Acupuncture for Menstrual Pain & Hormone Balance
- Stella de Stefanis
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Supporting your cycle naturally - body, mind, and hormones.
If you experience cramps, mood changes, or irregular cycles every month, you’re not alone. Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) affects up to 80% of women at some point in their lives. While over-the-counter medications can bring short-term relief, many are seeking more sustainable, holistic ways to support their cycle and overall hormonal health.
At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, we take a whole-body approach to menstrual wellness - blending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern science to help you feel balanced, month after month.
How Acupuncture Helps from a TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a healthy menstrual cycle depends on the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and Blood through the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney systems. When these systems are imbalanced, Qi and Blood can become stagnant or deficient - leading to cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, or irregular bleeding.
Common TCM patterns related to menstrual pain include:
Qi and Blood Stagnation – sharp, stabbing cramps relieved by warmth
Liver Qi Stagnation – irritability, mood changes, breast tenderness before the period
Cold in the Uterus – dull abdominal pain, dark or clotted blood, fatigue
Blood or Yin Deficiency – light or delayed periods, dizziness, dry skin, low energy
Through precise point selection, acupuncture works to restore flow and harmony in these systems - relieving pain, regulating hormones, and calming emotional tension that often accompanies the cycle.
The Biomedical Perspective - How Acupuncture Regulates Hormones
Modern research supports what TCM has known for centuries. Studies show that acupuncture influences the endocrine, nervous, and circulatory systems, which play key roles in hormonal regulation and pain relief.
From a biomedical lens, acupuncture can:
Reduce prostaglandins: These hormone-like compounds trigger uterine contractions; acupuncture helps regulate their production.
Promote endorphin release: Stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, improving comfort and mood.
Balance the HPA axis: Modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, which governs stress hormones like cortisol - easing PMS, anxiety, and cycle irregularity.
Enhance uterine blood flow: Improves oxygenation and nutrient delivery to uterine tissue for a healthier cycle and reduced cramping.
What to Expect at Acupunctury
Your menstrual health reflects your overall balance. Each session at Acupunctury begins with a detailed intake to understand your full picture - from cycle patterns and stress levels to digestion and sleep.
Treatments may include:
Acupuncture to regulate Qi and Blood flow
TDP lamp heat therapy to warm the uterus and ease pain
Cupping or Gua Sha to release stagnation and support circulation
Lifestyle & Nutrition guidance
Most clients notice changes within a few cycles - less pain, more predictable periods, and smoother emotional transitions.
Why Choose Acupunctury
Founder Stella de Stefanis, L.Ac., combines advanced TCM training with a modern, evidence-based approach to wellness. Whether you’re navigating painful periods, PMS, or perimenopausal changes, each treatment plan is tailored to support your body’s natural rhythm.
Book Your Cycle Support Session
If you’ve been relying on medication every month or want to feel more connected to your body, acupuncture offers a natural, restorative path forward.
Book your session or schedule a consultation to learn how Acupunctury can help you find lasting balance.
📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210
📧 Email: hello@acupuncturyla.com
🌐 Website: www.acupuncturyla.com
📱 Instagram: @acupunctury
📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Each individual is unique, and acupuncture treatments are always tailored to the person’s specific needs. If you are experiencing a health concern, please consult a licensed healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of care.
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