Acupuncture Can Reduce Menstrual Pain

This article describes a small study in which women who experienced menstrual pain resistant to NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen) treatment found relief with acupuncture. The women in the study went for weekly acupuncture for 8 weeks and 13 out of 15 subjects experienced relief and reduction of NSAID use. This is excellent news for those who still have a lot of pain with NSAID use or those who have sensitive stomachs and can't take NSAIDS to begin with. Also, for those women who do not tolerate oral contraceptives or do not like some of their side effects, acupuncture is a good option. Additionally, in half of the women in the study, this pain relief lasted up to 6 months after the study was completed. Admittedly, weekly acupuncture treatments cost a lot more money than a bottle of ibuprofen. However, the additional health benefits from acupuncture and the lack of side effects are something to consider when weighing options for one's health.