupuncture For PCOS
- Acupuncture offers many benefits for PCOS, including:
- It increases the likelihood of conceiving naturally.
- Acupuncture helps regulate the endocrine system, stabilizing hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS.
- It improves menstrual frequency.
- It helps reduce circulating androgens in the body.
- Acupuncture helps decrease the number of ovarian cysts and ovarian volume.
- It also helps to reduce stress and anxiety associated with disease.
How Long Does It Take For Acupuncture To Treat PCOS?
Approximately, it can take up to 3 months for acupuncture to help relieve PCOS. However, the effects of acupuncture can vary depending on the patient’s condition, medical history, symptoms, and body factors.
Some patients may notice outcomes only when they follow acupuncture with diet and lifestyle changes, particularly if they are obese, while some may notice effects after a couple of visits.
It is recommended to take at least 8 to 10 sessions of acupuncture for PCOS, including two visits per week.
Acupuncture Points For PCOS
The common acupuncture points for PCOS are:
- Between the spleen and the kidney.
- Between the center of the kidney and liver meridians for calming your mind.
Is Acupuncture Safe For PCOS?
Yes, acupuncture is safe for treating PCOS. However, it should be performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner to prevent side effects. Moreover, it is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your medical condition, PCOS treatment plan, and your decision for acupuncture as a treatment option before proceeding to the therapy.
Acupuncture is a natural and effective way to heal swollen and enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts. The stimulation of blood flow and blood circulation to the ovaries helps provide nutrients, and oxygenated blood to the affected areas, reducing ovary size, inflammation, and cysts. The overall effects of acupuncture help natural ovulation, increasing the chances of conceiving.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Acupuncture?
Overall, there are no severe side effects of acupuncture. However, you may notice mild effects at the beginning of your therapy, which may include:
- Mild discomfort or pain
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Minor bruising or small spots of blood at the needle insertion sites.
- Temporary mood changes
- Infection or injury if proper hygiene and sterilization protocols are not followed by the acupuncturist.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an effective and natural Chinese medicinal therapy for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It not only helps relieve pain and inflammation, but also promotes natural ovulation, reduces ovarian cysts, and normalizes menstrual cycles.
The topmost benefit of acupuncture for PCOS is that you can get it done with other treatment options for better outcomes. Moreover, if you follow the lifestyle and dietary changes with acupuncture, the likelihood of treating PCOS fast can increase to multiple.
Q. What are the disadvantages of acupuncture?
The risks and disadvantages of acupuncture are minimal if performed by a qualified and experienced medical practitioner. They may include bleeding or swelling. But overall, there are no drawbacks to acupuncture. It is a procedure that helps in relieving pain and inflammation naturally.
Q. Can I quit other treatments prescribed by my doctor after starting acupuncture?
You should not quit other treatments or stop going to the doctor or specialist after starting acupuncture. Depending on your disease severity, you may need other treatments as well to treat arthritis, for example, surgery or certain medications.
Acupuncture is only used to help relieve arthritis symptoms. Hence, it is crucial to get your condition diagnosed and treated properly by an orthopedic, and receive acupuncture alongside other treatments to maximize outcomes.