Blog

Here’s Why (And How Acupuncture Can Help)

If you’ve noticed changes in your digestion around your period — such as bloating, gas, loose stools, diarrhea, or even constipation — you’re not alone. Many women experience what some jokingly refer to as “The Period Poops.” Whether these digestive symptoms flare up before your period starts or intensify once it begins, they can be uncomfortable and frustrating. But don’t worry — acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer powerful solutions to help bring balance to your body and ease these symptoms.

Why Does This Happen?  In both Western and Eastern medicine, we recognize that the menstrual cycle involves significant shifts in the body’s hormonal and physiological functions. For many women, these changes can impact digestion, leading to discomfort like bloating or irregular bowel movements. But why does this happen, specifically around the time of your period?

The East Asian Medicine Perspective:
Qi Deficiency and Its Impact on Digestion

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewpoint, the root cause of many digestive issues related to menstruation can be traced to what is known as Qi deficiency. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is often translated as “vital energy” — the life force that flows through the body, maintaining balance and facilitating bodily functions. In TCM, Qi is responsible for the proper functioning of all of your internal systems, including digestion.

Your menstrual cycle is a time of significant energetic demand. The body must allocate additional Qi to regulate hormonal shifts, support the uterus in shedding its lining, and carry out other metabolic processes related to menstruation. If your body tends to run low on Qi to begin with (perhaps because of stress, overwork, poor diet, or a history of digestive issues), the extra demand on your energy reserves can cause digestive disturbances. These may manifest as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea — symptoms commonly experienced in the days leading up to or during menstruation.

Additionally, women with a pre-existing sensitive digestion (for instance, food sensitivities, IBS, or a history of bloating) may find that these issues become more pronounced around their period due to this Qi deficiency.

The Role of Hormones: Prostaglandins and Gut Health

From a Western medical perspective, your digestive issues around your period may be linked to the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced by the uterus during menstruation. These compounds are primarily responsible for causing uterine muscle contractions, which help the body shed the uterine lining. However, prostaglandins can also affect other smooth muscles in the body, including those in the intestines.

When prostaglandins influence the muscles of the intestines, they can lead to increased gut motility — causing symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and frequent trips to the bathroom. These hormonal fluctuations can disrupt the delicate balance of your digestive system, especially when the body is already under stress from other factors related to menstruation.

How Acupuncture Can Help Regulate Your Digestion During Your Period

Fortunately, acupuncture and TCM offer effective solutions for balancing both your Qi and hormonal fluctuations, which can alleviate menstrual-related digestive symptoms. Here’s how:

Boosting Qi to Strengthen Digestion

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to help regulate the flow of Qi and blood. In the case of digestive issues related to your period, acupuncture can help restore energy flow to the digestive system, promoting better function and reducing symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation. By strengthening the digestive Qi, acupuncture helps ensure your body has the energy it needs to function optimally during menstruation.

Balancing Hormones and Regulating Prostaglandin Production

Acupuncture is also effective at helping to balance hormones and regulate prostaglandin production. By promoting the smooth flow of blood and energy throughout the body, acupuncture helps ensure that prostaglandins don’t cause excessive uterine contractions or disrupt other organ systems like the intestines. This can significantly reduce menstrual cramping, bloating, and digestive distress.

Reducing Stress and Supporting the Spleen

In TCM, stress is a common contributor to Qi deficiency and digestive issues. Acupuncture treatments can help calm the nervous system, reducing the impact of stress on your digestive health. Furthermore, the Spleen — an organ that plays a key role in digestion according to TCM — is often a focus of acupuncture for women experiencing period-related digestive discomfort. Strengthening the Spleen can help optimize digestion, making it more resilient to changes during the menstrual cycle.

Improving Blood Flow and Alleviating Stagnation

In cases of Blood Stagnation, which can contribute to painful periods and digestive upset, acupuncture helps improve circulation and ensure that energy and nutrients flow freely through the body. By improving blood flow to the pelvic region, acupuncture helps ease menstrual cramps and supports overall reproductive health. This flow is also essential for maintaining healthy digestion, which can help prevent bloating and discomfort.

Dietary and Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Digestive Health during your Period

In addition to acupuncture, there are several lifestyle and dietary changes that can help support your digestion before and during your period:

• Eat Warm, Nourishing Foods: According to TCM, cold and raw foods can dampen digestion and exacerbate bloating and gas. Opt for cooked, warm meals like soups, stews, and herbal teas that can soothe and nourish the digestive system.
• Avoid Excessive Dairy and Processed Foods: These can contribute to inflammation and bloating, especially around your period. Instead, focus on whole, unprocessed foods that are easy to digest.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking warm water or herbal teas (such as ginger, cinnamon, or peppermint) can help support digestion and reduce bloating.
• Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques: Incorporate activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing into your daily routine to help reduce stress and support overall Qi flow.

Conclusion: Find Relief with Acupuncture

If you’re tired of dealing with the uncomfortable digestive symptoms that often accompany your period, acupuncture may offer the relief you’re looking for. By addressing the root causes of Qi deficiency, hormonal imbalances, and digestive stagnation, acupuncture can help you feel more comfortable and balanced throughout your cycle. So if you’re ready to try a holistic approach to managing your period-related digestive issues, we’d love to help. Reach out to us today and discover how acupuncture can support your body in feeling its best — every day of the month

 

Julie