Acupuncture for PCOS: A natural approach to restoring balance

Acupuncture is a type of medical therapy derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which very thin needles (made of metal) are inserted into certain points in the body. There is increasing evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture for PCOS as a possible treatment.

Acupuncture for PCOS aims to rebalance the body’s vital energy or qi by inserting very thin metal needles in specific points in the body (acupoints). It also helps in releasing hormones and natural painkillers. Acupuncture for PCOS helps by increasing the flow of blood to the ovaries, reducing insulin resistance, reducing levels of blood cortisol (stress hormone), and reducing obesity. The frequently chosen acupoints for acupuncture for PCOS are the stomach meridian, conception vessel, and spleen meridian.

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What is acupuncture for PCOS?

Acupuncture is an alternative medical treatment that forms a crucial part of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). It has been utilized in China to treat various diseases for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture is found to be effective in the treatment of multiple diseases including:

• Epilepsy
• Heart diseases
• Anxiety
• Heart rhythm disorders
• Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS)

During acupuncture for PCOS treatment, very thin metal needles are inserted into specific points in the body to stimulate them. These points are known as the acupoints.

How does acupuncture for PCOS work?

According to Chinese medicine, the vital energy of the body, also known as qi or chi flows through specific meridians or channels. Disruptions in qi can result in illness.

Acupuncture for PCOS aims to rebalance the body’s vital energy or qi using very thin metal needles inserted in specific points in the body (acupoints) all through the body.

The needles work by stimulating the body’s immune system and nervous system and

• Rebalance the body by correcting the flow of energy
• Help release hormones and natural painkillers

What are the different kinds of acupuncture?

Acupuncturists who follow ancient Chinese or traditional principles of acupuncture focus on directing or correcting the flow of energy or qi through the body.

Acupuncturists who follow Western medicine use needles to stimulate the body’s system and prompt the release of the body’s natural chemicals, including neurotransmitters, hormones, etc.

Some may combine both approaches in their treatment.

What is PCOS?

PCOS or Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease commonly present in women during their childbearing years. It is one of the common causes of menstrual irregularities and infertility in females.

Its major symptoms include:

• Menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhea (no periods)
• Skipped periods
• Bleeding without ovulation
• Very heavy bleeding during periods
• Infertility
• Hirsutism (a condition characterized by increased growth of hair on the chest, face, upper thighs, or belly)
• Severe, persistent acne that does not get better by common treatments
• Insulin resistance
• Weight gain, obesity

The conventional treatment for polycystic ovary disease includes making changes in your lifestyle, taking medicines, and having surgery. However, the effect of these treatment modalities is not very satisfactory.

Can acupuncture help PCOS?

Scientific research has found acupuncture to be an effective and safe alternative therapy for PCOS. It does not produce the side effects generally associated with medical therapy given for PCOS. 

Acupuncture for PCOS helps by:

• Increasing the flow of blood to the ovaries
• Decreasing the number of cysts in the ovaries
• Reducing insulin resistance (this helps in controlling the levels of blood sugar and insulin)
• Reducing the levels of blood cortisol (stress hormone)
• Helping with weight loss and reducing obesity

Acupuncture points for PCOS

What are acupoints?

In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), acupoints are the specific sites in the body that are chosen for acupuncture manipulation. Stimulating various acupoints located on the surface of the body could result in multiple therapeutic benefits. 

This happens due to the release of certain natural chemicals or other changes that may restore the body’s homeostasis.

There are about 361 acupoints present on the entire surface of the body. They are labeled utilizing the names of the meridians, which are 14 in number—

• Lung Meridian (LU)
• Stomach Meridian (ST)
• Large Intestine Meridian (LI)
• Spleen Meridian (SP)
• Small Intestine Meridian (SI)
• Heart Meridian (HT)
• Bladder Meridian (BL)
• Pericardium Meridian (PC)
• Kidney Meridian (KI)
• Triple Energizer Meridian (TE)
• Liver Meridian (LR)
• Gall Bladder Meridian (GB)
• Conception Vessel (CV)
• Governor Vessel (GV)

Acupuncture points for PCOS

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the frequently chosen acupuncture points for PCOS are the stomach meridian, conception vessel, and spleen meridian. These points are located on the lower limb, lower abdomen, and back area.

Undergoing acupuncture for PCOS

What happens during your first session?

During your first session, your doctor (acupuncturist) will discuss your illness and symptoms. Then they would examine the areas to check for acupoints. They will tap the metal needles into acupuncture points for PCOS.

The needles used for acupuncture for PCOS are disposable, sterile, and very thin (their size is like that of a human hair). The acupuncturist will insert the needles at different depths ranging from less than an inch to more than an inch. The needle can remain inside for a couple of minutes or 15 to 20 minutes.

Does acupuncture for PCOS hurt?

Getting acupuncture for PCOS feels like a small prick when each needle is inserted. The pain from the pricking of acupuncture needles is lesser in comparison to that you get while getting a blood draw or a vaccine.

An acupuncture needle is much thinner in comparison to a medical needle. Moreover, it is solid and not hollow.

Acupuncture for PCOS may cause tingling or dull ache. These sensations generally imply that the acupuncture treatment is successful. If you develop numbness or deep heaviness at the acupuncture site, you should report to your practitioner.

What to expect after a session?

Acupuncture for PCOS produces a calming and soothing effect. Therefore, you should rest for the initial five to ten minutes after your session. It’s better to get a friend or a colleague with you who can drive you home after the session. 

Your acupuncturist may advise you to keep it light during the initial couple of days after every acupuncture session for PCOS.

Benefits and risks of acupuncture for PCOS

Benefits or advantages of acupuncture for PCOS

The benefits of acupuncture for PCOS are:

• It helps in regulating levels of hormones
• It helps in promoting ovulation
• It helps in relieving insulin resistance

Acupuncture for PCOS may affect the secretion of beta-endorphin (a hormone secreted in the brain, which helps in reducing stress and relieving pain). The latter may result in the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn stabilizes the menstrual cycle, and ovulation, and improves fertility.

Complications or risks of acupuncture for PCOS

If you get acupuncture for PCOS by a qualified acupuncturist the risks of getting side effects or complications are very minimal.

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulates the quality of acupuncture needles. The agency needs all the needles to be:

• Solid
• Steel
• Nontoxic
• Sterile
• Properly labeled

Acupuncture needles can be used only by qualified acupuncturists. Practitioners throw away the needles after a single use.

Receiving acupuncture for PCOS from unqualified acupuncturists can be dangerous. An untrained professional or anyone using non sterile acupuncture needles can lead to infections and organ injuries.

Recovery from acupuncture for PCOS

How frequently should you get acupuncture treatment for PCOS?

Generally, acupuncture for PCOS is given once or two times a week. Your specialist will decide the treatment frequency based on your body’s treatment response. 

It has been found that acupuncture along with regular exercise may help reduce the symptoms and effects of PCOS. Acupuncture for PCOS can help reduce levels of testosterone and promote ovulation and regular menstruation.

Things to do before choosing acupuncture for PCOS

Talk to your healthcare provider

When considering acupuncture for PCOS, it is recommended to consult your physician and keep them informed. Though alternative therapies such as acupuncture may help symptoms of PCOS you should always take them under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner along with any other ongoing therapies.

Talk about any other medicines and treatments you are getting. This may include all the over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines, herbs, supplements, and vitamins.

If you have any chronic skin disorders, or breast implants, or are prone to get any infection, inform your healthcare provider. Acupuncture for PCOS may cause complications and can be harmful in case you do not disclose these things to your healthcare provider.

Choose a certified/licensed/trained acupuncturist

Always choose a certified and licensed acupuncturist when going for acupuncture for PCOS. You may talk to your physician and they may refer you to a trained professional.

Get the diagnosis of your disease by your healthcare provider

When going for acupuncture for PCOS, it is advisable to get the diagnosis of your symptoms from your healthcare provider. If you observe any of the symptoms of PCOS, always visit your healthcare provider for the diagnosis and treatment. You may then discuss the possibility of acupuncture as a treatment option.